When it comes to dealing with challenges, you can put the Los Angeles Responsible Pit Bull Owners’ (LARPBO) spirit and spunk right at the top of the list. In late summer, the non-profit organization began reaching into its deep toolbox to enhance local attitudes toward a breed battling a longtime stigma of bark, bite, and […]

The month-long search for Brian Laundrie captured the attention of the entire nation, and required the effort of many people — and dogs. K-9s with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office were called in to assist. The Florida K-9 unit is one of the most efficient and diverse in the area, with 36 dogs who have […]

Once the loyal companions of Chinese royalty, today's Pugs live to please their owners. With their friendly, fun-loving personalities, it's no wonder that this largest member of the Toy Group makes the ideal companion. Prepping a Pug pup to follow good behavior guidelines isn't tricky. Forget intense training, as a little planning and consistency will […]

After three decades sharing my life with Bernese Mountain Dogs, I had developed clear expectations about the breed. Each energetic puppy would turn into a less energetic young adult, who would gradually become an adult couch potato who loved everyone. These biddable dogs would do their best for me in the obedience ring and gladly […]

Losing a pet can bring on intense feelings of emptiness and despair. Because pets can't speak for themselves, owners might feel guilty, believing they could have done more to prevent the loss or ease their pet's suffering while they were alive. For advice, we spoke to Jackie Pajan, a TikTok creator known as Rainbow Bridge […]

Deb Kidwell -Taylor lives in Sweetwater, TN, on three acres of fields and woods with her husband Ron and five Azawakh. Originally from Virginia, Deb has had Azawakh since 1989. She also raises super tall chickens known as Asian Fowl, jokingly calling them the “Azawakh of chickens.” She is an AKC Breeder of Merit and […]

The smallest of the three Schnauzers, the Miniature Schnauzer, turns heads wherever it goes. The breed's bushy eyebrows and thick-fringed beard give the Mini the look of a distinguished gentleman that's hard to miss. Highly intelligent, muscular, and outgoing, this sturdy terrier-type dog is a fast learner. With a bit of planning, patience, and persistence […]

There is, carved into a Scottish Highlands farm wall, the image of a short-legged, longheaded, prick-eared, cobbily built dog barking on a wheelbarrow. The image appears to date from around A.D. 200, and is about three-eighths of an inch in diameter, small enough that the viewer cannot make out if the dog is double-coated or […]

Antwerp is the world’s capital for diamonds, exquisite gems strong enough to cut glass. But the region is known for another multifaceted jewel, the Bouvier des Flandres, admired the world over for his striking appearance, tremendous strength, and courage. “Initially we are drawn to the Bouvier by the appearance of rugged hairiness, but what keeps […]

Ever the charmer, a Shih Tzu puppy can be challenging to train. These loveable con artists live up to their name, meaning "Lion Dog." Shih Tzu respond best to training methods based on praise and rewards. For advice on training and expected milestones, we talked to Nancy Broz, owner of Jen-Mai Shih Tzu with over […]

To perform in movies, musicals, and other live performances, dogs must be trainable, reliable, and predictable. One dog that comes to mind when many people think of dogs in theater is Sandy, the dog belonging to little orphan Annie. So what dog played Sandy? In the original 1977 Broadway production, Annie was played by an […]

Getting involved in AKC Virtual Sports and Titling opportunities is an easy and exciting way to get started in dog sports! Whether you and your dog are looking to get active in AKC Agility, earn a training title in home manners, or plot a crowd pleasing AKC Trick Dog routine, the opportunities to get started virtually are endless. Virtual programs act as a great steppingstone to further in-person AKC Sports and Events, and participation allows […]

On Wednesday, November 17, more than one dozen animal bills impacting dogs and breeders are on the agenda for review by the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (JENRA). The virtual public hearing is scheduled to start at 2pm.  The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has tracked most of […]

Over the next few weeks, Oregonians may see local activists with signs that read “Sign my Petition - End Animal Cruelty”, or a similar message.  The truth, however, is that signing the petition will not end animal cruelty, but will have a devastating impact on dog training, breeding, hunting and other animal husbandry practices – […]

A set of arbitrary and harmful federal breeder bills, H.R. 2840 /S. 1385 that would mandate new requirements for certain hobby and professional dog breeders are continuing to gain support in Congress.  We urge all responsible dog owners, breeders and enthusiasts to contact their lawmakers about the harmful consequences of the bills. While certain aspects […]

Here are some highlights of state and federal regulatory issues AKC GR recently addressed.  Visit AKC’s Regulatory Resource Center for more information on these and other significant regulatory issues addressed by AKC Government Relations. Federal – CDC Temporary Ban on Dog Imports: In June, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a temporary suspension of the importation […]

Meet Finya Logan: Her Dog Sports Career is Off to a Great Start! Name: Finya Logan Age: 13 Hometown: Denham Springs, Lousiana Grade: 7th Family: Parents, Byron and Antje Logan AKC: How old is your dog and how did he come into your life? Finya: Ryuk is a 3-years-old Dachshund mix. I was looking for my own […]

Rescue Pups Step Out in Music Video  Professional musician Randy Raatz featured his dogs Teddy and Mojo in a video in which his band covers the tune “Steppin’ Out” – a great way to open our issue with the theme On the Town! Combine 40 years-plus of making music with a lifelong love of dogs. […]

The AKC works with several non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog titling program and the AKC Search & Rescue title program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2021 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees. “It is our pleasure to honor this group of esteemed breeders,” said Dennis Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “These individuals have made important contributions […]