Mayah RE THDD owned by Barbara Blankenship of Henderson, NV Mayah began work as a therapy dog seven and a half years ago. Her visits have taken her to hospitals, assisted living facilities, and cancer centers, as well as the local library and children’s blind center for reading programs. Mayah has made more than 600 […]

Ranch Dog CAX owned by Susan Lewis of  Wildomar, CA Ranch Dog or, RD as she is called, is a 5-year-old mixed-breed who came from a Los Angeles rescue group when she was 9 weeks old. “She had lots and lots of energy and after a daily walk of 3 miles, she would still come […]

Shameless Poc-Ket Of Petunias CD BN RM RAE AX OAJ CAX FCAT3 SEN RATCH CGC TKP ATT owned by Kelly Castle of Chuluota, FL In early June, Kelly and Zuri traveled to Greenback, Tennessee where they competed in a multi-sport, multi venue, week-long event called Bark Week. Zuri earned her Barn Hunt RATCHX5 and CZ8S, […]

So many parts of our daily lives have changed in the past few years. While our favorite dog activities — from classes and seminars to shows — have resumed safely, there are now some permanent virtual training options that you can do from the comfort of your home or on vacation. You and your dog […]

When you see a dog with their tail curled high over their back and triangular ears standing alertly, you might feel confident you're looking at a Japanese breed. But are you equally confident you know which one? The Akita and the Shiba Inu share a similar heritage and body shape. But the Akita, a member […]

Originally hunting dogs, German Shorthaired Pointers have been an AKC-recognized breed since 1930. In the succeeding decades, the GSP has become known for its energy, athleticism, and noble countenance, as well as its distinctive coat. Just as you would with any pet, research a German Shorthaired Pointer’s needs and characteristics before bringing home a pup. […]

In late May, Kristina Steinbach of Grand Rapids, Michigan, debuted in the ring with a female Shiba Inu. A 16-year-old with autism, Kristina appeared in the conformation ring at the four-day Apple Blossom Dog Show Cluster in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with 6-month-old Kuma. The teen's other Shiba, 3-year-old Keiko, is her service dog. Since the breed […]

In the 1700s, an ancient German breed, the Pinscher, contributed its genes to a new breed of small pinscher, which evolved into today’s Miniature Pinscher. Two centuries later, the Min Pin returned the favor and, with the assistance of a single brave and dedicated breeder named Werner Jung, saved the German Pinscher from extinction. The […]

Do you have a blind or visually impaired dog at home? Although these dogs can have some challenges getting around at first most dogs adjust quite well...

Sir Walter Scott referred to the Deerhound as “the most perfect creature of Heaven,” and breeders today likewise speak passion­ately of the breed. Those who know the breed appreciate its sterling attributes, in no small respect because of how those traits have withstood the test of time. Tracing Breed History The earliest clues to breed […]

Every dog likes to be king of the castle, but some breeds have been favorites of royalty for hundreds of years with a rich tradition of sitting beside the throne. Here are six breeds known for their association with kings, queens, emperors, and pharaohs. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel With a name like the Cavalier King […]

Does your terrier or Dachshund love to dig in the dirt? Maybe he squirms his way into animal tunnels and comes out with a surprise in his mouth. What is he thinking? Well, there's a reason Dachshunds and small terriers are classified as earthdogs. Rather than trying to stop this “bad” behavior, channel the go-to-ground […]

Historically, small terriers and Dachshunds were used to find and drive away predators that destroyed livestock and compromised the food sources of early farmers. To do their job, these original earthdogs would chase quarry into their underground tunnels – a daunting mission that required persistence, bravery, intelligence, and independence. Today, small terriers and Dachshunds can […]

Animal Rights activists will soon be once again circulating petitions in Oregon to put an extreme measure on the 2024 ballot that, in their own words “is the first ballot initiative in history that would criminalize the killing and breeding of animals.” Oregonians are urged to not sign this petition for Initiative Petition 3, even […]

The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department learned today that the Warren County animal shelter director recommended that the county should revisit spay/neuter laws. Per a news report, this was discussed last week at a meeting of the Warren County Health & Welfare Committee. The Warren County Board of Commissioners meets tonight, July 18, 2022. […]

The 2021-2022 South Carolina legislative session and special sessions concluded with victories for dogs and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks club members, sportsmen, dog owners, allied organizations, and every individual who contacted their state lawmakers about legislation that affects dogs.  Highlights from the two-year legislative session:  House Bill […]

Yesterday, the Oregon Secretary of State certified that a measure regulating firearms collected enough petition signatures to appear on the ballot for November 2022. Those who participate in certain hunt tests, field trials, and other humane animal events that use firearms should review Oregon Ballot Measure 114 to understand the impact and new requirements it […]

My name is Mason Givens and I am a recipient of the AKC Scholarship.  I am thankful for the American Kennel Club and their Junior Scholarship program for such great opportunities. Currently, I am a senior at Franklinton High School, with a 4.0 GPA. I have enjoyed playing football, power lifting and competing in track […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. California – AB 1881 as introduced established a “Dog and Cat Bill of Rights”.  While the bill only required that the list be posted at shelters and rescues, AKC joined many organizations in expressing significant concerns about putting […]

The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog and is one of the six native Japanese breeds or Nihon Ken. Traditionally used to hunt a wide range of game in the mountains of Japan, the Kai Ken is considered a rare breed even in Japan. The Kai is highly intelligent and learns quickly. They seem to […]