A combination of breed and socialization will help determine how your dog will behave. Here's why breed matters when selecting a pet.

Picture this: You're walking your dog and suddenly, another dog is rushing towards you—something your dog is not prepared for. Dogs don't always need to greet other dogs when out on walks, and encouraging on-leash greetings aren't natural for dogs and could lead to or exacerbate reactivity. Even if your dog is friendly with other dogs, that […]

The adjectives that describe the dogs in our lives frequently also apply to ourselves — whether that’s reserved or energetic, loyal, or stoic. Consciously or not, we are often drawn to breeds that reflect our perception of ourselves and our values, both inside and out. And though those qualities can certainly appear in all dogs, in a purebred […]

Dogs bring so much joy to our lives. Imagine working around them every day and getting paid for it! If you love dogs, chances are you have wondered how you can turn that passion into a living. Does the idea of a job with perks like unlimited tail wags and kisses from countless canine companions […]

Your dog probably has a lot of toys—maybe even too many. But the good news is that you can use them to create a challenging brain puzzle. Our dogs understand many words, from obedience cues to words about their daily life and activities like walk, park, and dinner, but they can also be taught the […]

What tugs at our hearts more than an adorable Chihuahua peeking out of Reese Witherspoon’s purse in the movie Legally Blonde? Perhaps it is the sight of puppies glee­ fully romping through scenes in 101 Dalmatians, or the exploits of Otis, the endearing Pug, in The Adventures of Milo and Otis. Dogs occupy a treasured […]

It goes without saying that in your house, your dog is the most popular. But what do the statistics say? The American Kennel Club has used registration data to compile the list of 2021’s most popular breeds. As always, the Labrador Retriever tops the list — this time for the 31st year!  The Lab's temperament […]

Wavy, curly, silky, short, double, dense, wooly, corded – dog coats are definitely not all the same. There’s a wide variation from breed to breed and among individual dogs. That’s why no single shampoo is ideal for every dog. Finding a shampoo that is tailored to your dog’s type of coat will enhance the grooming […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2022 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18, 2022. The 2022 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

To celebrate the dogs who do extraordinary things in the service of humankind, the AKC Humane FundSM is seeking YOUR nominations for its AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). Nominations are open now through July 1st and winners will be announced in late 2022. Winners will be highlighted in a made-for-tv special created […]