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Expert Advice: Lifestyle
How to Evaluate a GPS Dog Fence: What Actually Matters for Your Dog’s Safety
GPS fencing is becoming more common. But how do you evaluate a GPS dog fence to make sure it's right for you?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/evaluate-gps-dog-fence/
| April 27, 2026
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
AKC DNA Kits Now Available in Online Litter and Dog Registrations
The American Kennel Club is excited to announce a new feature that strengthens its commitment to responsible breeding and the long-term health of purebred dogs. AKC DNA Kits are now available for purchase directly during the online litter and dog registration process—making it easier than ever for breeders to integrate genetic testing into their programs. […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/akc-dna-kits-now-available-online-litter-dog-registrations/
| April 25, 2025
Expert Advice: Lifestyle
11 Questions to Ask When Getting a Dog From a Rescue or Shelter
Rescuing a dog is exciting but can also be intimidating. Whether you’re looking at the local shelter or using a private rescue organization, there can be many dogs to choose from. Although you might be tempted to pick the first cute face you see, it’s essential to make an informed choice. Your goal is to […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/questions-to-ask-when-getting-a-dog-from-a-rescue-shelter/
| April 6, 2022
Expert Advice: News
2016 National Championship Judging Panel Now Available
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) and Royal Canin are pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2016 National Championship to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18, 2016. The 2016 event will showcase the top national and international dogs and will also […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/2016-national-championship-judging-panel/
| February 11, 2016
Expert Advice: Juniors
Junior Handler Spotlight: Ryley Kirkland Reflects On Being No. 1 Junior Handler
A third-generation handler from South Carolina, Ryley Kirkland first experienced the thrill of entering the ring at three years old. Now 15, Kirkland ended 2020 as the #1 Junior Handler in the country and has been in the top 4 Junior Handlers for 2021. Her dogs are Bullet, a Treeing Walker Coonhound (Ch Stackem Up Lutras […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/may-junior-handler-feature-ryley-kirkland-1-junior-handler-in-the-country/
| July 16, 2021
Expert Advice: Conformation
History of Conformation: The Evolution of Dog Shows
How did modern dogs shows get to where they are today? Learn about the histroy of Conformation shows, that began over 150 years ago.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/history-of-conformation/
| January 19, 2024
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Dogs With Missing “Parts” Succeed at AKC Events
Can dogs with missing tails, ears, or eyes compete in AKC conformations shows? It depends on the missing part and the breed standard.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/dogs-with-missing-parts-dog-sports/
| January 9, 2024
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
7 Fun Facts About the the Irish Setter
Here are 7 Irish Setter facts, which are interesting things to know about this beautiful breed.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/fun-facts-about-the-irish-setter/
| August 19, 2016
Pages
Top 10 Questions to Ask When Getting a Dog from a Shelter
Congratulations on making the decision to welcome a new furry friend into your home. Just as it’s important to ask breeders questions about their practices before purchasing a puppy, it’s equally important to do a little digging before rescuing a dog from a shelter. Here are some pre-adoption questions to ask to make sure the […]
https://www.akc.org/press-center/articles-resources/facts-and-stats/top-questions-getting-shelter-dog/
| August 12, 2019
Canine Partners
Children Learn Lessons from Book About Former Shelter Dog
This story originally appeared in a 2011 issue of the AKC Canine Partners News newsletter. Since the story was published, Harley, now 9 years old, has earned the AKC’s highest honor in agility – the Master Agility Championship (MACH) and is now pursuing her Preferred Agility Championship (PACH). Most puppies spend their early months being […]
https://www.akc.org/canine-partners/children-learn-lessons-from-former-shelter-dog-in-book/
| April 30, 2015
Canine Partners
Pup Pulled from Shelter Becomes Art Sales “Dog”
“I used to live in California and have friends there. One friend fosters dogs for a local rescue group and she was instrumental in finding Minnie for me,” Rosemary said. Minnie had been a stray and was picked up and taken to the San Bernardino Animal Shelter, a busy shelter that can only keep dogs […]
https://www.akc.org/canine-partners/pup-pulled-from-shelter-becomes-art-sales-dog/
| October 13, 2016
Canine Partners
Owner Bursts Into Tears at Former Shelter Dog’s UD Title
When the judges announced first place in the Utility B class at the Lawrenceville Kennel Club trial this summer, the winner burst into tears. It was a long emotional ride that Georgia resident Susan Moore had with her All-American Dog, Barrett, who was saved from a high kill shelter in 2011. Today, Barrett is a […]
https://www.akc.org/canine-partners/owner-bursts-into-tears-at-former-shelter-dogs-ud-title/
| November 10, 2016
Canine Partners
Former Shelter Dog Wins Top AKC Rally Title
Moroughan’s Roxy CDX BN RAE CGC, owned by Vicki Moroughan of Hurlock, MD, did her best to attract a new owner by standing on her hind legs and grinning at people who walked through the shelter. It worked as Vicki could not stop thinking about her and adopted her. Together, the two learned about the […]
https://www.akc.org/canine-partners/former-shelter-dog-wins-top-akc-rally-title/
| August 4, 2016
Canine Partners
The Nose Knows: Owner Discovers Tracking is Solution for Troubled Shelter Dog
I got Cleo from a local no-kill shelter. She was only 7 months old, and I was her fourth home. I enjoy outdoor activities: hiking, backpacking, skiing, etc., and Cleo was friendly and athletic. But when I got her home, I discovered I adopted Houdini. She got out of every fence/kennel I had. Cleo and […]
https://www.akc.org/canine-partners/the-nose-knows-owner-discovers-tracking-is-solution-for-troubled-shelter-dog/
| July 15, 2015
Canine Partners
Wanna-Be English Setter Earns Agility Championship at English Setter Trial
The rescue group, which focuses on English Setters, agreed to take her. When the transport driver arrived and asked for “the setter,” he was given Amber who was clearly not a setter. But the driver was true to his mission and took her any way. After a few months of fostering, Amber got posted to the A&B […]
https://www.akc.org/canine-partners/wanna-be-english-setter-earns-agility-championship-at-english-setter-trial/
| April 21, 2016
Legislative Alerts
Warren County, TN: Spay/Neuter Law for Dogs and Cats Proposed
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. […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/warren-county-tn-spay-neuter-law-dogs-cats-proposed/
| July 18, 2022
Legislative Alerts
California: Kern County to Consider Mandatory Spay/Neuter on Wednesday (4/19)
On Wednesday, April 19, the Kern County Animal Services Commission are considering a proposed ordinance that seeks to institute mandatory spay/neuter in Kern County. If advanced, the proposal would go to the Kern County Board of Supervisors for review and possible passage into law. County residents are strongly encouraged to contact both the commission and […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/california-kern-county-consider-mandatory-spay-neuter-wednesday-4-19/
| April 13, 2023
Legislative Alerts
AKC Supports NY Legislation Protecting Dogs Kept in Outdoor Shelters
May 18, 2015 The NY Assembly Agriculture Committee is considering a bill tomorrow (Tuesday, May 19) that would clarify current law regarding minimum standards for dogs kept in outdoor shelters. Current law already provides minimum requirements for dogs kept outdoors in inclement weather and extreme temperatures. Assembly Bill 7033 contains reasonable clarifications to these requirements […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/akc-supports-ny-legislation-protecting-dogs-kept-in-outdoor-shelters/
| May 18, 2015
Legislative Alerts
New York City to Consider Mandatory Sterilization, Other Restrictions on Pet Sales on April 30
New York City to Consider Mandatory Sterilization, Other Restrictions on Pet Sales on April 30 April 25, 2014 The New York City Council Committee on Health is scheduled to consider several measures on Wednesday, April 30, that create excessive restrictions on all breeders or pet shops who sell a pet. Among the many new requirements […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/new-york-city-to-consider-mandatory-sterilization-other-restrictions-o/
| April 25, 2014
Legislative Alerts
Riverside County Releases Details of Mandatory Spay/Neuter and Mandatory Microchip Ordinances
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors has released the specifics of their mandatory spay/neuter ordinance and mandatory microchip proposal. The measure will require all dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered unless the owner qualifies for and purchases an intact animal license. A first violation of the mandatory spay/neuter ordinance can result in a […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/riverside-county-releases-details-of-mandatory-spay-neuter-and-mandato/
| June 28, 2006