Jenny and Brian Beadling had no idea they were raising a prodigy.Their German Shorthaired Pointer, Limoncello, never took to the sport her breed is known for—hunting—because she had a fear of guns. But she still had that GSP high drive, which she’d exert by jumping off the dock of the family’s lake house to retrieve […]

Finding your first family dog is a daunting process—one that's up there with dating and house-hunting. And like parenting, when it comes to raising a dog to be perfectly well-behaved, successful, and sociable, well, let's just say practice makes perfect. But, these breeds, while they appeal to different interests, are easily trained and friendly (especially with children), […]

Big dogs equal big love and loyalty. Here are the large dog breeds that earn their place at the top of the size chart. Most people will know the Great Dane but what about the lovely Leonberger? When considering getting a dog, size is a factor, but only one of them. The dog’s personality, activity […]

Dogs that can be considered of medium size can be found in most of the AKC’s seven groups. Whether it’s the energetic Shetland Sheepdog, the sporty spaniels, or the laid back Bulldog, there is a range of temperament and appearance within this size category. When considering getting a dog, size is a factor, but only […]

Always on the go and looking to keep a canine by your side? We have rounded up the most active dog breeds. They have no short supply of energy and are a perfect fit for an owner looking for a running buddy or an agility partner. Pembroke Welsh Corgi Pembroke Welsh Corgis are strong, athletic […]

We often hear dog shows accused of being nothing but “beauty contests.” In reality, they’re organized more like job fairs. At AKC shows, dogs are exhibited in seven groups organized by the original work the breeds were created to do. The dog judged best in each group becomes one of the final seven to vie […]

Long before smushface" and "wigglebutt" became the ubiquitous dog monikers, these seven breeds were given nicknames crafted specifically for them.  the Clown Prince of Dogs At various times devotees of at least a dozen different breeds have claimed this title for their dogs. But to our knowledge only one group of fanciers has incorporated canine clowning […]

Our pack is getting bigger and bigger! The American Kennel Club has given four additional breeds AKC recognition, bringing the total number of recognized breeds to 184.Allow us to introduce you to:Cirneco dell’EtnaThe Cirneco dell’Etna hails from Italy and joins the Hound group. The Cirneco is a hunter that works by scent, sight, and hearing. The breed has […]

by Sandra MurrayReprinted from: Essential Elements, ShowSight Magazine   Reprinted from: Essential Elements, ShowSight Magazine As a youngster she had won her breed’s National Sweepstakes. Not long after that win, she finished her championship with three 5 point majors, all at large regional specialties. During her specials career she earned multiple Group placements and Best […]

The American Kennel Club announces the full recognition of two breeds, the American Hairless Terrier and the Sloughi, raising the total number of AKC dog breeds to 189. “We’re excited to welcome these two unique breeds into the AKC family,” AKC Vice President Gina DiNardo said. “Both breeds make wonderful companions for the right family. If […]

Fourth of July is the classic American holiday, packed with classic American traditions. Most of them involve food, fireworks, and free time. In Southern California, surfing is often as much a part of the long weekend as hotdogs and sunburn. We include our dogs in almost all of these pleasures, and for the group known […]

Dogs Can Adapt to a Vegan Household. Dogs prefer meat, but a vegetarian diet is possible with the right supplements Dogs Can Adapt to a Vegan Household. Dogs prefer meat, but a vegetarian diet is possible with the right supplements. For health and ethical reasons, many vegetarian and vegan humans choose to share their dietary preferences with […]

If you are a judge, do you find it harder to go from judging Great Danes to judging Yorkshire Terriers, or to go from judging English Cocker Spaniels to judging American Cocker Spaniels? In other words, is it harder to turn the page in your mind and adjust for the vast differences between two breeds […]

The West Highland White Terrier originated long ago in the Scottish Highlands, where the breed was prized as a tough, efficient hunter of vermin and small game in the rugged landscape. He is closely related to several other terrier breeds from the region, including the Scottish Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Skye Terrier, and Dandie Dinmont Terrier. […]

Swarms of setters, hordes of herders, oodles of Poodles— with the seemingly endless variety of dogs gaiting around AKC show rings, you might assume every breed in creation is represented. Actually, hundreds of breeds from around the world are outside the AKC orbit. Here are just a few:   ESTRELA MOUNTAIN DOG Birthplace: northern Portugal Job […]

Got a minute? If so, you can learn the essentials of any breed. Not enough to call yourself an expert, of course. But in the time it takes to watch a TV commercial, you can pick up just enough breed knowledge to bluff your way through a conversation at the dog park. The average adult […]

Got a minute? If so, you can learn the essentials of any breed. Not enough to call yourself an expert, of course. But in the time it takes to watch a TV commercial, one of our “60-Second Seminars” can provide you with just enough breed knowledge to bluff your way through a conversation at the […]

A couple was so frustrated with their Labrador Retriever eating things he shouldn’t that they shelled out almost $38,000 on a new dog-proof kitchen. The dog, named Rollo, had learned how to open cabinets and the refrigerator, the Daily Mail reported, and had even used a trampoline to get apples off of the apple tree […]

What appeared to be a canine sixth sense for judging character came into play on Sunday, October 25, when Tim Luckenbaugh’s big pet dog, Diesel, spotted a man hurrying through his family’s backyard in Dover Township, Pennsylvania. “My dog noticed him, and I ran up to him and I was like, ‘Hey, can I help […]

For Picks of The Litter, a regular book review series, Ranny Green critiques "With Dogs at the Edge of Life,” by Colin Dayan (Columbia University Press). What would you expect from Columbia University Press and an author who is professor of the humanities and professor of law at Vanderbilt University? A scholarly, probing work on […]

  When the nation's top show dogs make their way to New York City in a little more than one month for the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Purina® Pro Plan®, there will be a few new faces making their way into the coveted Madison Square Garden show ring. As they work […]

Humans aren’t the only members of the workforce!  The American Kennel Club (AKC®) celebrates the evolution of our canine coworkers – what jobs they were originally bred to perform and what work you can see them doing now.  Dogs go above and beyond each and every day, not only as beloved family pets, but as […]

TEXT AND ILLUSTRATIONS BY RIA HÖRTER REPRINTED FROM THE CANINE CHRONICLE During war time, dogs have been used as messenger dogs, patrol dogs, guard dogs, mine dogs, Red Cross dogs or as draught dogs for the transportation of weapons, ammunition, food and medical supplies. No role at all Numerous dog books state that Greek and Roman […]

If you're a musician, there's the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. If you're an actor, there are the Oscars. And if you're a dog breeder, the maraschino cherry atop a lifetime of hard work is to be named an American Kennel Club Breeder of the Year. After all, anyone can have a one-hit wonder, […]

The Senate Criminal Justice Committee has approved a new substitute version of HB 1451, and this bill is headed to the floor for a vote of the full Senate. It was placed on the intent calendar late today and is eligible to be voted on ANYTIME NOW! It is imperative that Senators hear from their […]

The Virginia House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Subcommittee will be considering a number of bills on Monday, January 29, that would impact dog owners, AKC events, and certain out-of-state dog sales. Those who reside or participate in events in Virginia are strongly encouraged to contact the committee prior to the hearing, and if possible […]

The Virginia Senate is expected to vote very soon on a bill that would prohibit the humane tethering of dogs unless the temperature is above 32 degrees or below 85 degrees. The AKC strongly believes that no dog should ever be kept in a situation where its health or safety is at risk.  However, Senate […]

Rhode Island Senate Bill 2055 seeks to amend the state’s Care of Dogs statute (1) by removing the provision that currently allows dogs to be kept outside during certain temperature conditions if they have access to an outdoor housing facility and (2) by eliminating tethering exemptions for hunting and sled dogs.  AKC opposes S2055 as […]

Multi-Talented Twins Share Love for Therapy Dog Service & Hunting Owned by Bonnie & Charles Bird of Bellingham, WA Jigi and Zuzu are All-American Dog twins, born on Bonnie's birthday and brought to their forever home on Charles’ birthday. They are both Grand Champion Barn Hunters and AKC Distinguished Therapy Dogs.  Jigi is additionally the […]

Griffin Fielding TDX owned by Maureen Fielding of N. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Seven-year-old Griffin came into being through an accidental mating between a black German Shepherd female and a German Short-haired Pointer male. “He is a fine hunting dog with a strong work ethic, making him an excellent tracking dog,” Maureen said. Griffin started […]