If you were to choose just two words to describe the Norwegian Lundehund, they would likely be "rare" and "unique." These dogs have so many unusual characteristics, they seem almost otherworldly. Let's take a look at the fascinating attributes of the Norwegian Lundehund. 1. Their Name Comes From the Puffin "Lunde" is the Norwegian […]

Courtesy of Mary J McKennan, AKC Breeder of Merit   The Polish Lowland Sheepdog is a hard worker and a loyal companion. It's most popular in Poland, naturally, but it also has a community of devoted owners in the United States. Here are some interesting facts you may not know about the Polish Lowland Sheepdog. […]

The American Water Spaniel was developed in the Great Lakes region of the United States, and to this day remains uncommon outside of that area. It's a rare breed, and a special one. It's extremely talented and makes a highly loyal companion. Here are some things you may not have known about the American Water […]

The Spinone Italiano has always been near and dear to Italy, but only made a splash in the United States recently. If you haven't yet had a chance to get to know the breed, here are six interesting facts about the Spinone: 1. They Are Among the World's Oldest Hunting Dogs Until recently, the Spinone […]

The Swedish Vallhund is relatively new to the United States, but the breed has a long history in Scandinavia. SVs, as they are sometimes called, are small, strong, energetic, and fearless. Here are some more fun facts about the Swedish Vallhund: 1. He Was Previously Known as "Viking Dog" The Swedish Vallhund breed is at […]

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, also known as Korthals griffon, is a very rare breed, but it has seemingly endless talents. Here are some interesting facts about the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. 1. The Breed Was Inspired By Mendel's Research OK, so there's no definitive proof that the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon was inspired by scientist Gregor Mendel's research, […]

The Kuvasz is a rare and ancient dog breed. What he lacks in notoriety, he makes up for in courage and loyalty. Here are five things you probably didn't know about the Kuvasz: 1. The Breed Actually Came From Tibet The origins of the Kuvasz are traced back to Mesepotamia and the steppes of the Ural […]

The Clumber Spaniel looks like a more rugged version of the Cocker Spaniel, but the two breeds are very different. The Clumber is a rare breed with mysterious origins. Here are some interesting facts about Clumber Spaniels: 1. No One Is Sure Where They Are From There is a theory that the Clumber Spaniel began […]

The Rat Terrier is a relatively new breed that has experienced some highs and lows during its history. Let's take a look at how Rat Terriers became the energetic, loyal, family dogs they are today. Here are six interesting facts about the Rat Terrier: 1. They Used to Be Wildly Popular With Farmers In the […]

There's so much to see at this year's AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. One of the most thrilling events on display is dock diving, where dogs seem to fly through the air into a body of water. We had the chance to catch up with one of the canines competing this year, Storie, […]

  AKC Breeder Spotlight: Jennifer Young-Hopkins of Y-Farms Kennels Each month, the American Kennel Club (AKC) profiles breeders to hear about how they got started, their breeding program, and their experience with AKC Marketplace. We recently spoke with AKC Breeder of Merit Jennifer Young-Hopkins of Y-Farms Kennels in Zachary, La. Here, she answers questions about […]

AKC Breeder Spotlight: Julia Heidbrink of Buggytown Bird Dogs Each month the American Kennel Club profiles breeders to hear how they got started, their breeding program, and their experience with AKC Marketplace. We recently spoke with Julia Heidbrink of Buggytown Bird Dogs. Julia started breeding German Shorthaired Pointers about 10 years ago and today she […]

  Will a Meatless Diet Jeopardize Your Dog’s Health? As farmers’ markets blossom with a wider assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables during the summer months, many families choose to spice up the dinner menu with occasional vegetarian meals. But can the family dog handle a vegetarian diet? In general, dogs are omnivorous. They eat […]

Responsible breeders do everything they can to keep their puppies safe and healthy from before they were born until the day they leave their kennel. Around 8 to 12 weeks old, the puppies depart from their breeder, and their new lives begin in their meticulously, hand-picked homes. By discerningly choosing the right family for each […]

Bergamasco (AKC recognition January 1, 2015) The breed’s traffic-stopping dreadlocks are called flocks. (For the Puli and Komondor, they’re called cords.) The flocks begin to form naturally, but during the first year, owners have to be vigilant about separating the mats. Once grown, they’re easy to maintain. At the AKC’s 2015 Meet The Breeds, the Bergamasco […]

  Opinion: Nothing is more frustrating to a dedicated breeder-exhibitor than hearing that a wonderful owner with unlimited potential in the sport has purchased a dog from a commercial kennel. After all, your breed parent club works hard to update its website and offer a cornucopia of relevant information. You attend dog shows regularly, breed […]

Karen Powell of Frankfort, KY, has three rescued mixed-breed dogs that compete very successfully in AKC Agility, AKC Rally, and Barn Hunt: Stella CD RAE7 AXP AJP NFP RATN Biggie RAE2 MXP MJP XFP RATN Cody RAE MXP3 MXPB MJP4 MJPB OFP T2BP RATO She started taking classes with her dogs in 2006 because of […]

Everyone knows that opening gifts is fun. And Santa certainly won’t forget your best four-legged friend! But is it all right to let your canine family members open packages? Could it give them the idea that it’s okay to tear into any paper or box they encounter? Is it even safe? The answer is a […]

If you celebrate Easter, you probably fondly remember going on Easter egg hunts as a child. Learning how to get your dog involved in the tradition allows you to never outgrow the fun. Here is a helpful guide to setting up a safe and fun Easter egg hunt for your dog.   Plastic Easter eggs can […]

The Joint Judiciary Committee of the Massachusetts General Court is scheduled to consider four dog-related bills at its upcoming hearing on Tuesday, September 12, 2017.

The Massachusetts' General Court's Joint Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider two bills of great concern to the American Kennel Club at its Tuesday, July 18, hearing. H.2290 seeks to change the legal status of pets from personal property to companion animals, while H.852 seeks to establish an animal abuse registry and impose certain additional […]

The Burke County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, June 20, on several amendments to the county's kennel laws.

The deadline to submit comments on a proposed rule change that would restrict field trials in Alabama is tomorrow, May 5, at 10:00 a.m.

The Burke County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing for TOMORROW (Tuesday, April 18) on a proposal that would significantly change the laws regarding kennels.

Because HB 2992 is in line with the Misuse of Service Dogs position statement, AKC supports HB 2992.

A proposed ordinance that contains provisions of concern to dog owners has passed first reading in Neptune Beach, Florida.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has strong concerns about numerous provisions in the current version of SB 1640. As currently written, the bill mischaracterizes "cruel" and bans even temporary tethering in a variety of humane circumstances, including the use of a grooming table for grooming or exhibition or tethering by disabled owners of service dogs […]

Ba Sammy Jo UD PCDX BN GN RAE owned by Brittany J. Allen of Decorah, IA Sammy Jo is a four-year-old All American adopted from the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa in the summer of 2013. Sammy trains in multiple k9 sports and recently finished her RAE and Utility Dog titles. Her next obedience goal […]

MACH BRADLEY'S BRANDY RN MXG MJS MXP2 MXPB MJP2 OF XFP T2B2 RATM CGCA owned by Kevin & Alison Bradley of Fayetteville, AR Kevin and Alison adopted Brandy from Fayetteville Animal Services on Nov. 22, 2008. They discovered an intelligent, energetic young dog and got her involved in training. Soon, Brandy was competing in agility […]

Piper Sue CD BN RAE owned by Gene Rhamey of San Antonio, TX At 10 weeks of age, rescue puppy Piper was desperately in need of a home so Gene adopted her. “Who could resist those blue eyes? She fit right in and learned many of her skills from big ‘sister,’ Lily,” Gene said. “Piper […]