American-made and a long-kept secret of South Carolina, Boykin Spaniel History goes back to the early 1900s. Today, the breed is seen across the South.

After delivering a single stillborn puppy, Foxy became frantic. The Flat-coated Retriever believed her puppies were lost and looked for them constantly. It was a sad scene for her owner Anya Dornak. “I would have to take her out on leash because she would get into the bushes and dig and would not come,” the […]

While a toy puppy may increase its birth weight by a factor of 10 to 20, a giant-breed puppy may grow to be 100 times bigger than when he was born. Consider this: A newborn Chihuahua may weigh only three ounces at birth and three pounds at maturity. A newborn Great Dane, however, may weigh […]

For millennia, the Cirneco dell’Etna has lived in the shadow of Mount Etna. Scrambling over the rocky, volcanic Sicilian soil in pursuit of rabbit, these small red dogs were invaluable sources of sustenance and protection for their peasant owners. But by the time the 20th Century dawned, the Cirneco was facing its own sunset of […]

When Mandy Middleton first started competing in AKC events, almost no one knew what breed she was showing. That breed — the Mountain Cur — is rare in the U.S., despite its patriotic roots. Considered the All-American pioneer dog, Curs were a necessity to frontier families, who relied on them to catch wild game and […]

When it’s warm outside, humans tend to flock to the water. Whether swimming, boating, or lounging on a raft, it’s a great way to spend a day. If you own a dog, chances are you want to include them in your fun-filled activities. But canines and water don't always mix. Here are tips on how […]

Ever wonder how to keep your dog cool in summer? These summer dog grooming tips will keep your pup feeling cool and comfortable in warm weather.

Are ice cubes dangerous to dogs? Can dogs have ice cubes? Here's what you need to know before giving your pup this frozen treat.

Nearly 2,600 dogs vied for the coveted title of Best in Show at the 145th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan®. After three days of breed competition and two days of group competition, seven dogs moved forward to Best in Show competition. Working group Samoyed: Vanderbilt 'N Printemp's Lucky Strike Sporting group German […]

Does your dog have an upset stomach? Learn which foods can help soothe your dog’s tummy, plus what to avoid and when to call the vet.

Paid Advertisement Does your dog run with excitement to every body of water in sight? Maybe you can’t walk past a creek or pond without your pup diving in. Or maybe your dog treats water like the enemy and will do anything to stay dry. Every dog is different and not all are born with […]

Does it seem like your dog suddenly has lost interest in eating food? Knocks over their bowl out of boredom with their food? Here's why.

From the Labrador Retriever and the Golden Retriever, to the German Shepherd Dog and the German Shorthaired Pointer, some of America's most popular dogs are large breeds, achieving an adult weight in the range of roughly 45 to 90 lbs. These large dogs are different from smaller dogs and extra-large breeds in more than just size […]

A normal litter size can range from 1 to 12 puppies, with 5-6 puppies being average across all dogs. But just as every breed of dog differs by size, function, and personality, they also differ when it comes to litter size, according to AKC registration data. Big dogs tend to have larger litters while small […]

Choosing the right dog trainer is essential. Here are some tips to finding a first-rate trainer who will make your life easier.

Can showing Conformation dogs prep someone for a top-level career as a television executive? For Carley Simpson, the answer is “yes." In February 2000, the former Snohomish, Washington resident earned a prestigious third place in Junior Showmanship with her Golden Retriever at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Dazzled by the media spotlight at New […]

Senior dogs can still have a wonderful quality of life. There are also lots of ways owners can promote movement, health, cognitive function, and comfort.

Want to know how to teach your dog their name? The best way to do this is to teach them to associate their name with something positive.

Wondering why your dog eats bees? Bee stings in dogs can lead to life-threatening allergic reactions so it is good to be prepared.

With shaping, you don't teach the final behavior but rather break it down into smaller steps. Here's how to use shaping in dog training.

Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, is a disease dreaded by dog owners and veterinary professionals. In this emergency condition, the stomach fills with gas and rotates on its axis, leading to cardiovascular shock and abnormal function of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, kidney, and clotting systems. Known risk factors for bloat include breed, […]

Sheryl Bradbury breeds Grand Bassets Griffon Vendéen (GBGV) and Lancashire Heelers, a breed in the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS). "My Lancashire Heeler kennel, Mashury, is devoted first to health, temperament, and conformation and to breeding dogs that can work hard, play hard, and love their shepherd." “I imported my first GBGV in 2012 from […]

For the most updated statistics, check out the latest rankings of America's most popular dog breeds. Is your dog’s breed winning popularity contests this year? Now you can find out! The most popular dog breeds of 2020 were released on March 16, 2021, based on American Kennel Club registration statistics. America continues its love affair […]

Can dogs eat eggs? Learn how to safely incorporate eggs into your dog's diet, usually as an occasional treat.

AKC’s Leader of the Pack program is designed to get high school students involved in their communities.  The mission of AKC Public Education is to foster and continue to find ways to ever strengthen the human-canine bond.  By participating in this program, students will have an opportunity to give back to their own dog communities […]

The AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards were created to recognize those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. The recipients were selected by votes cast by AKC Member Clubs for nominees in each of the following categories: Conformation, Companion Events and Performance. The American Kennel Club honors […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY AGCH (Agility Grand Champion) AGCH MACH2 Rosie La Bella MXC PDS MJC PJS MFG TQX T2B5 […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2021 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The […]

 The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs is proud to announce the winners of the 2021 AKC® Lifetime Achievement Awards: Peter Green (Conformation), Betty Winthers (Companion Events) and Jim Basham (Performance). The Awards, created by AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung, are presented in recognition […]

Lab lovers continue to make their voices heard! The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced at a virtual press conference today at the AKC Museum of the Dog that the ever-popular Labrador Retriever is the nation’s favorite dog for the 30th consecutive year. While the loveable Lab holds firmly to the top spot, the French Bulldog […]