Service dogs, working dogs, emotional support dogs, and therapy dogs all provide aid and support to humans. But they're not the same. What's the difference?

2020 was a year of pain, sadness, and frustration. For our sport, it has meant many months of doing without the weekly dog shows where we compete and socialize. We’re all familiar with the old saying, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” That phrase was never truer than in 2020, when fanciers found innovative […]

Sometimes, in the name of ideology, families get torn asunder. During the Civil War, brothers faced each other across Union and Confederate lines. After World War II, the Berlin Wall separated families, and fates. And in dogs more than a century ago, we had a similar philosophical divide between the fighting dog known as the […]

Sisters Lian Chase and Jade Chase from Peyton, Colorado, are powerful competitors in the show ring—and they're still teenagers. Lian, who is 18, got involved with showing dogs through 4-H when she was 9 years old, and began with AKC shows when she was 11. Younger sister Jade, 15, also began showing dogs through 4-H […]

Teaching your dog touch through nose targeting is a useful behavior. It can help lure certain body positions and more. Here's how to teach your dog touch.

Have you tried everything you can, and your dog just doesn't seem to enjoy playing fetch? Here are a few reasons your dog isn't playing fetch.

Have you ever wondered why dogs twitch in their sleep, or if this seemingly benign behavior could be a problem? Here's what you need to know.

Mantrailing has traditionally been an activity used to assist in the hunt for missing persons. However, it is growing in popularity as a dog sport.

The 2020 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Dec. 12 and 13 hosted 3,680 dogs who all competed for the coveted title of Best in Show. The competition began with each dog competing for best in their breed. Best in Group Best of Breed winners then advanced to compete in the group competitions. Each […]

The 2020 Junior Showmanship Finals at the AKC National Championship took place on Dec. 12 in Orlando, Florida. To qualify, juniors had to have at least three first-place wins in Open Class with competition present between Oct. 10, 2019 and Oct. 7, 2020. In addition, juniors must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 for the past […]

Don’t let the goofy wiener-dog costume fool you: Sandwiched between those fabric hot-dog buns is a clever hunter whose size belies its ferocity. At first glance, you can see why the Dachshund has earned the rather ignoble moniker of “wiener” or “sausage dog”: Long and low to the ground, this oddly proportioned hound might look […]

The holidays can be overwhelming for your dog, but they don't have to be! Utilize these tips this holiday season to reduce your dog's stress.

Dog car safety keeps drivers, passengers, pets, and other people safe. Here's how to train your dog proper car manners for when you're on the road.

It’s an unforgiving 30 degrees below zero on one of the coldest days the Rollins family can ever remember. Twenty-five acres of frozen white fields surround their home in Glenwood City, Wisconsin. In this weather, it makes perfect sense to stay indoors, but 5-year-old Nate Rollins has other ideas. Nate is bound and determined to […]

At only 18 years old, Madison Schlagel of Magnolia, Texas, has already made a name for herself in the dog world and is active in the Conformation ring. Madison owns and competes with three dogs: a Pointer named Daykene I Just Can't Help Myself ("Vice"), a Newfoundland named GCHB Bear N Mind's I'm Meant For […]

How exactly do lost dogs find their way home from so far afield? New research from the Czech Republic might hold the answer.

Bred from the Bulldog, terrier, and more, the public was fascinated with the Bull Terrier, a good-natured dog that wasn’t spoiling for a fight.

Dr. Renee Lara is that rare gem – a veterinarian who understands dog breeders. And that’s because she is one herself. Owning her own veterinary clinic in Bryan, Texas, since 1990, where she offers a full array of reproductive services, Lara is Platinum Breeder of Merit with her Ehrenvogel German Shorthaired Pointers. She purchased her […]

Fall brings its own rhythm and sounds. After the long days of summer, it is almost a relief to enjoy the gap between summer and winter. The soft rustle of leaves gliding on chilly winds, the muted sounds of birds still hanging around before undertaking their migrations, and the tinkling sounds of bells all tell […]

AKC’s Virtual Title program has been a big hit, and it’s easy to see why: there is a lot to enjoy! Though dog shows are being held again, they are still few and far between. An excellent way to get your puppy buyers interested in competing and enjoying AKC dog sports is to encourage them […]

Learn how the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program is part of being a responsible dog owner. It can support you and your dog in many different ways.

The Dogo Argentino's history goes back to mid-1920s when a teenager had a vision of the ultimate big-game hunting dog. Learn more about the breed's origins.

In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were created and first awarded in 1999 to honor our best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our sport on a national […]

January 12, 2021 Chinese Shar-Pei January 17, 2021 German Shepherd Dog January 26, 2021 Black and Tan Coonhound February 2, 2021 Norfolk Terrier February 9, 2021 Bernese Mountain Dog February 16, 2021 NO WEBINAR February 23, 2021 NO WEBINAR March 2, 2021 Biewer Terrier March 9, 2021 Harrier March 16, 2021 NO WEBINAR March 23, […]

Monday, March 30 Welsh Springer Spaniel Tuesday, March 31 Belgian Laekenois Wednesday, April 1 Ibizan Hound Thursday, April 2 Puli Friday April 3 Airedale Terrier Monday, April 6 Sloughi Tuesday, April 7 Affenpinscher Wednesday, April 8 Lagotto Romagnolo Thursday, April 9 Rottweiler Monday, April 13 Finnish Spitz Tuesday, April 14 Welsh Terrier Wednesday, April 15 […]

Labs and GSPs Labradors and German Shorthaired Pointers are the primary focus of the program due to purchasing agencies' preference; however, we do not guarantee sale of participating dogs. In order to be accepted, the parents of the litter must have all recommended health clearances, based on the parent club’s recommendations. Apply   All other breeds Other […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2021 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 18 and Sunday, December 19, 2021. The 2021 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) wishes to acknowledge those individuals that have excelled at breeding dogs that have proven to be outstanding in AKC sports.  The commitment to preserve, protect and improve a breed represents the very essence of the AKC.   The AKC Breeder of the Year by Sport Award is given to those who […]

-Entries Open Today-  The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the third AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge. This virtual conformation competition is open to all AKC recognized breeds including Miscellaneous breeds. Entries close on October 12th at 12pm ET.   Heading the panel as Best in Show and Best […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge III. This virtual conformation event is open to all AKC-recognized breeds and Miscellaneous class breeds. Best in Show and Best Puppy Michael Canalizo   Regular and Puppy Groups SPORTING Mr. Douglas A Johnson HOUND Mr. Eugene Blake […]