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Resources for Clubs
AKC Public Education offers brochures and other resources that contain a wealth of information for current and prospective dog owners. Volunteer Insurance for your club Equisure [accordion] [accordion_panel title="PEC Kits"] AKC Public Education provides the following resources in a kit that can be ordered for your next event. The following resources are included: Welcome to […]
https://www.akc.org/public-education/resources-for-clubs/
| July 13, 2018
Expert Advice: Grooming
Bathing Your Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Bathing your puppy can be tricky, especially for new owners. Taking the process step by step will help to train your puppy to better tolerate bathtime.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/bathing-your-puppy-step-by-step-guide/
| November 14, 2019
Expert Advice: General Health
How to Make a Dog Throw Up
When your dog eats something that they are not supposed to, you may think: "how do I make my dog throw up?" Here is what to know to make a dog throw up.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-make-a-dog-throw-up/
| May 23, 2019
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Is the Australian Cattle Dog a Good Fit for You?
Bringing a dog into your life is a decision that requires careful consideration, regardless of whether or not you're a first-time dog owner. With so many breeds to choose from, the amount of options alone can be overwhelming. If you're a seasoned dog owner with experience in competing in dog sports, or live an especially […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/australian-cattle-dog-right-for-you/
| May 12, 2026
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Is the Old English Sheepdog a Good Fit for You?
shouBringing a dog into your life requires careful consideration, regardless of whether or not you're a first-time dog owner. Taking a dog's temperament, size, grooming, and exercise needs are all items that require careful research in finding your perfect dog. Taking your own lifestyle into account is also essential. If you're seeking a smart, mellow, […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/is-the-old-english-sheepdog-right-for-you/
| May 12, 2026
Expert Advice: Common Conditions
Why Dogs Eat Poop and How to Stop It
Of all the odd habits our dogs have—drinking toilet water, rolling in dead things, licking their butts— nothing disgusts most dog owners more than knowing that dogs eat poop sometimes. A dog's motivation for eating poop isn't to gross us humans out, but the act of eating poop certainly disgusts us. So much so, in […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-dogs-eat-poop/
| June 29, 2022
Expert Advice: Feature
Larger Than Life: Corgis Impact Owners and Online Fans
These Pembroke Welsh Corgis have touched the lives of not only their devoted owners, but also online fans after going viral.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/larger-than-life-corgis/
| May 12, 2026
Press Releases
2026 AKC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP JUDGING PANEL NOW AVAILABLE
The American Kennel Club (AKC®) today announced the judging panel for the 26th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, to be held December 12–13, 2026, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The Club also released the judging panel for the AKC National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals. The panel for the AKC […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2026-akc-national-championship-judging-panel-now-available/
| May 14, 2026
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Previously Aired AKC Education Webinars
[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2026. Once you click the recording link, you will be asked to enter your name and email address in order to access the recording. Webinar Topic Recording Link (Hu)Man's Best Friend: The Science Behind Building a Better Bond-Sponsored by […]
https://www.akc.org/public-education/akc-education-webinar-series/previously-aired-akc-education-webinars/
| March 15, 2024
Expert Advice: Training
Puppy Socialization: Why, When, and How to Do It Right
Learn the best time to socialize your puppy, how to do it right, and why it's important from AKC's dog training experts.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/puppy-socialization/
| July 7, 2022
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Is the Belgian Malinois a Good Fit for You?
Bringing a dog into your life is a choice that takes careful consideration. With so many breeds of varying size and temperament, the search to find your perfect companion can be overwhelming. If you're an experienced dog owner with plenty of time to devote to a smart, hard-working breed, consider the Belgian Malinois. The Belgian […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/belgian-malinois-right-for-you/
| November 12, 2019
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
8 Things You Didn’t Know About the Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers used to be one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are incredibly versatile and intelligent, and they love to be part of a family. Here are some more interesting facts about the Airedale Terrier: 1. They Were Originally Used to Hunt Rats The Airedale Terrier originated in the […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/airedale-terrier-facts/
| December 6, 2016
Sports & Events
Junior Resources
Children and teenagers are the future of the sport of dogs and responsible dog ownership. The more they learn, the more they will grow in dog sports and as a person. The values, attitudes, and responsibility learned while competing as Juniors serve children throughout their entire lives. Junior Showmanship Junior Showmanship offers children between the […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/juniors/junior-resources/
| November 27, 2017
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
10 Fun Facts About AKC’s Newest Italian Breeds
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/columbus-day-cuties-italian-breeds/
| October 9, 2015
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Conformation Judges Policies
[accordion] [accordion_panel title="Adjunct Approval (April 1994 Board meeting)"] When a new breed becomes eligible for championship competition, there is one six-month window of opportunity for judges to submit applications under the adjunct system. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="AKC Board Household Judges (July 2000 Board meeting)"] A household member of a Board member may submit a judging application […]
https://www.akc.org/rules/policy-manual/akc-conformation-judges-policies/
| November 1, 2017
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Dog Show Policies
[accordion] [accordion_panel title="All-Breed/Specialty Conflicts (September 2013 Board meeting; amended January 2016)"] If an All-Breed/Limited Breed Conformation, Performance, or Companion Event club refuses to grant permission to accommodate a Parent Club's National Specialty or a Performance or Companion event (which is limited to the Parent Club breed) when held with the National Specialty, a Parent Club regional specialty […]
https://www.akc.org/rules/policy-manual/policy-manual-shows/
| November 1, 2017
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Registration Policies
[accordion] [accordion_panel title="American Field Irish Setters (October 1975 Board meeting)"] Based upon a request from the Irish Setter Club of America, AKC discontinued the registration of Irish Setters based upon pedigrees from the American Field Dog Stud Book. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Auction Policy (July 2003 Board meeting)"] The Board reviewed its policy on Auctions, considering the […]
https://www.akc.org/rules/policy-manual/policy-manual-registration/
| November 1, 2017
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Foundation Stock Service® Program Home
The American Kennel Club created the Foundation Stock Service® (FSS®) to answer the needs of today's rare breed fanciers. The Foundation Stock Service® is an optional record-keeping service for all purebred breeds not currently registrable with the American Kennel Club. Originally the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) program was used to bring in breeds such […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/foundation-stock-service-program/program-home/
| November 17, 2017
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AKC Detection Dog Webinars
[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Inside the Discussion: Comparing Multiple Approaches to Detection Dog Breeding and Training May 19, 2026 The AKC Detection Dog Task Force recently hosted a lively webinar featuring Tim Baird, Bart Rogers, and Stacey West, moderated by Sheila Goffe, on the many approaches to breeding, raising, and training future detection dogs. One […]
https://www.akc.org/akc-detection-dog-task-force/webinars/
| May 2, 2022
Sports & Events
AKC Agility League Spotlight: Meet a Cane Corso Making Strides in Agility
The spotlight shines on a dog representing a breed not seen in agility often – the Cane Corso, a mastiff breed that originated in Italy. Bjorn defies expectations, effortlessly jumping 24-inches and helping his Regulation Freshman win the Winter Season Reserve Championship! He is athletic and loves to please his owner Destanee, who is a […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/agility/in-the-zone/akc-agility-league-spotlight-meet-cane-corso-strides-agility/
| May 24, 2026
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National Art Contest
[caption id="attachment_207615" align="aligncenter" width="577"] 2025 National Art Contest Winners[/caption] The AKC National Art Contest encourages young artists to celebrate their love of dogs through creative expression. Youth ages 5-18 are invited to submit unique artwork that adheres to the guidelines below. The 2026 contest opens on May 5, 2026, and closes on September 29, […]
https://www.akc.org/public-education/national-art-contest/
| May 21, 2024
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AKC National Detection Dog Conferences
Registration Now Open: 2026 AKC National Detection Dog Conference | August 4–6, 2026, Durham, NC Every day, detection dogs protect our airports, critical infrastructure, and communities. Behind every deployment is a network of professionals working to strengthen America’s detection dog programs. Join us for Unleashing Potential: Building America’s Canine Defense, One Puppy at a Time […]
https://www.akc.org/akc-detection-dog-task-force/akc-us-detection-dog-conferences/
| August 19, 2024
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Silky Terrier History: The Sweet & Feisty Australian Ratting Dog
When a pup’s age is still counted in weeks, they'd be lucky to get much farther than the front door. But in 1954, a 6-week-old black-and-tan puppy from the suburbs of Sydney made a 7,500-mile journey on Qantas Empire Airways to his new home in La Crescenta, California. His name was "Sir Boomerang," and he […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/silky-terrier-history-sweet-feisty-australian-ratting-dog/
| April 20, 2022
Expert Advice: Senior Dog Health
Osteoarthritis in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments
Osteoarthritis is a common problem in dogs, particularly in seniors and large breeds. Here are the best ways to manage your dog's osteoarthritis.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/osteoarthritis-in-dogs/
| May 3, 2022
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Bereavement
Experiencing the Death of a Dog The death of a dog can affect people in the same way that losing a family member or close friend would. For those who've experienced the loss of a dog, the American Kennel Club makes the following suggestions: Grief should be expressed freely so the healing process can begin. […]
https://www.akc.org/press-center/articles-resources/bereavement/
| December 19, 2014
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Facts You May Not Know
The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is a fiercely independent dog that has no problem taking charge. This member of the Working Group is a giant breed, weighing up to 150 pounds. Learn more about the breed with these Anatolian Shepherd Dog fun facts. They Were Bred to Guard Flocks From Predators The Anatolian Shepherd Dog is […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/fun-facts-anatolian-shepherd-dog/
| March 6, 2017
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
Norfolk Terriers Facts You May Not Know
These Norfolk Terrier facts provide insight into the history and personality of this tiny and determined member of the Terrier Group.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/fun-facts-norfolk-terriers/
| October 27, 2015
Sports & Events
AKC Recognized Therapy Dog Organizations
Since the 1980's, there have been significant advances in the field of animal assisted therapy and the use of therapy dogs. Organized therapy dog groups provide educational material to volunteers, they screen both volunteers and dogs, and they provide liability insurance for when the dog and handler are volunteering in a therapy setting. Therapy dog […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/title-recognition-program/therapy-dog-program/therapy-dog-organizations/
| November 29, 2017
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FSS News & Updates
(updated 6/1/26 ) 5/11/2026 From the May Board Meeting - one new breed was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Lucas Terrier. 4/13/2026 From the April Board Meeting - three new breeds was added to the Foundation Stock Service Program – Silken Windhound, Saarloos Wolfhond, Old Danish Pointer. 1/12/26 The Peruvian Inca Orchid […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/foundation-stock-service-program/fss-news-updates/
| November 17, 2017
Expert Advice: General Health
Trazodone for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives
Trazodone is a medication used to treat depression in people, but your veterinarian may suggest Trazodone for dogs to help with behavioral issues.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/trazodone-for-dogs/
| March 21, 2023