The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is thrilled to announce the AKC Publications and AKC Digital Content stories and authors that received awards at the 2025 Dog Writer’s Association of America Awards.
The Dog Writers Association was created on February 13th, 1935, at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show when a group of editors and publishers were invited to the Westminster Kennel Club’s meeting of the old Madison Square Garden, then located on Eighth Avenue and 50th Street. Today, the DWAA encompasses all aspects of the world of dogs – showing, performance, behavior, training, health, and the human animal bond and recognizes many kinds of media in addition to journalism.
AKC Publications and AKC Digital Content were honored with over 20 nominations across multiple categories for 2025. Since its founding in 2003, AKC Publications, which includes AKC Family Dog and the AKC Gazette, and its writers have earned nearly 50 DWAA awards, numerous Folio Awards, and honorable mentions for feature stories. AKC’s Content Department has worked to make AKC.org’s Expert Advice a tried-and-true resource for all things dog, including but not limited to training, canine health & fitness, puppy info, and dog sports.
“We take great pride in the work that we do,” says Kate McCroary, AKC Publications Creative Director. “It’s an honor to see that pride and hard work reflected in these awards from the Dog Writers Association of America.”
See the winners below!
Behavior, Training, or Sports:
- Hogan’s Run by Lindsey Dobruck, AKC Family Dog
Rescue or Adoption:
- Touch Tones by Penny Leigh, AKC Family Dog
Humor:
- Bearded Collies: What are the Chances? by Alice Bixler, AKC Gazette
Young Authors:
- Dogs by the Dozen: AKC Meet the Breeds Returns to NYC by Theo Bernstein, AKC Family Dog
Captain William Lewis Judy Award:
- Belgian Malinois ‘Riley’ Searches Through Ashes to Find Human Remains After Los Angeles Fires by Elaine Waldorf Gewirtz, AKC.org
The Cody Award:
- In a Blur by Penny Leigh, AKC Family Dog
Harrison Stephens Inspirational Feature Award:
- Touch Tones by Penny Leigh, AKC Family Dog
NC Gun Dog Training Heritage Hunting Dog Award:
- Therapy Dog ‘Dime’ is the First Poodle to Earn a Master National Hunter Title by Elaine Waldorf Gewirtz, AKC.org
Patricia “Pat” Hastings Mentorship Memorial Award
- Taking the Lead by Lindsey Dobruck, AKC Family Dog
USDAA Agility Award
- Ron May You Run by Penny Leigh, AKC Family Dog
Walter R. Fletcher Memorial Award
- Taking the Lead by Lindsey Dobruck, AKC Family Dog
For more information on AKC.org’s Expert Advice click here.
To explore AKC Publications like AKC Family Dog and AKC Gazette, click here.