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Expert Advice: News
The Labrador Retriever is Boston’s Top Dog
Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Boston’s top spot in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC®) 2016 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S. The Labrador Retriever was also recognized as the #1 pup in Raleigh, Houston, and Atlanta, among others. There were quite a few shifts and changes among Boston’s most […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/the-labrador-retriever-is-bostons-top-dog/
| March 21, 2017
Expert Advice: Health
Should You Get Your Dog’s Eyes Checked? What to Know About Eye Health
Vision plays a crucial role in your dog's quality of life. How often should you get your dog's eyes checked to prevent problems?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/get-dog-eyes-checked/
| January 21, 2026
Expert Advice: Grooming
Everything You Need to Know About Hand Stripping Dog Coats
Hand-stripping is a specialized grooming procedure for wiry-coated dogs. It involves plucking dead strands of hair to retain the coat's coarse texture.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hand-stripping-dog-coats/
| July 15, 2025
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Meet the Winners of the 2025 AKC Military Diving Dogs Challenge
The 2025 AKC Military Diving Dogs Challenge was held in collaboration with North American Diving Dogs and ESPN in Georgia as part of AKC Salutes the Troops.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/akc-diving-dogs-challenge-winners-2025/
| July 5, 2025
Expert Advice: Fun With Your Dog
What to Know If You’re Bringing Your Dog to a Pride Parade
Pride parades and festivals are often annual events that take place around the world to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Can you bring your dog?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/dog-pride-parade/
| June 10, 2025
Legislative Alerts
Last Chance to Stop Boston BSL!
Despite strong opposition and lobbying efforts by concerned dog owners and the AKC, the Boston City Council approved a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance on June 23rd. Prior to its passage, the measure was amended to include a mandatory spay/neuter provision for all "pit bulls." Pit bulls are defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/last-chance-to-stop-boston-bsl/
| June 25, 2004
Legislative Alerts
Continued Help Needed to Fight Boston BSL
Despite opposition from concerned dog owners and fanciers at a public hearing in Boston on Thursday, April 29th, legislators appear resolute in their support of a breed-specific ordinance. The proposal now heads to committee for further consideration. If enacted, the measure would: Require residents to register their "pit bulls" with the city at a cost […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/continued-help-needed-to-fight-boston-bsl/
| May 4, 2004
Legislative Alerts
Breed-Specific Legislation Considered in Boston
Attention Boston dog owners! Councillors Rob Consalvo and James Kelly have introduced an ordinance that requires residents to register their "pit bulls" with the city at a cost of $50 annually. Pit bulls are defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, or any mix of those breeds. The measure also […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/breed-specific-legislation-considered-in-boston/
| April 28, 2004
Sports & Events
Judges’ Study Guides
AKC Group Standards Download AKC approved breed standards by complete group for use on any portable electronic device. Sporting Hound Working Terrier Toy Non-Sporting Herding Misc. Judges Study Guide No single written guide is ever comprehensive enough to be the only learning tool utilized in preparation for judging a new breed. We urge you to […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/conformation/judging-information/judges-study-guides/
| September 11, 2025
Press Releases
2025 NATIONAL ALL-BREED PUPPY & JUNIOR STAKES JUDGING PANEL NOW AVAILABLE
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for 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 AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2025-national-breed-puppy-junior-stakes-judging-panel-now-available/
| April 3, 2025