Editor's Note: Beginning June 1, 2020, dogs under the age of four months may not receive a title for AKC Trick Dog or Canine Good Citizen in order to emphasize AKC STAR Puppy and socialization. Once puppies reach four months old, they are free to participate in Trick Dog! What's a dog to do while waiting […]

From the Lone Ranger to Zorro, we know good guys can wear masks. But just try convincing your dog of that. As controlling the spread of the coronavirus becomes a paramount concern, the federal government has recommended – and some states have mandated – wearing face masks in public. While we humans have acclimated to […]

What’s New from AKC Government Relations  We hope you and your families are staying safe and healthy during these unprecedented times. We know you are washing your hands, wearing your mask, and keeping a safe distance from others, but we have heard many people worry about whether their beloved dogs could catch or spread the […]

During this age of COVID-19, you practice social distancing and abide by stay at home regulations. But even with all safety measures, you should be prepared if the worst happens and you become ill or hospitalized.  Create a plan and designate caretakers so your dogs are supported if your family and you are unable to do so. Being […]

The AKC Paw of Courage is an award given to show appreciation for the work that dogs do in the service of humankind. This award recognizes dogs who serve their communities, making great impacts in the lives of their human counterparts. Paw of Courage awards can be presented to Police K-9s, Military Working Dogs, Therapy Dogs, […]

COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, has drastically changed lives and requires a rethinking of even the most basic everyday tasks. That includes taking your dog to the vet—an essential service that many dog owners are wondering how to access safely in the COVID-19 era. But living in the age of COVID-19 doesn't […]

It’s well known that dogs increase happiness, reduce stress levels, and improve overall health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, dogs have been a source of relief: whether they’re cuddling on the couch beside us, in cute online videos, or in refreshingly positive news headlines. We’ve rounded up the most positive dog-related stories from the week of March 30-April […]

EDITOR'S NOTE: A big, blinking, red stop sign of warning: There is absolutely no connection between the COVID-19 virus and any canine coronavirus referenced in this article. Most importantly, even though dogs can get a mild respiratory form of the canine-specific coronavirus, that virus is totally unrelated to the current human pandemic. Bottom line: Your dog […]

Dear AKC Club Officers and Delegates, Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we recognize that many of your clubs have had to make significant sacrifices, including cancelling the shows and events that you rely on for your viability. We want to assist you in every way possible. We have received a number of inquiries about whether […]

It's been almost a decade since Sharon Gardner of Austin, Texas, had her most devastating experience as a Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder. With no warning, her litter of five-and-a-half-week-old puppies began showing signs of lethargy. Then came the diarrhea and vomiting. A test performed by her veterinarian delivered the bleak diagnosis: parvovirus, a highly contagious disease […]