The 2019 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Dec. 14 and 15 had a record number of dogs in its 19th year. The competition began with 5,284 dogs each competing for best in their breed. Best in Group Best of Breed winners then advanced to compete in the group competitions. Each AKC-recognized breed falls […]

From unending hours in ambulances and her owner’s hospital room to hanging out at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) rifle team’s noisy practice, Polly and her unflappable personality have been put to the test this year. “She’s unfazed by almost anything," says owner Rachel Husband, 28, of Sparks, Nevada. "She trusts me while adapting […]

Here are the AKC's top 10 most popular dog breeds in the 1940s. They range in size, form, function, and groups, among other categories.

Giving your dog access to sports, activities, and jobs around the house can provide outlets for dogs' physical and mental energy. 

There are so many reasons to fall in love with a Boxer. Consider that powerful body, expressive face, clownish sense of humor, innate intelligence, and intense attachment to their owners. If you haven’t fallen in love yet, some of these interesting Boxer facts may do the trick. Even seasoned Boxer owners may learn a few […]

The bubonic plague, or Black Death, was unleashed in 1348 by the humble rat flea. The plague decimated the people of Europe and before the connection was made between the plague and rats, half of all Europeans — by some estimates 40 or 50 million — suffered an unspeakably gruesome death. In the wake of […]

The Boston Terrier, a top-ten breed for six decades of the 20th century, has reached the number-one position twice, including in the 1910s. The Airedale Terrier reached the number-two position, the highest the breed would ever claim, appearing in the top ten for three consecutive decades and then never regaining its national popularity. The decade […]

Jill DiGesare of Eden, NY, has been involved in showing and breeding Labrador Retrievers under the Wiscoy prefix since the mid-1970s. DiGesare always keeps at the forefront of her breeding program the temperament, health, and type of her Labradors. She is a licensed AKC judge for Labrador Retrievers and has judged Lab specialty shows both […]

"Cute" is a totally subjective concept. Even "small" can be subjective. After all, if you’re 6-feet-4-inches, anyone under 6 feet can look small to you. However, we are bravely putting forth our list of 12 small, cute dogs that rank high in the "adorable" category, while also being among the smallest breeds recognized by the […]

In addition to tracking and responding to legislative proposals, AKC Government Relations addresses dog-related regulatory proposals from the U.S. federal government, all 50 states, and the District of Columbia.  AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) is currently tracking approximately 750 regulatory proposals, most which concern land use/hunting regulations and those governing the practice of veterinary medicine.  […]