The AKC Breeder of Merit program was introduced in October 2010. Since that time, almost 16,000 breeders have been enrolled. The program was developed to recognize those breeders who are the foundation of our sport through their participation in various AKC events and dedication to selective breeding of healthy purpose-bred purebred dogs. The basic requirements are Minimum […]

There’s a new "Toy" in town! The Russian Toy is one of the latest breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. But this lively little dog might remind you of another beloved member of the Toy Group: the Chihuahua. If you saw them standing side by side, would you know which was which? Learn […]

Many dog owners are eager to give their dogs the opportunity to run off-leash. Here's how to know if your dog is ready for that privilege.

At just 15 years old, junior handler David Frasca has been competing in dog sports for two-thirds of his life. He works with six dogs in six sports: Agility, Rally, Obedience, CAT, Fast CAT, and Herding. David started in sports at five years old, but ten years later, he still can't choose a favorite between […]

For Riley Capton, the best part of Junior Showmanship and the hardest part are the same. Riley loves her Russell Terrier — Indy — but she admits showing a terrier comes with some difficulties. “They're little, headstrong dogs and they know what they want, and they'll do what they want when they feel like it," […]

At just 15 years old, Alessandra Wagner is already a veteran in the world of dog shows. Hailing from Seward, Nebraska, Wagner has shown dogs for over a decade, qualified for the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin five times, and won more than 30 Best Junior Handler Awards as part of the AKC […]

Elizabeth Jennings and her 14-month-old Bracco Italiano prove the breed is capable of being a part of the Pennsylvania Wilderness Search and Rescue Unit.

Lacey and Luisma Benítez, of LBK American Staffordshire Terriers, are the first and only Platinum Breeders of Merit of the American Staffordshire Terrier. They are a married couple, navigating life between Spain and St. Augustine, Florida, and have been deeply involved in this breed for 20 years. Luisma, who is from Spain, is a software […]

What do Lindsey Dicken, Victor Rosado, Mackensie Murphy, Michelle Breen, Cat Opson, and Cheryl Purcell have in common with Michael Phelps? Well, while this U.S.A. team may not be breaking records in the 100-fly, they are winning gold medals . . . in grooming! On Oct. 1, the AKC-sponsored U.S.A. team participated in the World […]

Seventeen state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors. It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”.  As introduced, the bill […]