Originally published in the AKC Gazette. Writing in 1667, Nicholas Cox describes small land spaniels of courageous mettle, “strong, lusty and nimble rangers, of active feet, wanton tails and busy nostrils”—still a good description of the Cocker Spaniel. A less flattering description was given in 1647 by the “Witch-Finder General,” whose dubious job it was […]

Taylor Schwartz, of Lakeville, Minnesota, partners with Belfox and Misty Hollow Smooth Fox Terriers to both breed and show. She got her start in the breed when she was asked to show a puppy. That puppy eventually came home with her, and “the rest is history,” Taylor said. “I have been fortunate to partner with Terri […]

Dogs have extraordinary noses. Discover how a dog's sense of smell works, why it's so powerful, and how dogs can detect disease and danger.

Penny Kelley of Sandusky, Ohio, has had Icelandic Sheepdogs for 11 years. The dam of her first litter, Ch. Valhalla’s Heart O’ Gold, is the first Icelandic Sheepdog to earn an AKC championship (shown by Kelley) and is the mother of nine AKC champions, and six of those are Grand Champions AKC: How did you get started in breeding dogs? Kelley: I got started in breeding Icelandic Sheepdogs nine years ago after my first girl, Ch. Valhalla’s Heart O’ Gold (Stella), became […]

What do you think of when you hear the word Poodle? For many, it’s an overdone diva—big hair, polished toenails, and a phony French accent. Poodles are often described as “froufrou” dogs, a slur that means prissy and high-maintenance. The image has been widely embraced, even in the wonderful world of Disney, where dogs are […]

The Tacoma Kennel Club (TKC), founded in 1890, just celebrated its 125th anniversary at its dog show and trial this past weekend. The club marked the milestone with a commemorative gift for each entry and special trophy presenters at Group time. Thanks, TKC, for 125 years dedicated to the betterment of purebred dogs! Let's take a look […]

AKC Gazette breed column, Vizslas: It's thanks to the people who step up and volunteer their time that we’re able to participate in dog events and enjoy the many other benefits that clubs provide. Do you and your dogs enjoy shows, field trials, hunt tests, obedience trials, rally trials, agility trials, versatility tests, or other […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. California – AB 1648 would require anyone who has a city or county kennel license to also have an animal disaster preparedness plan.  As passed by the Assembly, there are no specific instructions or guidelines for what should […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. California – AB 1881 as introduced established a “Dog and Cat Bill of Rights”.  While the bill only required that the list be posted at shelters and rescues, AKC joined many organizations in expressing significant concerns about putting […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog! AGILITY Masters Agility Championship (MACH) MACH Racing On Arrows Edge MXB MJB MXF T2B2 owned by Nicole Shaffer of Colorado Springs, CO  In 2018, […]