The word kennel is believed to have originated in France to describe a pack of hounds and their housing. Today, it describes the most important environment in any breeder’s home. Once primitive man hooked up with dogs in a permanent ongoing relationship, the two learned to live together. Over the centuries, man began to construct […]

While the benefits of pet ownership far outweigh the costs, every responsible dog owner should know that along with love and companionship comes financial responsibility. In today’s challenging economic times it pays to save wherever you can. But saving money doesn’t mean you need to skimp on your pet. The AKC offers the following preventative […]

The final article in this series covers the nutritional needs of the dam during peak lactation and weaning. In this series of articles, we have been exploring the unique nutritional needs of the reproducing bitch. It is important to realize that even after the bitch has whelped a beautiful litter of healthy, growing pups that […]

  The dog paddle may seem like it comes naturally to dogs – and for some it does – but even the best swimmers need some training. The American Kennel Club (AKC®) helps dog owners teach their four-legged friends how to swim and be safe around the pool so they can beat the summer heat […]

  Purebred dogs are purpose-bred dogs and come in all shapes and sizes. The characteristics that make each of these dogs unique also help them perform the function for which they were bred. The physical appearance of the dogs illustrates this, and is also an important part of the breed’s history. For example, the thick […]

-- Recipients Include a Dog that Beat Death to Become a Local Hero and a Pomeranian Raising Awareness for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention -- The AKC® Humane Fund announced the winners of the 12th annual AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE), which commemorates five loyal, hard-working dogs that have made significant contributions […]

Make sure your dog’s keen senses are at their best by keeping up with daily maintenance. Here’s how: Eyes Next time Fido gives you his trademark look of love, check to be sure that his eyes are clean and healthy: They should be bright and clear, and the white of the eye should be pure […]

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and our corporate alliance, Zoetis, are pleased to bring you the fifth installment in a podcast series devoted to canine reproduction education for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians. In this podcast we are discussing infertility in the bitch, with reproductive specialist Dr. Cheryl Lopate of Wilsonville Veterinary Clinic in […]

Our pets can't talk so it's difficult to know when they're feeling under the weather. If you're paying attention to your dog and watching for the more obvious signs of illness (not eating, not drinking, lethargy), you're already doing one thing right. But also watch for these five subtle signs of a possible medical issue:He’s got […]

Woofipedia recently ran an article on old dogs, and some readers responded that one of the biggest age-related challenges is dealing with a dog who has gone blind. There are many reasons why dogs lose vision—infections, retinal detachment, accidents, genetic conditions, and disease. In the elderly, glaucoma and cataracts are among the most common causes. Blindness is […]