You’re not supposed to pet the dogs you see working at airports around the country, but in your own home, the rules no longer apply. The Transportation Security Administration is seeking homes for its retired dogs, who have spent their lives working to keep air travel safe in the United States. Also in need of […]

The AKC presented the United States Capitol Police K-9 Unit with the AKC K-9 Officers Award on May 1. The award recognizes the special public service role of dogs that work for government agencies and the skills and partnerships the K-9 handlers have with their dogs. AKC President and CEO Dennis B. Sprung presented the […]

Many of us originally selected our breeds based on general appearance, compatible temperament, and acceptable grooming and exercise requirements. While we each remain staunchly faithful to our breeds of choice, the time may come when downsizing, for whatever reason, becomes a desired option. Perhaps it’s a move to smaller living space or the inability to […]

After a particularly rough day of competing in novice obedience with his chocolate Labrador Retriever, Bob Fullum, of Staten Island, New York, got out a pen and wrote three words: Never Give Up. He slipped the phrase into the armband number he was wearing for his dog, Hershey, and smiled into his eyes. “You're amazing, […]

Border Collie "Stardust" is a fierce freestyle, agility, and disc competitor at dog sporting events. But above all else, she's her hander's "heart dog."

For purposes of imposing a consistent format at dog shows, the AKC family of breeds is divided into seven groups. The hounds, terriers, and toy dogs each have their own group. The herding dogs that move livestock are grouped together, and so are the big working dogs that pull, protect, patrol, and do other heavy work. Likewise, sporting dogs, […]

Pam Blair of Home Grown Trilogy Labrador Retrievers & Golden Retrievers starts attention work and trick training before her puppies leave for their new homes. The Connecticut resident says her new owners are amazed when their pups can wave “hi” to them. She tells us how she makes it work: “Once the pups know I […]

Michael Delgado’s family thought they lost everything when powerful tornados roared through the town of Rowlett, Texas, the day after Christmas. Their home and most of their belongings were gone, but they still have something to be thankful for—their yellow Labrador Retriever, Sawyer, and Chihuahua-mix puppy, Lucy. Both survived, even after being buried in rubble […]

The AKC works with several non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC- registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog titling program and the AKC Search & Rescue title program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); and the […]

On the afternoon of May 1, “Rumor” (Grand Champion Lockenhaus' Rumor Has It V Kenlyn), the German Shepherd Dog who took Best in Show honors at both the 2017 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the 2015 AKC National Championship took a grand tour of the U.S. Capitol to raise awareness of purebred dogs and […]