As you work up a sweat with your huge, loose-jointed Mastiff puppy, trying to hold up his mid-section while keeping all four of his feet pointed in the same direction, it’s not surprising you’ll watch the Doberman Pinscher handler with a touch of envy. The Dobe glides around the ring, head held high, then nails […]

Ever heard the word spitz to describe a dog? Learn about these fascinating breeds, which are characterized by their wolf-like appearance.

If modern dogs were required to have resumés, most would list their job description as “companion." But from the badger-battling Dachshund to the sled-pulling Alaskan Malamute, dogs' bodies – not to mention their brains – still reflect the original purposes for which they were bred. Indeed, dog breeds display a tremendous variety of not just […]

You likely know about the dangers of leaving your dog unattended in a hot car. But, what about when it's cold outside? While you might think it's safe to park your pet during the winter months, the potential for harm, while not as high as in the summer, is still substantial. Your dog may enjoy […]

When you think of sled dogs, your mind may go straight to the legendary dog races, such as the Iditarod, in which teams of beautiful huskies pull mushers (the sport's term for the sled drivers) through ice and snow. It's a stunning thing to watch, but there's much more to sled dogs' history than just […]

Finding the right dog match for you from 202 breeds can be daunting. That's one of the best reasons to attend AKC Meet the Breeds!

In the winter of 1925, a deadly outbreak of diphtheria in the remote port of Nome, Alaska, threatened the lives of the 10,000-plus living in the area. Children were especially at risk, and Nome’s isolation created a nightmare scenario. An antitoxin was located, but the nearest point which the serum could reach by rail was […]

When it comes to the dog sports of AKC Rally® and Obedience, both are thrilling sights to behold. Obedience is like a silent, choreographed routine in which the dogs show a willingness and enjoyment to be working with their handlers, who use very few verbal commands, creating a rather awe-inspiring presentation. Though many dogs have […]

Dog Breed Health Testing Requirements Listed below are all AKC breeds and their health testing requirements. A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z Affenpinscher Ophthalmologist Evaluation Patella Evaluation Afghan Hound Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Thyroid Evaluation Airedale Terrier Hip Evaluation Cardiac Exam Renal Disease DNA Test Ophthalmologist Evaluation Akita Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Alaskan Malamute Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Polyneuropathy DNA test American […]

Test for what is recommended for your breed. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, and every dog receives results for all tests. However, not all […]