Breeders and handlers are a study in contrasts. Breeders are big-picture and behind-the-scenes, planning and studying for the future. Handlers, meanwhile,  are front and center, focused on the competition at hand and those split-second moments that can make or break a win. And of course, we all know what dog owners do. Sometimes, those three […]

What are the most popular dog supplements, and how might they help your pet's health? Learn more about dog supplements and their purposes.

Barbara Lundy owns Patchwork Pet Resort in Marshall, Texas. She has traveled the world showing her champion Bedlington Terriers, but her true love is the Bichon Frise. She has spent her career caring, grooming, training, showing, boarding and breeding four-legged furry children. AKC: How did you get started in breeding dogs? Barbara: I began working with German Shepherds when I was 9 years old. My […]

When you bring a puppy home, you usually know their birthday and exact age. However, estimating the age of a dog rescued from a shelter can be difficult. Why does knowing your dog's age matter? "The reason it's important to estimate your dog's age is that age influences so many aspects of your dog's quality […]

Green-lipped mussels (GLMs) might be something you have never heard of, or sound like something you could order at your favorite seafood restaurant. But these unique shellfish are a type of mollusk found off the coast of New Zealand that is packed with nutrients. So, how could they help our dogs who suffer from joint […]

It's completely natural for humans to hug somebody to express affection. Just as natural as dogs sniffing rear ends to say hello. Of course, people don't share dogs' love of sniffing behinds or human crotches. And to the same degree, dogs don't share our love of hugs. We speak different languages and use different behaviors […]

Wondering how to groom a Standard Poodle? Here's everything you need to know about caring for your Poodle's coat, skin, nails, and more.

When we first began our individual journeys in the sport of dog breeding and showing, we did so with the highest of ideals, hoping not only to succeed, but also to make worthwhile contributions to our breed and the fancy. Along the way, we meet those who are prepared to cut corners and do what’s expedient, if not in the […]

Senior dogs face many health problems such as arthritis and cognitive decline, but cancer is, unfortunately, one of the most common. Although one in four dogs will develop cancer at some point in their life, this disease will strike almost half of all dogs over the age of 10. According to the Veterinary Cancer Society, it's the leading cause of death in […]

All AKC DNA + Health Kits include the original 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes, as well as over 328 genetic variants for health and traits. Download a pdf of all included tests Health Tests Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS, SN) This genetic variant is associated with an inherited neurological disease characterized by […]