This issue’s training tip is contributed by Courtney Holscher, a rehabilitation and acupuncture veterinarian in South Carolina. Courtney is also an agility competitor, who competes on AKC Agility League teams with the Palmetto Agility Club of the Upstate in South Carolina. Courtney currently competes with her All American Dog, Ella; Border Collie, Zinnia; and Miniature […]

We'd like to answer as many of your questions as we can before you attend, exhibit, or volunteer at AKC Meet the Breeds events! Whether you're coming as an attendee or participating as a volunteer, please find our most Frequently Asked Questions to help you get the information you need. I'm Attending AKC Meet the […]

One meaningful achievement that I am very proud of was the earning of my Master Title as a Junior Handler through the American Kennel Club (AKC) dog hunt tests. These hunt tests are designed to test and qualify dogs in a rigorous series of field exercises intended to demonstrate both the dog’s hunting ability and […]

"After the event, they were having practices, and one of the people running the event suggested I bring out Dino and see if he would chase the lure. I had absolutely no idea what Dino would do so I brought him out and he chased the lure partially around the big field." Phillips began seeking […]

In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were created and first awarded in 1999 to honor our best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our sport on a national […]

The following are the group designations that AKC breeds have been assigned. There are currently 205 breeds and 9 breeds with 21 varieties.  The varieties are by size, color or group.   The varieties are marked by **(Revised 3/10/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Sporting Group – 33 breeds"] Sporting Group Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, […]

Thirteen-year-old Halli was only 2 years old when the cute terrier mix joined her family, but the partnership that was meant to be almost did not happen, Halli’s mother Cathie Tyler recalls. Shelter staff felt that the scruffy little dog was too much dog for a mother with a young child and did not even […]

AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Elizabeth Sandling teaches therapy dog classes and is a long-time therapy team volunteer with her Shetland Sheepdogs, Sandy and Nivy. Here she gives owners some helpful tips on becoming a therapy dog team with their canine partner. Why Volunteer As a Therapy Dog Team: Therapy dogs provide affection, support, and comfort […]

Bruiser loves nothing better to run down a dock and fling himself off the edge into the water. His dock diving prowess has earned him numerous awards in the sport. “Bruiser is full of personality and is always ready to take on new challenges,” said his owner Pete Majerle of Peoria, AZ. Bruiser’s career in […]

Coach Crazy Horse CD RAE AX AXJ OF CGCA TKN owned by Lynn Wesselmann of St. Louis, MO It was love at first sight when Coach and Lynn met at the Humane Society of Missouri. He had been there over a month and from the way he was jumping and barking in his kennel, Lynn […]