Breeders and puppy buyers are rightly concerned about the future health of their dogs, and since 1966 the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has worked to provide a means for breeders to improve their lines and to record health information about the dogs they breed. It began with efforts to limit hip dysplasia in a few […]

AKC Breeder Spotlight: Julia Heidbrink of Buggytown Bird Dogs Each month the American Kennel Club profiles breeders to hear how they got started, their breeding program, and their experience with AKC Marketplace. We recently spoke with Julia Heidbrink of Buggytown Bird Dogs. Julia started breeding German Shorthaired Pointers about 10 years ago and today she […]

How often you take your dog to the vet depends on their age, breed, lifestyle, and overall health. Here are some guidelines you can follow for most dogs.

Careful Breeding I am writing the column this time not as an individual who is experienced in the world of purebred dogs but as a layperson who lost a beloved pet. I recently lost my Doberman Pinscher, Amber, who was a family member to us. She lived with a Bulldog, two cats, and later two grandchildren […]

When you breed, keep a close eye on the puppies for unexpected issues that may need intervention and professional help. I had never had more than four puppies in a litter in my many years of breeding Japanese Chin, and then there was a litter of five. The dam had a C-section when she stopped having […]

Whether it’s learning pedigrees, wrapping your head around difficult breed standards, or staying on top of important medical issues that can adversely affect our beloved show dogs, achieving success in our sport demands that we remain lifelong students. We pore over a wealth of data and try to make the wisest, most objective decisions possible. […]

When kids go on a campaign to get a dog, they’re in it to win it. They’re not going to let up until they’re zooming around the back yard or curled up on a club chair with a furry four-legged fido. So you may come to realize that it’s time to add a canine to the […]

Why register your dog with the AKC? It’s a question many people ask when they are bringing home a new puppy or grown dog. With the exception of those who have firmly set their sights on the conformation show ring and breeding the next generation of champions, the benefits of registration may not be obvious. […]

AKC Breeder of Merit Kym Burch-Ryan has raised and shown Australian Shepherds since 1993. She lives on a 20-acre farm in Roxbury, Kansas. Her daughter Brandi shares her passion for the breed; she has shown Aussies since she was 8 years old. Kym’s younger daughter, Hadlei, is also now showing Aussies. AKC: How did you […]

Leslie Butler lives in northern Virginia where she breeds rough Collies. She started her kennel, Whitemoor Collies, in 2000. The kennel name is taken from her maiden name and the Celtic word for promontory, which is a moor (her family lives on one). The name honors her Celtic heritage as well as that of her […]