Training Your Dog to Be a Therapy Dog The AKC GoodDog! Helpline receives frequent inquiries about how to train dogs for therapy work. GDH Trainer Christie Canfield conducts therapy visits with her dog and also teaches therapy dog classes. She tells us the “who, what, when and how” of making a therapy dog. Because of […]

At a recent dog show, a dog of another toy breed entered the ring, and he had a very obvious marking that his breed standard calls an “extremely serious fault.”  A very longtime breeder of this breed was showing him. What was the breeder thinking?  Was he making points? Was he hoping the judge didn’t […]

Do dog owners need to be concerned about frostbite? The simple answer is yes. Like humans, dogs can get frostbite. Frostbite is tissue damage that can occur in extreme cold. Dogs are at risk once the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Just like with humans, frostbite is a dog’s natural process where blood is […]

Newfoundland "Oakley" changed her owner's lives. Now that she's gone, what would their life after Oakley, a talented water rescue dog, look like?

He takes up all the room on the sofa, can knock you over with a hug, and eats more than the average teenager. And he also owns a huge part of your heart. So this holiday, give him toys, gear, and treats meant just for your super-sized canine BFF. Active Buddy Holiday Pack Whether it's […]

As an AKC Senior Breeder Field Representative, I have had the privilege of visiting many “state of the art” beautifully planned and designed functional kennels and/or homes. Regardless of the type of kennel, I have never been to a kennel that is “finished.” If the kennel was completed yesterday, today the breeder or kennel owner/operator […]

Having a dog is great. Renting an apartment with a dog can be another story. When you find a rental apartment or condo that accepts dogs, you will probably have to pay a pet deposit, and if you own a large dog, you might have to introduce your pet to your prospective landlord to show […]

Golden Retrievers are called "America's sweethearts" by some, and have been among the most popular breeds for decades. Learn more about Goldens Retrievers.

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

In May 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced new regulations regarding the importation of dogs and cats, causing considerable concern among breeders and pet owners. The changes, particularly the increase in the minimum import age for puppies, have raised questions about their impact on low-risk imports, especially for those participating […]