All dog lovers know the healing power of a pup's hug, but Anne Ingalls Gillespie knows it better than most. As a pediatric oncology nurse, she’s spent her career caring for children with life-threatening conditions. Therapy dogs and their trained handlers work their magic all over the hospital where Gillespie works, Children’s Hospital Colorado, spreading […]

The distinctive traits of the Finnish Spitz are what make them good hunting dogs—and also outstanding therapy dogs. The Finnish Spitz is an insanely curious breed. They want to know everything. Each has his or her own way of finding out. Some are pushy and intrusive. Others are so subtle you’d think they’d rather be […]

By Connie VanacoreIn life there are many examples of the ingredients essential to succeeding at anything, and there are enough books on the topic to fill many libraries. However, there are specific elements that are crucial to success in the dog world, although these may apply elsewhere as well. Every team coach, no matter what […]

On the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina wreaking havoc in the southeastern United States, Seattle Times journalist Ranny Green reflects on his time in Louisiana on assignment with Noah's Wish, an organization that helps animals affected by natural disasters. -- It’s been decade since my life took a dramatic change and the Gulf Coast endured […]

  Any dog lover will say that life just seems better with a dog. Dogs keep us company, entertain us, comfort us, protect us, and seem to make life fuller and more complete. Who else is as happy to see you when you come home or is willing to binge-watch TV with you on a […]

The champion of the 2024 AKC National Championship has been crowned! The AKC National Championship took place on December 14-15 at the Orange Country...

Most of us can remember a special school teacher who had a profound influence on our lives during those formative years. In our lives breeding and showing dogs, a great mentor can have an equally powerful influence: teaching us, guiding us, and inspiring us. Talk to the iconic figures in our sport and they will […]

Your dog’s tongue is his stomach’s gatekeeper. By recognizing some foods as yum and others as yuck, it encourages him to eat high-calorie foods and discourages him from scarfing down poison. If you look in your dog’s mouth (and yours too) you’ll see lots of small bumps called papillae, each of which contains clusters of […]

41 legislatures and the District of Columbia are in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – SB 1462 mandates comprehensive, standardized training for Arizona animal control officers, focusing on legal and animal welfare topics. The bill missed legislative deadlines and will not advance this year. AKC monitored this […]

AKC Government Relations continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2022 Legislation Tracking map and click on “Federal Bills” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing on the federal level include:  U.S. Congress – […]