Header photo courtesy of Nancy Bishop, AKC Breeder of Merit The decision to get a puppy is a big one. First, there's deciding what kind of puppy you want, choosing a breed, and then, finding a reputable and professional breeder to ensure you are getting the dog of your dreams. And finding the right breeder […]

Marie Eguro has been breeding Shetland Sheepdogs occasionally over the last 10 years.  She has trained, bred, and raised numerous Obedience trial champions, as well as numerous Best in Specialty Show winners, and Herding Group placers.  She is proud to be an AKC Breeder of Merit. Eguro talks about how going beyond the basics of […]

Coronavirus concerns did not dominate headlines when Beci Beasley boarded a plane for Canada in late January. Traveling with the North Carolina resident was her cherished Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Sunny, who had a long-awaited date with a carefully selected stud dog. “I had been waiting two years to do this breeding," Beasley said. "There […]

Beagles are known for their long ears, hunting skills, and happy-go-lucky attitude. But while they love companionship and are usually easygoing, their noses can get them into trouble. Before you bring home your first Beagle puppy, it's important to prepare.We talked to National Beagle Club Approved Mentor Lori Norman about major milestones for Beagles. Here's […]

German Shepherd Dogs are marked by their smarts, confidence, and unshakable bravery. While the breed is all of those powerful things, they are also graceful, gentle souls who can be a great match for the right family. Like with any pet though, it's important to fully understand a breed's specific needs and personality before bringing […]

Ever the charmer, a Shih Tzu puppy can be challenging to train. These loveable con artists live up to their name, meaning "Lion Dog." Shih Tzu respond best to training methods based on praise and rewards. For advice on training and expected milestones, we talked to Nancy Broz, owner of Jen-Mai Shih Tzu with over […]

Large and sturdy, Bernese Mountain Dogs are as beautiful as they are affectionate. Berners, as they're also called, live to please their owners. Their intelligence and gentle temperament make them easy to train. But Berners can be sensitive to harsh correction and don't do well with being left alone. That's why it's important to consider specific training […]

Puppy mouthing and play biting hurts, but with patient, consistency, and these expert tips you can teach your puppy not to mouth humans.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge III. This virtual conformation event is open to all AKC-recognized breeds and Miscellaneous class breeds. Best in Show and Best Puppy Michael Canalizo   Regular and Puppy Groups SPORTING Mr. Douglas A Johnson HOUND Mr. Eugene Blake […]

This article appears in the November/December issue of AKC Family Dog Magazine. If you tuned into the livestream of the AKC Agility League Championship, you may have spotted a spunky young Poodle in the novice class. Tribute jumped, weaved and tunneled with joy, and his handler Lyndsay Klemens looked just as happy to be running […]