We can help to educate prospective owners before they get a new puppy or dog—likewise, breeders can be educated too about ways they can properly screen their buyers. We must help spread the word to the public about responsible dog ownership—and that message includes educating people about the homework that should be done before they […]

AKC Breeder of Merit Oksana Fagenboym, of Rock ’n Rolla Poodles, was born in Ukraine and has lived with dogs all her life. As a little girl, she picked up puppies and kittens from the street and brought them home. Unfortunately, her family could not keep them because they lived in a hostel. So, they […]

Laurie Green has been breeding English Springer Spaniels for 40 years and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens for six. She adores these people-loving dogs.

ASK AKC  All dog owners need expert advice from time to time to meet the challenges of caring for their canines. The American Kennel Club aims to provide you and your purebred dog with the help you asked for. Dear AKC: I'm a 12-year-old-girl and I want to get a dog, but my dad won't […]

The stakes have never been cuter. Today, more than 1,200 puppies and junior dogs competed to earn the title of AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy/Juniorof the Year. As you can imagine, it was adorable, fun, and great experience for puppies and handlers alike. Ultimately, one puppy came out on top. GCH CH Unity's Maid […]

By Marcia Woodard Our 2013 litter of Basenjis—two boys, two girls—was our first in 17 years, because it took that long for the memory of the hard work involved in whelping and raising a litter to fade, and for the excitement and anticipation to take over. The two girls—Lani and Lili—live large with us. In […]

Most quality breeders sell their puppies with contracts in regard to breeding, showing, and good management. The AKC allows breeders to limit registration so that certain pups may not be shown and any puppies subsequently bred from them may not be registered. That can be later changed by option of the breeder petitioning AKC, and this […]

If you have made the decision to breed your bitch, congratulations, welcome… and take a deep breath! You are about to embark on an ambitious, demanding pursuit. It requires time, study, hard work and emotional fortitude. Here's everything you need to know about preparing for your first litter. First Things First Because your puppy buyers […]

Each year, the American Kennel Club and Theriogenology Foundation hold a series of seminars geared toward educating breeders, members of the veterinary community or anyone interested in dog breeding, about healthy breeding practices including the latest research in canine reproduction. The AKC Breeder of Excellence Symposiums are held at multiple locations nationwide throughout the year […]

Meet OTCH Sophie Sparkle Gypsy All the dogs in the shelter clamored to be seen – barking and jumping against their kennel doors. But Julie Kirkland kept coming back to the dog that seemed more interested in watching than getting attention. “As my husband and I were walking through the facility looking at the adoptable […]