Bergamasco (AKC recognition January 1, 2015) The breed’s traffic-stopping dreadlocks are called flocks. (For the Puli and Komondor, they’re called cords.) The flocks begin to form naturally, but during the first year, owners have to be vigilant about separating the mats. Once grown, they’re easy to maintain. At the AKC’s 2015 Meet The Breeds, the Bergamasco […]

An accomplished hunting dog and adorable companion, how can you not love the Dachshund? These are small dogs with big personalities and they won't let you forget it. These dogs are curious and friendly, yet still manage to maintain a sense of spunkiness. Here are nine photos of the "badger dog" that will make you […]

Loving, loyal, and an amazing companion, there's more to Rottweilers than you might think. In fact, they're the 9th most popular dog breed in America. They may seem shy as first, but once they know you are family, they'll warm up rather quickly. If you're a Rottweiler owner, you'll know these 13 images all too […]

  It’s a bird, it’s a plane… it’s a… sprinting Corgi? You heard us right. On Aug. 6, Emerald Downs in Auburn, WA hosted the first ever Corgi Races. In total, there were four heats culminating in a final championship race with one spirited Corgi taking home the trophy. Over 12,000 riveted spectators viewed the […]

After much coaxing from a friend, a Greenwich Village antiques dealer reluctantly agreed to attend the Westminster Kennel Club show. If on that cold day in 1920 the antiques dealer had been more adamant or the friend less persuasive, a great career in dogs might never have been. “It was my first show and I […]

Before you go out walking your favorite pooch this spring, brush up on his loose leash walking skills! If you're like most pet owners, leashed walks are few and far between in the winter when it's cold and the daylight hours are short. Try these games to remind your dog of his job on walks—to […]

If you happen to be an animal lover, you've most likely thought about how incredible it would be to get the chance to work with animals on a daily basis. A career as an veterinary technician (also known as an vet nurse) could very well be the job you're looking for. You will have the […]

Growing up with a Golden Retriever, I remember hearing people explain that the black spot on his tongue was the result of Chow Chow bloodlines somewhere in his breeding. Like most kids, I believed what I heard, but it turns out that black spots on a dog’s tongue have a much simpler explanation than an […]

  As active breeder-exhibitors, much of our lives are tied up in numbers. Progesterone testing. Gestation periods. Keeping track of puppy weight gain. AKC registration numbers. Tabulating majors and point totals as we show our next generation of young hopefuls. One of the most important numbers we must keep in mind at all times is […]

  You’re a successful breeder-exhibitor who’s been involved in the sport for 30 years, with scores of homebred champions to your credit. You have held positions on your parent club’s board and are a respected judge of your breed. One day, you receive an email from an up-and-coming fancier whom you’ve met once or twice, […]