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Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Built to Last: The Basics of Canine Conformation & Anatomy
While all dogs should have a basic soundness, their construction varies depending on breed and purpose. Understanding a dog's conformation requires looking at the canine from all angles. Even though there is nothing you can do to change your current dog's genetics, you can prevent injury and work on strengthening weak areas. Let's be honest: […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/basics-canine-conformation-anatomy/
| November 7, 2019
![Senior Golden Retriever sleeping at home in the sunlight.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Senior-Golden-Retriever-sleeping-at-home-in-the-sunlight.20190811222318215-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Senior Dog Health
Too Much Sleep: Is There Such a Thing for Senior Dogs?
Your dog's sleeping habits may begin to change as he or she ages Sleeping more is (usually) very normal for senior dogs, although there can sometimes be reason to worry Pay attention to your dog's behavior — changes in sleep cycles may be an indication of possible disease If you have a senior dog at […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/too-much-sleep-is-there-such-a-thing-for-senior-dogs/
| September 12, 2019
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Expert Advice: General Health
How to Tell If Your Dog Is in Shape Or Overweight
If your pooch is looking a bit more pudgy than usual, it's actually quite common. The battle of the bulge isn't just something people face — so do pets. In fact, according to a 2018 survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 55.8 percent of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. And […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-tell-if-your-dog-is-fat/
| August 7, 2019
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Expert Advice: Grooming
Top 7 Best Pet Massage Tools for Dogs
Looking for the best pet massage tools? It's no secret that pets, like many humans, love a massage. And as with people, the feel-good benefits of a massage can have a meaningful impact on overall mental and physical health. It's true, a massage can help your dog by reducing stress, anxiety, and aches and pains, […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/best-pet-massage-tools/
| July 29, 2019
![Cane Corso outdoors, head facing right.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Cane-Corso-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
No Puppies? A Look at Causes of Infertility in Male Dogs
When breeding dogs, there are factors in both the bitch and the dog that can affect fertility and conception. In the June issue, we discussed the factors that can cause decreased fertility and pregnancy concerns in the bitch. In this article, we will focus on infertility in the dog and what can be done to help minimize these […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/no-puppies-look-causes-infertility-male-dogs/
| July 15, 2019
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Expert Advice: Common Conditions
Dog Obesity: Why It’s Important To Manage Your Dog’s Weight
Plump puppies may be cute, but when it comes to canine health, lean is better. Still, as is true with humans, too many dogs are overweight, according to the Association For Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). In its eighth annual survey of the girth of American pets, released in March 2015, the organization found that 53 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/fat-dogs-and-dog-obesity/
| January 22, 2019
![German Wirehaired Pointer getting attention.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/10122453/German-Wirehaired-Pointer-getting-attention-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Why does my dog...
Why Do Dogs Duck When You Pat Them on the Head?
Many dogs dislike being pat on the head, and there's reason behind it. Direct eye contact and looming over a dogs is considered a threat to them.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/dog-ducks-when-pat-head/
| January 18, 2019
![Shiba Inu eating from a stainless steel bowl in the living room.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/05103132/Shiba-Inu-eating-from-a-stainless-steel-bowl-in-the-living-room-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Fitness & Exercise
Getting the Overweight Dog in Shape
An important aspect of being a responsible dog owner is being sure your dog is in shape. No matter how cute an overweight dog is, they could still be at risk for health problems. Certain breeds will be affected more than others by even the slightest weight gain, so it’s important to maintain your dog’s […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/getting-the-overweight-dog-in-shape/
| January 14, 2019
Expert Advice: Fitness & Exercise
Is Swimming Therapeutic for Senior Dogs?
Swimming is often recommended as a low-impact exercise for older individuals who are looking to stay active. But is it also therapeutic for senior dogs?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/swimming-senior-dogs/
| July 5, 2018
Press Releases
The American Kennel Club Awards Two Noble Canine Heroes with 2018 AKC Paw of Courage
The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is proud to announce the recipients of the second set of 2018 AKC Paw of CourageSM awards to show appreciation for the working canines that put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. This […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-awards-two-noble-canine-heroes-2018-akc-paw-courage/
| May 15, 2018