Looking at these ragamuffin little dogs, you have to ask yourself, why on earth would anyone consider a Löwchen? They have a funny clip, which certainly defines the breed and which we, as breeders, love—but to the general public who keep them in a typical puppy clip, they really don’t look like what people […]

This week the North Carolina General Assembly approved the state budget for next year.  Previous versions of the budget had included items of significant concern to the AKC, such as a transfer of the animal welfare budget and oversight away from the Department of Agriculture.  Another version included a tax on veterinary services.  Neither of […]

Four decades ago, when I first became interested in Lhasa Apsos, I sought out experienced breeders and exhibitors whose dogs I admired and who were willing to share information. They shared their time and knowledge and answered my endless questions, and I learned from watching and listening. There were far fewer dog shows per year […]

I’m not a fan of country music, but as I begin writing this column, from the radio in the next room the song “The Gambler” is crooning, “The secret to survivin’ is knowing what to throw away, and knowing what to keep.” Choosing a brood bitch is a bit of a gamble. Whether acquiring your […]

Officials in Kansas City, Missouri, are seeking input from residents on what they think could improve the city’s animal control laws. The city has set up a website with a message board to comment on things that are working in the law, and constructive suggestions for changes.  This is a great opportunity for those who […]

Every holiday season, our family gathers for a celebration between Christmas and New Year. Several of our young grandchildren are between the ages of 5 and 8. In wintertime in Western Pennsylvania, a fire is often started in the fireplace during the late afternoon or evening hours. The young ones ask how a fire is […]

  Finding a quality Golden Retriever puppy can be a daunting task. Experienced Golden owners will agree on the two most important elements in searching for a pup: a reputable breeder, and a quality pedigree. Good breeders understand the importance of pedigree. They select their breeding stock using dogs with parents, grandparents, and other ancestors who […]

How did you start breeding Old English Sheepdogs? Michaelanne: The OES was my dream dog as a young girl. When Doug and I got married, I was looking at ads for houses and there was an ad for Old English Sheepdog puppies for sale. We went to see them—just to look—and Doug purchased my first […]

California’s Coolest ClusterOn the July 4 holiday weekend, with temperatures ranging between a high of 75 degrees and a low of 61 degrees, the El Camino Real Summerfest cluster of dog shows and obedience and rally trials made good on its promise as “California’s Coolest Cluster.” Beautiful Seaside Park in Ventura is the perfect venue for one […]

  You didn’t want your lowlife cousin to come to the party, but he came uninvited with your sister. Dog breeding can be like that. Some relatives can’t be avoided. Genotype, the genetic makeup of a dog, involves the extended family. My mentors taught me that linebreeding, the practice of breeding dogs who are somewhat […]