Long before smushface" and "wigglebutt" became the ubiquitous dog monikers, these seven breeds were given nicknames crafted specifically for them.  the Clown Prince of Dogs At various times devotees of at least a dozen different breeds have claimed this title for their dogs. But to our knowledge only one group of fanciers has incorporated canine clowning […]

We often hear dog shows accused of being nothing but “beauty contests.” In reality, they’re organized more like job fairs. At AKC shows, dogs are exhibited in seven groups organized by the original work the breeds were created to do. The dog judged best in each group becomes one of the final seven to vie […]

Dogs that can be considered of medium size can be found in most of the AKC’s seven groups. Whether it’s the energetic Shetland Sheepdog, the sporty spaniels, or the laid back Bulldog, there is a range of temperament and appearance within this size category. When considering getting a dog, size is a factor, but only […]

Big dogs equal big love and loyalty. Here are the large dog breeds that earn their place at the top of the size chart. Most people will know the Great Dane but what about the lovely Leonberger? When considering getting a dog, size is a factor, but only one of them. The dog’s personality, activity […]

Just how humans have first and last names, dogs registered with the AKC have two names as well but it works a little differently. Every registered dog will have its official name and what is known as a "call name," which is what you call them when you're playing with them in the backyard. So […]

Pup Culture, By Bud Boccone   George Plimpton was an all-around man of letters, known to literary types as editor of the little-read but highly influential Paris Review. But in the 1960s and ’70s, he became an unlikely celebrity as a pioneer in the field of “participatory journalism,” in which a writer tries his hand […]

When Brushing Your Shedding Dog, Use the Right Tool It's only logical that if you get to your dog’s hair before it falls out, it won't end up on your clothes, your furniture, your pillow, or your dinner plate. That means you need to brush -- sometimes weekly, sometimes a few times a week, and […]

ASK AKC  Dear AKC: We just had our 11-month-old English Springer Spaniel trimmed. My husband and I are of a different opinion because our girl actively walks two miles a day in a reserve, walking into mud puddles and the river bed, but usually comes home clean (thanks to the Orvis 'sling' in our Explorer) and […]

Ask AKC  Dear AKC: Can you please tell me the low and high weight of a male Golden Retriever that is 2 1/2 years old? What should his weight be? -- Tipping the Scales Dear Tipping: According to the Golden Retriever Club of America, which publishes the breed standard (a written document which describes an […]

“My dog comes to me when we’re at home, but at the park, it’s like I’m not even there!” Could you say this about your dog? A reliable recall, or “come when called,” might be the most important thing to teach your dog. It can also be hard to teach, usually because we unwittingly sabotage […]