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Expert Advice: Conformation
Purebred Dogs: What is a Breed Standard?
About, 2,400 years before the founding of the AKC, Plato invented the dog show. Well, not really, but kind of. The great philosopher theorized that all things around us in the natural world—the chair I’m sitting in, the keyboard I’m typing on—are but imperfect versions of the ideal representations of these objects that dwell in a higher realm of consciousness. These […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/purebred-dog-breed-standard/
| May 26, 2021
![French Spaniel standing in profile in tall grasses.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/12160140/French-Spaniel-standing-in-profile-in-tall-grasses-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Health
Foxtails & Dogs: Why They’re Dangerous
“Mean seeds" refers to foxtails or any number of plants, including Canada wild rye and cheatgrass, that have barbed grass awns or seed heads. Dogs may pick up a grass awn on an ear, eye, mouth, nose, or between their toes – and an awn can even burrow directly into their skin. These plants and […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/foxtails-theyre-dangerous-dogs/
| May 25, 2021
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/American-Staffordshire-Terrier-laying-down-with-a-ball-outdoors-in-the-grass.20190811203127332-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Health
How Long Can You Keep Your Dog Outside?
How long can you keep your dog outside? Here we explore just how to determine when it's time to call your dog back inside after a day of outdoor fun.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-long-can-dogs-be-outside/
| May 25, 2021
Legislative Alerts
Hawaii: Petition Seeks Reopening of Oahu’s Parks for Dog Training
An online petition launched by the Hawaiian Agility Association, an AKC-licensed club, seeks to urge Mayor Rick Blangiardi to restart issuing permits for dog training activities in Oahu’s public parks. As we are all aware, COVID-19 shut down most public accommodations, including public parks. However, as vaccination rates have increased and infection rates have decreased, […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/hawaii-petition-seeks-reopening-oahus-parks-dog-training/
| May 25, 2021
![French Bulldog laying down on a towel at the beach.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/21135559/French-Bulldog-laying-down-on-a-towel-at-the-beach-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: General Health
Do Dogs Need Sunscreen?
Just like people, dogs are prone to sunburn and other diseases associated with UV exposure. Here's what you should know about dog sunscreen and dog sunburn.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/do-dogs-need-sunscreen/
| May 25, 2021
![Tibetan Mastiff head portrait outdoors.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Tibetan-Mastiff-head-portrait-outdoors-400x267.jpeg)
Expert Advice: General Health
Dog Drooling: When Is It Cause for Concern?
Does your dog produce an excessive amount of drool? It could be perfectly normal for the type of breed or it could be a sign of something more serious.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-do-dogs-drool/
| May 25, 2021
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/12104723/GordonSetterHist51-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Breed History
Gordon Setter History: From Bird Dog to Devoted Companion
Curious about Gordon Setter History? Learn about one of Scotland's oldest dog breeds, and how the four setter breeds differ.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/gordon-setter-history/
| May 25, 2021
![White-red-colored dog breed cavalier King Charles Spaniel, portrait, horizontal photo, against the background of natural greenery in a blur](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/english-toy-spaniel-outside-400x267.jpeg)
Expert Advice: Common Conditions
What Happens When a Dog Reverse Sneezes?
During a reverse sneeze, the dog will suddenly stand still, extend its head, and produce a loud snorting sound. Here's why your dog reverse sneezes.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/what-happens-when-a-dog-reverse-sneezes/
| May 25, 2021
![Golden Retriever rolling over playing with her litter of puppies outdoors.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Golden-Retriever-rolling-over-playing-with-her-litter-of-puppies-outdoors-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
Average Litter Sizes: How Many Dogs Are Born in a Litter?
A normal litter size can range from 1 to 12 puppies, with 5-6 puppies being average across all dogs. But just as every breed of dog differs by size, function, and personality, they also differ when it comes to litter size, according to AKC registration data. Big dogs tend to have larger litters while small […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/average-litter-size/
| May 24, 2021
![Playful orange havanese dog is running with a pink ball in his mouth in a spring garden](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Havanese-playing-fetch-with-a-ball-outdoors-400x267.jpeg)
Expert Advice: Training
Empower Your Dog by Offering Them More Choices and Autonomy
There are many simple opportunities for us as dog owners to offer our dogs more freedom and control over their choices to help them be happier.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/offer-dog-more-choices-and-autonomy/
| May 24, 2021