When it comes to sports training, people oftentimes underestimate the drive and potential of giant dogs. I'm always thrilled when my three-and-half-year-old Newfoundland, Sirius, is able to break some stereotypes about what giant dogs can do, especially dogs that have a history of medical conditions. This March, just as the COVID-19 quarantine began, Sirius became […]

The first time Za'Ria Thomas took Kahlua paddle boarding, Kahlua was petrified. The Miniature American Shepherd has a thin undercoat, so the chilly California water quickly makes her cold. Unlike her 15-month-old brother, Whiskey, a true water dog who loves jumping off paddleboards and swimming, 20-month-old Kahlua likes to stay on the board and out […]

Teaching your dog to "read" is an advanced trick that will surprise and impress your friends and family. It's also a very low-impact trick, so it's appropriate for dogs who are young and still growing, senior dogs, or those who might have an orthopedic injury or health condition. Although dogs aren't going to learn the […]

If you ever find yourself seeking out the true meaning and personification of 'underdog,' the versatile Turbo should be right at the top of the list. This former South Carolina shelter All-American puppy, under the guidance of owner-handler Pam McKinney, of Mont Vernon, New Hampshire (population 2,300), hasn’t found an American Kennel Club sport he […]

Agility really is for any dog, and at the 2021 AKC National Agility Championship (NAC) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, dozens of rescue dogs showed up to prove it. In total, more than 1,000 dogs took place in the competition on March 26-29. Representing 100+ breeds, these dogs came from across the nation. For some dogs, Agility is more than […]

Dozens of rescued dogs competed at the National Agility Championship (NAC) March 15-17 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While some of them were All-American dogs, there were several rescued purebred dogs as well. Agility is open to all dogs, regardless of whether or not they are purebred. Any All-American dog can compete in Agility by registering as a […]

We are proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the AKC Canine Partners program. Beginning in 2010 as an enrollment program for mixed breeds and other dogs not eligible for AKC Purebred Registration, the program has since enrolled hundreds of thousands of canines. The total number of enrollments is over 420,000 as of June 2020 There were […]

Why register your dog with the AKC? It’s a question many people ask when they are bringing home a new puppy or grown dog. With the exception of those who have firmly set their sights on the conformation show ring and breeding the next generation of champions, the benefits of registration may not be obvious. […]

When you think of sports dynasties the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, New York Yankees and Alabama Crimson Tide certainly come to mind. But when you’re talking about dominance, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than the Labrador Retriever, America’s top dog for a record 30th consecutive year (2020). In a country where people’s tastes […]

We love our dogs, but that doesn't mean that potential buyers want to see said pets (or any evidence of them) when looking at a home they're thinking of buying. "Pets are either an attractive distraction, so cute they distract prospective buyers from looking at the real estate, or completely the opposite," says Diane Saatchi, […]