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Expert Advice: AKC Family Dog
Why Are Some People Afraid of Black Dogs?
I’ll bet if you asked most people “Which animal do you commonly associate with bad luck?” a frequent response you’ll get is “a cat.” Legend has it that if your path is crossed by a black cat, that is a sign of misfortune. In folklore, witches often take the form of black cats while carrying […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/family-dog/fear-of-black-dogs/
| October 15, 2018
Expert Advice: Breeding & Whelping
Infertility in the Bitch CHF and Zoetis Podcast Reproduction Series
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and our corporate alliance, Zoetis, are pleased to bring you the fifth installment in a podcast series devoted to canine reproduction education for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians. In this podcast we are discussing infertility in the bitch, with reproductive specialist Dr. Cheryl Lopate of Wilsonville Veterinary Clinic in […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/infertility-in-the-bitch-chf-and-zoetis-podcast-reproduction-series/
| January 1, 2009
Expert Advice: Health
How Long Do Dogs Live?
Humans have much longer lifespans than dogs. This is a basic fact of dog ownership and one that many owners struggle with when the time comes to say goodbye. While we may wish our dogs could live forever, knowing how long dogs live helps prepare us for their needs as seniors, ensuring that we give […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-long-do-dogs-live/
| July 14, 2016
Expert Advice: Common Conditions
What Every Dog Owner Should Know About Parvovirus
Parvo is every new puppy and dog owner’s worst nightmare. In a matter of days, a perfectly healthy puppy can go from playful and active to fatally ill. Parvo in dogs is a preventable disease, however, all new puppy owners and breeders need to be aware of the risks of parvo, how to prevent it, […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/parvo-in-dogs/
| March 29, 2017
![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
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/beauceron-vs-doberman-400x267.png)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Beauceron vs. Doberman: How to Tell the Difference
You are no doubt familiar with the Doberman Pinscher. After all, they are very popular. Dobermans are distinguished and powerful with a keen intellect, and you might think their size, strength, and markings make them one of a kind. But there is a like-sized, equally powerful, and similarly attractive breed you might mistake for the […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/beauceron-vs-doberman/
| May 19, 2021
Press Releases
2021 National Owner-Handled Series & National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes Judging Panels Now Available
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2021 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2021-national-owner-handled-series-national-breed-puppy-junior-stakes-judging-panels-now-available/
| May 18, 2021
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Expert Advice: Breed History
Black Russian Terrier History: Meet the Soviet Superdog
Necessity is the mother of invention, the saying goes. And no dog illustrates that better than the Black Russian Terrier. This relatively new breed – barely two decades in the making – was developed after World War II, when Europe was divided into two geopolitical spheres: the Western bloc led by the United States and […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/black-russian-terrier-history-soviet-superdog/
| May 4, 2021
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Expert Advice: Training
Any Dog Earn a Virtual Trick Dog Title — Even Puppies!
Editor's Note: Beginning June 1, 2020, dogs under the age of four months may not receive a title for AKC Trick Dog or Canine Good Citizen in order to emphasize AKC STAR Puppy and socialization. Once puppies reach four months old, they are free to participate in Trick Dog! What's a dog to do while waiting […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/any-dog-earn-a-virtual-trick-dog-title-even-puppies/
| May 8, 2020
Expert Advice: News
Dogs Heel, Stay, and Wag Tails at Twin Ports Obedience and Rally Trials
A tail-wagging crowd of well-trained dogs showed their skills at the Twin Ports Dog Training Club’s three days of AKC rally and obedience trials at the Four Seasons Event Center in Carlton, Minnesota, Friday through Saturday, July 10–12. The fun began on Thursday evening, with “5 for 5” run-throughs, a casual get-together where owners can get in some […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/twin-ports-obedience-and-rally-trials/
| July 14, 2015