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![Australian Shepherds were bred to be herding dogs. Even as puppies, the breed exhibits the desire to herd and guard.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Three-Australian-Shepherd-puppies-sitting-in-a-field-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Preparing for Puppy
What Is ‘Pet-Quality’? The Difference Between Show Dogs & Pet Puppies
Among inexperienced dog seekers, one question looms early in the process of finding that perfect puppy. Pet or show dog? This is an inquiry often asked by breeders, but you may find yourself wondering, "how should I know?" Of course, every puppy will fulfill that first category as a loyal companion. And hopefully, they'll be […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/difference-between-show-dogs-and-pet-puppies/
| April 15, 2021
![Closeup of healthy Golden Retriever puppy on examination table at vet's office. The dog is happy and eager to go home. One of the vet's is holding the dog while the other is in background, using a microscope,](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/GettyImages-589118396-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Puppy Health
What to Expect at Your Puppy’s First Vet Visit
Finally, it’s the exciting day you’ve been anticipating for months, maybe even years. Your new puppy is ready to come home with you. You’ve gotten your crate, food, and other supplies, you’ve chosen a place for training and socialization, and you’re ready to start an amazing adventure with a little ball of fluff who is […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/puppys-first-vet-visit/
| August 5, 2022
![two puppies cause mess in house](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/puppy-proofing-your-house-and-yard-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Preparing for Puppy
Puppy-Proofing Tips for Your Home And Yard
Congratulations! You’ve taken the plunge and joined the exciting and sometimes chaotic world of dog ownership. By now, you’ve probably done some research and have an understanding of how to care for your new puppy. Your house is going to be the place where your dog spends the majority of their life, so it’s vitally […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/puppy-proofing-tips-for-your-home-and-yard/
| March 24, 2023
![Otterhound puppy chewing on a treat in the grass.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/23152732/Otterhound-puppy-chewing-on-a-treat-in-the-grass-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
10 Reasons I’m Going to Buy a Purebred Dog
Responsible purebred breeders help ensure their puppies will grow into happy, healthy dogs. Here are just 10 of the reasons why I'll be buying a purebred puppy. Once I begin looking for a puppy of my own, AKC Marketplace will connect me with a responsible dog breeder who loves their dogs like family. The breeder […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/10-reasons-im-going-to-buy-a-purebred-dog/
| January 13, 2020
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/trick-dog-competition-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Trick Dog 101: What to Know
Any dog can learn and perfect new tricks, and trick training is becoming more popular with both pet owners and experienced dog sports competitors. AKC Trick Dog is a great way to bond with your dog and provide your pet with mental and physical exercise.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/trick-dog-101-what-to-know/
| May 23, 2023
![Samoyed mother running in the snow with her puppy.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/25100954/Samoyed-mother-running-in-the-snow-with-her-puppy-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Smiling Samoyed
Samoyeds are among the world’s most ancient dog breeds, with a history stretching back more than 5,000 years. Here are 10 Samoyed fun facts that you probably didn't know. 1. The Samoyed Has a Long History As the last Ice Age disappeared, wild reindeer became the key source of food for people living across northern […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/10-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-the-smiling-samoyed/
| October 26, 2016
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Gunther_Girl1-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Advanced Training
Crisis Response Canines Bring Comfort to El Paso & Dayton
On August 3 and 4, America fell victim to two unspeakable mass shootings: One in a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, which claimed 22 lives, and a second on a lively street in Dayton, Ohio, which took nine lives. When news of the tragedies hit, John Hunt and his young Rottweiler Gunther got on a plane […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/crisis-response-dogs-bring-comfort-el-paso-dayton/
| August 12, 2019
![French Bulldog sitting on the couch home alone.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/19194159/French-Bulldog-sitting-on-the-couch-home-alone-400x267.jpeg)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2022
The AKC uses registration data to collect the most popular breeds of the past year, and for the first time in history, the French Bulldog takes the #1 spot
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/most-popular-dog-breeds-2022/
| March 15, 2023
Clubs & Delegates
State Issues May 2023
News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – SB 2 seeks to prohibit inmates from participating in training of dogs for tracking humans. AKC is monitoring this legislation, which was assigned to the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee. Alabama – SB 242 seeks to remove the […]
https://www.akc.org/clubs-delegates/government-relations/newsletters/taking-command/state-issues-may-2023/
| May 22, 2023
Clubs & Delegates
What’s New in GR May 2023
The Westminster Kennel Club show was held last week at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and televised to millions of dog lovers around the World. The show ring is one of the few places where an expert can judge a dog, based on its written breed standard, of how capable it is […]
https://www.akc.org/clubs-delegates/government-relations/newsletters/taking-command/whats-new-gr-may-2023/
| May 22, 2023