As a dog trainer and an instructor for puppy socialization classes, I can’t help but notice that almost all of the purebred puppies I see (and many popular purposely-bred mixes) are not from good local breeders but were purchased through the Internet. It’s actually quite astonishing: On a whim, anyone can Google a breed, click […]

Cool temperatures prevailed and ready-to-harvest corn rattled in the wind as rolling thunder crossed the prairie: a field of Rottweilers converging on Del Seaman’s Chisago City, Minnesota, farm October 8 and 9 for the annual Northstar Rottweiler Club all-breed herding tests and trials.  A Rottie works sheep at the event with his owner. Judged by […]

The 2017 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday, December 16, and Sunday, December 17. Entering its 17th year, the National Championship has seen many historic firsts, memorable moments, and new attractions guaranteed to keep interest high among spectators and exhibitors […]

As all dog breeders know, you’re only as good as your latest generation. After all, those promising newbies are the ones on which you build your future. The sport of dogs is governed by the same principle: Newcomers in all venues — from conformation to obedience to agility, not to mention breeding — are vitally […]

Rory is a well-versed Collie with 12 titles in dog sports On his dam's side, Rory's litter represents 13 generations of Kaye's Chelsea Collies Give Rory, a sable and white Collie, the chance to compete in a dog sport, and he struts his athletic stuff with fluff and finesse. The 13th generation of AKC Champion […]

The 2019 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Dec. 14 and 15 had a record number of dogs in its 19th year. The competition began with 5,284 dogs each competing for best in their breed. Best in Group Best of Breed winners then advanced to compete in the group competitions. Each AKC-recognized breed falls […]

We all want what we can't have, and topping that wish list is a simple – if improbable – ask: Immortality, please. As no one has yet managed to live forever, the next best thing is keeping your legacy flickering long after your mortal candle has sputtered. This goal is often best accomplished with money […]

Nearly 1,000 puppies between six and 18 months competed to become the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy/Junior of the Year, held Dec. 11 in Orlando, Fla in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. CH Nauti Leighway Send More Boodles, a Havanese known as “Boodles” triumphed over all 931 dogs. “Boodles,” […]

  This Friday marks the release of the Warner Brothers/MGM film, Max, which follows a Belgian Malinois who works as a military dog. When his handler is killed in action in Afghanistan, the dog, stricken with post-traumatic stress disorder from the loss of his handler, returns to the United States to live with the soldier’s heartbroken […]

Whole books, not to mention thousands of web pages, are devoted to describing the minutiae that distinguish one breed from another. However, the official AKC breed standards are supposed to be the breeders’ blueprints, so I found myself wondering if we could recognize the distinct personality of the Belgian Malinois based solely on its description […]