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![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
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/red-star-brt-400x267.jpeg)
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
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/trick-dog-puppies-all-400x267.png)
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
Expert Advice: Breeding Tips & Best Practices
Responsible Breeders Reach Out With a Positive Approach to Fight Anti-breeder Sentiment
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/responsible-breeders-reach-out-with-positive-approach/
| November 3, 2015
Expert Advice: Events
Rottweilers Show Off Their Herding Skills in Minnesota
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/rottweilers-show-off-their-herding-skills-in-minnesota/
| October 18, 2016
![nc-in-pictures-hero](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/nc-in-pictures-hero-1-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Events
AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin: A History in Pictures
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/akc-national-champ-history-pictures/
| November 15, 2017
![dog fancy](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/millennials-in-dog-fancy-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
New Kids on the Block: Millennials in the Dog Fancy Share Their Tips
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/dog-fancy-tips-millennials/
| April 17, 2018