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Expert Advice: Safety
Choosing the Right Playpen for Your Dog
Although a dog playpen, also called an exercise pen or Xpen for dogs, may not be the first thing on your must-have list, this piece of equipment is surprisingly useful. Like a dog crate, they serve as a way to contain your dog. But unlike a crate, they give them plenty of space to move […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/playpens-for-dogs/
| July 14, 2020
![Shiba Inu sitting watching a heart-shaped treat held in a person's fingers.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/16115959/Shiba-Inu-sitting-watching-a-heart-shaped-treat-held-in-a-persons-fingers-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: General Nutrition
How to Choose the Right Treats for Your Dog
With so many choices out there, how do you choose the best dog treats for your pup? For most dogs, food rewards are the most convenient and effective way to influence your dog's behavior. Before choosing any dog treat, make sure to review the ingredients list. Always consult with a veterinarian if your dog has […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/best-dog-treats/
| October 16, 2019
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Expert Advice: Dog Sports
How to Get More Involved in Nose Work
There are many types of nose work for dogs, from scent work to various sports like tracking, earthdog, search and rescue, or barn hunt.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/akc-scent-work-nose-work-activities/
| January 18, 2019
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Expert Advice: Dog Gear & Accessories
Choosing the Right Dog Harness for Your Dog
Dog harnesses have loops that go around a dog's torso and the widest part of their neck. In addition to keeping dogs secure, a harness applies less...
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/choosing-the-right-dog-harness/
| July 3, 2024
![Lagotto Romagnolo puppy sitting on a path outdoors.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Lagotto-Romagnolo-puppy-sitting-on-a-path-outdoors-1-400x267.jpeg)
Expert Advice: Safety
Tips For Keeping Your Dog Safe This Summer
Summer is the time to have outdoor fun with our dogs. Longer walks in the park, ambitious hikes, beach days, or family travel—the sun is shining, and the outdoors is calling. But hot weather can also make us uncomfortable, and it poses special risks for dogs. From increased exposure to ticks and other insects to […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/summer-safety-tips-for-dogs/
| May 20, 2019
![Best of Breed: GCHB CH Tsarshadows Ragnar Lodbrok, Norwegian Buhund; Herding Group judging at the 2018 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, Orlando, FL.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/05094931/2018-ANC-Herding-Group-AKC_4690-David-Woo-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Conformation
A Bit on Bites: Judging Canine Dentition
Have you ever wondered why dog show judges look at the dog's teeth? What are they looking for when judging canine dentition?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/judging-canine-dentition/
| September 11, 2015
![Labrador retriever puppy wearing a harness being carried outdoors.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/26152316/Labrador-retriever-puppy-wearing-a-harness-being-carried-outdoors-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Puppy Information
How to Prepare Your Apartment for a New Puppy
You're bringing home your new puppy pretty soon. But while you're overjoyed, you've also never owned a puppy while living in an apartment, so you aren't sure what to expect. Don't worry — even in a small space or a rental, you can raise a happy and healthy puppy. By taking preventative measures and dedicating […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/prepare-apartment-for-new-puppy/
| November 16, 2021
Pages
Breed-Specific DNA Testing Recommendations
Test for what is recommended for your breed. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, and every dog receives results for all tests. However, not all […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/dna/dna-resource-center/akc-dna-health/breed-specific-dna-testing-recommendations/
| March 12, 2024
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Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
Leptospirosis Now Included in Canine Core Vaccine Recommendations
In a significant move, veterinary health authorities have updated the core vaccine recommendations for dogs to now include the leptospirosis vaccine. This update is particularly important for dog breeders, who play a crucial role in the health and well-being of future generations of dogs. The leptospirosis vaccine has been controversial for decades with stories of […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/announcing-updated-canine-core-vaccine-recommendations-leptospirosis-now-included/
| June 20, 2024
Sports & Events
Judges’ Study Guides
AKC Group Standards Download AKC approved breed standards by complete group for use on any portable electronic device. Sporting Hound Working Terrier Toy Non-Sporting Herding Misc. Judges Study Guide No single written guide is ever comprehensive enough to be the only learning tool utilized in preparation for judging a new breed. We urge you to […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/conformation/judging-information/judges-study-guides/
| June 27, 2024