On the day we celebrate all things American, let’s remember that dogs have played a vital role in the formation of our national character. They occupy such a special place in our hearts that some states have designated particular breeds as local treasures. Here are five AKC breeds that are official state dogs. STATE DOG […]

If you run out of conversation topics with a dog lover, I suggest you ask, “What are your favorite dog books?” If you run out of conversation topics with a dog lover, I suggest you ask, “What are your favorite dog books?” There are of course the wonderful classic dog stories that are familiar to […]

Mental attitude plays an essential role in your physical response to stress and how you control your emotions. A positive attitude makes a great difference in you, and it can also mean a significant difference in your dog’s reaction to you and the show ring. While it is not possible to completely hide your nerves […]

Originally published in the AKC Gazette. Writing in 1667, Nicholas Cox describes small land spaniels of courageous mettle, “strong, lusty and nimble rangers, of active feet, wanton tails and busy nostrils”—still a good description of the Cocker Spaniel. A less flattering description was given in 1647 by the “Witch-Finder General,” whose dubious job it was […]

In order to confidently evaluate any dog, you must have experience and intimate knowledge of his breed. This should enable you to decide whether the dog is just a nice specimen or an outstanding example that should be used in an extensive breeding program. This background information stored in your own personal computer (your brain) […]

You have whelped your dream litter and watched over them amid numerous cups of coffee and several sleepless nights, and now they are almost 8 weeks old. By this age a pup will be looking like a miniature of what he or she will be as an adult. It is now time to decide which […]

On Wednesday, September 10, Elizabeth II surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria to become the longest-reigning monarch in British history—and that’s a ton of history! The 89-year-old Elizabeth set the record at 5:30 p.m. (BST) by having reigned for 23,226 days, 16 hours, and approximately 30 minutes. Around here, Elizabeth is best known as a true-blue […]

With his small size and rather plain brown coat, the Border Terrier might seem unassuming, but he’s got enough character for a canine 10 times his size. Originally developed in the border areas between England and Scotland, this diminutive but tough and hardy breed was used to hunt fox, otter, and vermin, and Borders of […]

Thanks to technological advances and a robust economy in the years following the second world war, the modern media took off like a rocket—and the Westminster Kennel Club dog show took off with it. Of course, the big event at Madison Square Garden had been America’s most prestigious dog show since it began in 1877. […]

Monday, March 30 Welsh Springer Spaniel Tuesday, March 31 Belgian Laekenois Wednesday, April 1 Ibizan Hound Thursday, April 2 Puli Friday April 3 Airedale Terrier Monday, April 6 Sloughi Tuesday, April 7 Affenpinscher Wednesday, April 8 Lagotto Romagnolo Thursday, April 9 Rottweiler Monday, April 13 Finnish Spitz Tuesday, April 14 Welsh Terrier Wednesday, April 15 […]