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Expert Advice: Fun Facts
Living Large: Raising an Irish Wolfhound Puppy
Are you considering getting an Irish Wolfhound puppy? If so, it’s certainly understandable. These sweet-tempered creatures have beguiled us since ancient times. Originally bred as fearless big-game hunters capable of dispatching a wolf in single combat, Wolfhounds today are the most serene and agreeable of companions for owners of all ages. But, with big dogs […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/living-large-raising-an-irish-wolfhound-puppy/
| December 30, 2015
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/2019/03/IMG_428522-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Breeding & Whelping
They All Look Alike! Tips for How to Identify Look-Alike Puppies
How on earth does a breeder distinguish look-alike puppies in a litter? In breeds that are all the same color, or have only slight color variations without unique markings, it can seem impossible. To track puppies’ growth and manage care, it’s critical to be able to tell them apart from each other. AKC asked these Breeders of Merit what they do to keep track of their babies. Oksana Fagenboym, Rocknrolla Poodles On new-born puppies, I […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/look-alike-tips-identifying-look-alike-puppies/
| March 13, 2019
Sports & Events
History
Warrior Ancestors Many canine historians believe that huge, fierce Molossian dogs, kept by the Ancient Greeks, were brought to British shores by Phoenician traders in the sixth century BC and became the ancestors of the early mastiff-type dogs. These canine giants were used as dogs of war. Julius Caesar, in his account of the Roman […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/field-events-hounds/coonhound/scenthound-history/
| October 26, 2017
![Mastiff laying down on a white background.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Mastiff-On-White-03-400x267.jpg)
Dog Breeds
Mastiff
The colossal Mastiff belongs to a canine clan as ancient as civilization itself. A massive, heavy-boned dog of courage and prodigious strength, the Mastiff is docile and dignified but also a formidable protector of those they hold dear.
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/mastiff/
| November 6, 2017
Expert Advice: Responsible Breeding
Responsible Breeding – The Evolution of Breeds
There are times when it makes sense for a breeder to stamp more than just a "thumbprint" of influence on a breed. Dogs are generally thought to have descended from wolves. Kim Campbell Thornton's recent article "Looking Back to the Beginning" (AKC GAZETTE, September 1999) describes research that has determined, through DNA sequences, that the […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/responsible-breeding-the-evolution-of-breeds/
| May 4, 2015
![Samoyed pulling a weighted cart](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Samoyed-Pulling-Weighted-Sled-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Fitness & Exercise
This Secret from the World’s Strongest Dogs Can Improve Your Dog’s Fitness
With a joyful bark and bound, Philo, a 5-year-old Samoyed, pressed his shoulders against his padded harness. Behind him, a cart loaded with gray concrete cinder blocks slowly moved forward, as his handler called out, “Work, work, work.” On that day, Philo pulled a load of more than 1,800 pounds—winning the event at Doggie U […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/secret-to-improve-fitness/
| August 21, 2015
![junior-showmanship-hero](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/junior-showmanship-hero-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
These 12 Juniors Are Taking the Conformation World by Storm!
Ever wonder how handlers get into conformation? Well, many of them start out in Junior Showmanship. And it turns out the kids have a lot to say! We chatted with 12 youngsters ranging from the ages of seven to 16 years at the annual Seattle Kennel Club (SKC) Dog Show at Centurylink Field on March […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/12-juniors-taking-conformation-world-by-storm/
| March 23, 2018
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/hound-group-third-ibizan-hound-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Built to Last: The Basics of Canine Conformation & Anatomy
While all dogs should have a basic soundness, their construction varies depending on breed and purpose. Understanding a dog's conformation requires looking at the canine from all angles. Even though there is nothing you can do to change your current dog's genetics, you can prevent injury and work on strengthening weak areas. Let's be honest: […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/basics-canine-conformation-anatomy/
| November 7, 2019
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/akc-national-championship-results-2019-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Events
2019 AKC National Championship Group Winners
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 […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/2019-akc-national-championship-group-winners/
| December 17, 2019