It’s September, and everyone is in back-to-school mode. Are you looking to get your pup involved in a few extracurriculars? Here are some suggestions for ways you can become further ingrained in the dog community, either through your breed club or another organization. Handling classes are always in demand. Many new owners are embracing the […]

For Picks of The Litter, a regular book review series, Ranny Green critiques “K9-5: New York Dogs at Work" featuring photographs by Michelle Rose (Pointed Leaf Press). No matter what their working environment, New Yorkers love their dogs and prefer to have them alongside. Whether they’re stress reducers or inspirational cohorts, the four-legged characters you […]

A promising puppy from your last litter has gotten off to a smashing start with his owner-handler. He made his debut at your breed’s national specialty by winning Best in Sweepstakes, and shortly thereafter beat impressive adult competition to claim his first major. His owner exhibits him beautifully; they have built a great rapport; and […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2018 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16, 2018. The 2018 event will showcase the top national and international canine athletes and will also […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="Comparing and Contrasting Characters for Grades 1-2"] Comparing and Contrasting Characters in the picture book Because of Bentley and the video Denali the Therapy Dog Learning Objectives Students will compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of two therapy dogs. Grade Levels 1-2 Common Core Standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.9 Compare and contrast the adventures and experiences […]

If you’re interested in learning as much as possible about dog sports and want to participate in a meaningful, hands-on way, joining your regional breed club is an important connection to make. It is a natural complement to membership in your local all-breed kennel club. The all-breed club will afford you the opportunity to learn […]

Not all of the judging at a dog show takes place in the ring. As a breeder-exhibitor, your demeanor and interactions with others will be judged from the moment you set foot on the showgrounds. Stewards, the superintendent and AKC field staff, the show committee, the media, fellow exhibitors, and, perhaps most importantly, the public, […]

At a recent dog show, several littermates of both sexes, handled by assorted novice owners, were entered in the 9-12 Month Puppy class. While none of the puppies exhibited disqualifying faults, they were generic in type and not what I would consider "show quality." The judge that day agreed. The puppies were not up to […]

With more than 60 million households in the United States owning a dog, pups have infiltrated our lives in the best way possible. Our canine companions have become a part of the family, but sometimes they inch a little too close to the top dog title. (Training can help with that!) If any of these signs […]

Humans aren’t the only members of the workforce!  The American Kennel Club (AKC®) celebrates the evolution of our canine coworkers – what jobs they were originally bred to perform and what work you can see them doing now.  Dogs go above and beyond each and every day, not only as beloved family pets, but as […]