What does your dog bring to your life? Companionship? Joy? Protection? How about inspiration? "Creative muse" might not be your pet's typical role, but research, as well as artists' and creators' lived experiences, reveal that this is just one benefit of having a dog. Dog Walks Boost Creative Thinking "All truly great thoughts are conceived […]

More than 200 dogs and 40 different teams from across the country competed in the inaugural pilot program for the AKC Agility League. Over the course of 12 weeks, teams ran six different courses from their respective club. Captains submitted scores from qualified judges, and the rankings for both teams and individual dogs in each […]

About 300 dog/handler search teams responded to 9/11, but only about 100 were prepared for the size of the disaster at Ground Zero. Since then, the need for search-and-rescue dogs and therapy dogs has only increased.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world's largest purebred dog registry and governing body of dog sports, is pleased to announce the winners of the inaugural season of the AKC Agility League. The AKC Agility League has concluded its pilot season, which ran from May 30th to August 21st, and named the first League season […]

New puppy owners often have questions about what they should feed their pups. One of the most common questions we get asked is "Can my dog eat leftover steak bones?" There is some debate from the experts about whether or not dogs should be allowed to eat bones. One view is that dogs ate bones […]

Owning a dog is a joy, privilege, and responsibility. If you are considering bringing a dog into your life, think seriously about the commitment that being a responsible dog owner entails. The AKC is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all dogs. In honor of AKC's Responsible Dog Ownership Day, on September 17th, […]

Breeders have a lot to observe when they have a new litter: health, structure, and temperament. And Labrador Retriever breeder Debby Kay keeps close tabs on another factor she considers crucial — how the pups use their noses. Kay has been a pioneer in scent-detection work for more than 40 years. Many of her Chilbrook […]

We’ve all heard the phrase “give a dog a bone,” but you might want to consider alternative treats to dog bones. Bones can be a good source of minerals and other nutrients and help satisfy your dog’s appetite. Chewing stimulates saliva enzymes and helps prevent plaque buildup on teeth and gum disease. And a dog […]

Canine athletes come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of physical abilities. When people think of dog sports, they often think of the highest energy...

Available all year-round and loaded with more vitamin C than an orange and more potassium than a banana, kiwi is a sweet fruit that tastes good and provides an abundance of nutritious benefits. But, can dogs eat kiwi? If you’re snacking on a kiwi, it’s perfectly fine to share with your dog. Just be mindful of […]