It was a call that all breeders dread. The young couple, who had adored their puppy, reported they had a new baby, leaving no time for their dog. Teri NeSmith did not hesitate. “I gladly take any of my puppies back if the owner lets me know that they don’t want the dog. In fact, […]

Sue Stejskal was inching along on her belly in a dark crawl space that may have once held the corpse of a murder victim. A headlamp was all she had for light. She was in that tight spot because of Chili Dawg, a sweet 8-pound Dachshund with wiry hair the color of a caramel milkshake. […]

Her name evokes images of a beloved princess or the ancient goddess of the hunt—Diana. She easily slips in and out of these roles, sometimes on the same day. One moment, she’s gleaming white, pouffed, and proud in the show ring. Turn around, and she’s dripping with pond water, her curls flattened out as she […]

Showing dogs—the formal term for it is “Conformation”—is a sport. Like any football game or tennis match, dog shows have rules, too. But folks who sit on the sidelines can easily become bewildered if they don’t understand how guidelines apply to the game at hand. Whether you’re taking aim at a fastball or trotting with […]

Mary R. Burch, PhD Canine Good Citizen Director Here in the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen department, we receive frequent requests from trainer and dog owners who want us to expand the menu of fun things people can do with their dogs. Trick training is becoming increasingly popular and many evaluators teach a few tricks in […]

If you've spent any time on social media chances are you've come across the phrase "pet all the dogs" or "I just want to pet all the dogs." this memable...

If you and your canine companion are getting a little weary of winter, there are still plenty of seasonal activities, both indoors and outdoors, to liven up your days. After all, your dog needs activity and stimulation, regardless of the weather, and it’s good for you, too! Outdoor Winter Fun With Your Dog Skijoring Skijoring, a […]

In celebration of the upcoming AKC Meet the Breeds® on January 28th and 29th at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City, the American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce its inaugural list of the most popular dog names […]

[caption id="attachment_28539" align="aligncenter" width="818"] NY State Senator Joseph Griffo- Used With Permission[/caption] More than ninety legislators from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are sharing their public commitment to responsible dog ownership this month by serving as Honorary Chairs for the Meet the Breeds™ event hosted by the American Kennel Club and Westminster Kennel Club. […]

From the Airedale Terrier to the Whippet, AKC Meet the Breeds® is an encyclopedic celebration of dogs. The 11th annual event, held on January 25 and 26, 2020, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, will feature more than 100 different booths, representing some of the AKC's 195 recognized breeds. Each booth will be dedicated to a […]