Big dogs equal big love and loyalty. Here are the large dog breeds that earn their place at the top of the size chart. Most people will know the Great Dane but what about the lovely Leonberger? When considering getting a dog, size is a factor, but only one of them. The dog’s personality, activity […]

The AKC Canine Partners program has its first recipient of the AKC Versatile Companion Dog title – which honors dogs that title in Obedience, Agility and Tracking. Rodger Rowbinawitz VCD2 UD RAE AXP AJP NF NFP CA FDCH, owned by Sue & Jeff Kotlarek of Romulus, MI, achieved both the first two levels of the […]

In observance of the fifth anniversary (April 1) of AKC Canine Partners dogs in competition, we are honoring some of the first top achievers in the program. AKC launched the Coursing Ability Test program on Feb. 1, 2011, and the first mixed-breed to earn a title in the fun sport did so less than a […]

Originally ran in the "Dogsport 101" column of AKC Family Dog Dog sports aren't only for purebreds. Since 2010, the AKC has awarded thousands of titles to mixed-breeds. Why shouldn’t your clever, athletic mix join the fun? And why shouldn’t you enjoy the bragging rights that come with putting an AKC title on your dog? […]

For many at-risk youth in New York City, violence and crime is an inescapable fact of life. But Audrey Hendler is hoping to change that, with the help of about 25 four-legged teaching assistants. In 2010, Hendler launched A Fair Shake for Youth, a program that brings therapy dogs into middle schools in under-served communities […]

A few simple measures can keep your dog safe and happy through the winter.   Avoid Thin Ice Too often we hear stories of dogs that had to be rescued from icy waters (and those are the lucky ones). It might look like fun to slide across that frozen pond, but ice can easily crack and your […]

The winter brought a major achievement in the sport of AKC Coursing Ability as two dogs became the first All-American Dogs to earned the Coursing Ability Excellent 3 (CAX3) titles, meaning they have achieved the feat of passing the test 75 times. The new CAX3 title holders are best friends, and their owners are neighbors […]

The Collie, on a continual climb since its number-seven position in the 1880s, became the number-one breed of the first decade of the new century. The breed ranked in the top ten breeds for seven decades of the 20th century. The number-two breed of the decade, the Boston Terrier, became the first small companion dog […]

When a new breed is accepted in the American Kennel Club a special type of registration known as Open Registration, is available for a limited time. The American Kennel Club in conjunction with the Parent Club (also known as a national breed club) sets this time frame for the breed. Eligibility for Open Registration In […]

Taking your dog on the family vacation can make for a great trip, if you plan carefully. Are you traveling by car, plane, train, bus, or boat? How long will the trip take? Will you be staying with family or friends, or at a hotel or motel? Is your dog in good health? These are […]