There are days when Nina Daniel feels like a gymnast while penciling in Jack’s schedule. With fluidity and flexibility, the Starksboro, Vermont, dog owner finds herself writing in Agility entries for the 8½-year-old Boxer for events weeks and months ahead. But when it comes to Jack’s other life – TV commercial acting – that’s a […]

The first time Samantha Scicchigno met Marge, the black mixed-breed dog had just arrived at the shelter she volunteered for. Scicchigno was a high school student who had never owned a dog before, but liked Marge's size and comfort level around cats. Shortly after bringing Marge home, Scicchigno realized that training classes would be a […]

We are proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the AKC Canine Partners program. Beginning in 2010 as an enrollment program for mixed breeds and other dogs not eligible for AKC Purebred Registration, the program has since enrolled hundreds of thousands of canines. The total number of enrollments is over 420,000 as of June 2020 There were […]

Why register your dog with the AKC? It’s a question many people ask when they are bringing home a new puppy or grown dog. With the exception of those who have firmly set their sights on the conformation show ring and breeding the next generation of champions, the benefits of registration may not be obvious. […]

Training your puppy or adult dog to lie down on command can help to calm down excitable dogs and keep pups out of trouble. Some puppies, however, are hesitant to lie down and stay there, so patience and practice are key. "Down is a fundamental skill for dogs as it serves as the cornerstone for teaching […]

Hoping to meet a specific dog breed (or cat breed), or do you just want to meet all 150+ breeds? Find your favorites on our list of breeds so you won't miss a single wag, whisker, or woof! They'll all be there to meet you at the January 25-26, 2020 AKC Meet the Breeds event. […]

Doorbell manners are an important, but often overlooked, behavior that should be a part of every well-behaved dog's skill set. Many dogs get overly excited by the sound of a ringing doorbell or knock on the door, and this can be frustrating for owners. Thankfully, there are a few simple methods for desensitizing your dog […]

From the French Bulldog to the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, small-to-medium dog breeds are some of the most popular dogs in the world. They're a great in-between dog. While many still act like lap dogs, they can play like bigger dogs. These pups love to play, be close to loved ones, and protect their families. Like […]

Preparing the sweet, gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to follow good behavior guidelines isn't tricky. This graceful, fun-loving toy spaniel only wants to please you. With some planning, persistence, and a positive outlook, your puppy quickly takes to training. Sandy Harrison, Recording Secretary of the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, acquired her first Cavalier […]

It's not always possible to prepare for a natural disaster, but there are a few steps you can take ahead of time to prepare yourself and your canine companions. Here are a few tips from AKC Reunite for keeping safe in any emergency situation: Plan ahead. Even before warning of a natural disaster, make sure to pack a […]