AKC Government Relations continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2022 Legislation Tracking map and click on “Federal Bills” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing on the federal level include: U.S. Congress – […]

Named after an iconic British sports car, 1½-year-old Aston exudes a wow factor of his own. The 49-pound Canine Partners mixed-breed, who is blind and deaf, recently earned a coveted American Kennel Club Novice Trick Dog title. Finding a Home Aston’s owner, Miriam Scheinblum, of Winter Park, Florida, dubs herself his “guardian and teammate.” She […]

Paid Advertisement Natural disasters are occurring on an increasing basis due to climate change. Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes—wherever you live you may experience one or more of these looming dangers and be forced to evacuate your home. The American Red Cross advises those who must leave their home during a disaster that the best […]

Dogs rely on their owners for everything from food and veterinary care to grooming and exercise. When you see a friend or family member falling short in caring for their dog in one or more of these areas, it's only natural to have concerns. If someone is dealing with depression, they might be neglecting their […]

As a pet owner, you may have caught your dog eating (or attempting to eat) some pretty weird stuff. But have you ever observed your pet snacking on straight-up dirt? Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt? Holistic veterinarian Dr. Laurie S. Coger, DVM, explains, “Dirt eating is a form of what is termed 'pica,' the ingestion of nonfood […]

Learn how much is too much, which types of chocolate are the most dangerous, and what signs to look for that may signal your dog needs treatment.

Whenever a canine historian out sets out to research the founding years of a particular terrier, there is always the chance that the research will end in a blind alley for lack of solid, verifiable data on how these dogs came into being. In the case of the Welsh Terrier, one of the oldest of […]

Sweaters and pumpkins aren't the only ones making a return in the fall. That noticeable chill in the air happens to coincide with when plants and trees are starting to shed their seeds. These prickly seeds, known as burrs or stickers, can latch on and become entangled in your dog's fur. If left untreated, burrs […]

Dog watching—like people watching—can be a fun activity for people. Guessing the breed and, eventually, asking if you can pet their dog brings a little joy to the day. However, it's a good idea to be a bit wary of how you look at a dog. Prolonged eye contact can have different meanings for dogs, […]

Dogs can have problems with their anus and rectum just like people can. You might see your dog scooting (dragging their bottom) across the carpet or straining when they squat to defecate. Your first thought might be hemorrhoids, a common ailment in people. But can dogs get hemorrhoids? Or is something else going on under your dog's […]