SORT BY
![Best of Breed and Best Bred By in Breed/Variety: CH Chantico's Shelter From The Storm CD RN OA NAJ NF, Spaniel (Irish Water); Sporting Group judging at the 2016 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin in Orlando, FL.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ANC2016-Conformation-Sporting-Group-David-0E9A8302-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Training for Dog Sports
Attending a Conformation Handling Class: What You Should Know
Watch a dog show, and the routine looks so easy. But handling a dog in the conformation ring is harder than it looks, and takes practice.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/attending-conformation-handling-class/
| April 4, 2024
![German Shepherd Dog standing stacked in profile in the park.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/30104511/German-Shepherd-Dog-standing-stacked-in-profile-in-the-park-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Grooming
How to Groom a German Shepherd Dog
AKC Breeders of Merit share tips on how to groom a German Shepherd Dog, from best brushes to dealing with nails.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/tips-for-grooming-german-shepherd/
| December 21, 2020
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2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Nominees
Nominees in Conformation Michael Canalizo Michael Canalizo has spent many years in the Dog Show World as a Breeder/Owner, Professional Handler, turned Judge. His first exposure to his primary breed: the Afghan Hound came in 1961 as a member of “the typical Hobby Breeder family” with their purchase of “Babu Bamn of Grandeur”. He showed […]
https://www.akc.org/about/awards-and-honors/lifetime-achievement/nominees/2023-lifetime-achievement-award-nominees/
| January 18, 2024
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2022 Lifetime Achievement Award Nominees
In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were created and first awarded in 1999 to honor our best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our Sport on a national […]
https://www.akc.org/about/awards-and-honors/lifetime-achievement/nominees/2022-lifetime-achievement-award-nominees/
| March 1, 2022
![Bull Terrier puppy sitting in the yard looking up.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/03110917/Bull-Terrier-puppy-sitting-in-the-yard-looking-up-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Is Your Dog Ready For Their First Show?
You might have a dog you've dreamed of showing in a Conformation event, but how do you know when they're ready to compete for the first time? You can set your dog up for success by getting them used to the noise and busy atmosphere of a show. You can also train and socialize your […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/is-your-dog-ready-for-their-first-show/
| May 4, 2023
![2022 AKC Rally National Champion: OTCH9 HC AGCH MACH5 RACH Norwood Color Me Zayne UDX9 OGM RM3 RAE3 HSAd HSBd HXAd HXBd MXC PDS MJC PJS MFG TQX T2B5 (Border Collie) and handler Kim Berkley. 2022 AKC Rally National Championship, held July 8, at the Roberts Centre/Royal Canin Ring in Wilmington, OH.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/10155027/070822_RNC_97802-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Study Measuring Canine Intelligence Ranks Breeds as the Smartest
Every dog owner thinks their dog is intelligent. In flashes of brilliance, your dog lets you know what time it is because he wants dinner and runs to...
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/smartest-dog-breeds/
| March 13, 2024
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Parent Club Health Statements
Insight into your breed's health Most breeds' health testing requirements originate with an AKC Parent Club, the AKC-recognized national club devoted to that particular breed. AKC Parent Clubs represent experts of a single breed. The AKC approves only one national club per breed. AKC Parent Clubs generate Parent Club Health Statements to provide health testing […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/dna/dna-resource-center/akc-dna-health/parent-club-health-statements/
| March 12, 2024
Sports & Events
Eligibility and Conflicts of Interest
What is a conflict of interest? The Rules, Policies, and Guidelines for Conformation Dog Show Judges provides “A conflict of interest exists when a judge is influenced by any relationship or factor other than the merit of the dogs.” Essentially, a conflict of interest exists when the presence of an exhibitor or their dogs gives the impression […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/conformation/judging-information/eligibility-conflicts-of-interest/
| July 17, 2019
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Beagle-laying-down-with-her-puppy-in-the-garden-400x267.jpeg)
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FAQs
PROGRAM SUMMARY In March 2014, the AKC Board of Directors approved the development of a program for all breeders. The program’s intent is to improve the health and well-being of purebred dogs by challenging breeders to meet health testing standards and participate in continuing education. The program will provide marketing and other support for those […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/akc-bred-with-heart-program/faqs/
| October 26, 2017
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Finnish-Lapphund-shutterstock_1038964219-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Health
How Do I Know if My Puppy Is Healthy?
When a puppy seems to be acting off, it helps to recognize the typical signs of good dog health. Here are the signs of a healthy puppy.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/is-my-puppy-healthy/
| September 15, 2021