Originally published in the AKC Gazette. Writing in 1667, Nicholas Cox describes small land spaniels of courageous mettle, “strong, lusty and nimble rangers, of active feet, wanton tails and busy nostrils”—still a good description of the Cocker Spaniel. A less flattering description was given in 1647 by the “Witch-Finder General,” whose dubious job it was […]

Next time you fill out a show entry, consider checking the box to show that you'd like to participate in the AKC National Owner Handled Series. NOHS competition is conducted following Best of Breed judging in each breed ring. The ring steward asks all professional handlers and household members and assistants to current professional handlers […]

In order to confidently evaluate any dog, you must have experience and intimate knowledge of his breed. This should enable you to decide whether the dog is just a nice specimen or an outstanding example that should be used in an extensive breeding program. This background information stored in your own personal computer (your brain) […]

Wheaten Terriers have a penchant for making friends wherever they go, and it should come as no surprise that they excel at therapy work, provided they receive obedience training and have the right temperament. Participation in the AKC’s STAR Puppy program followed by Canine Good Citizen® certification is a great way for a dog to […]

Most quality breeders sell their puppies with contracts in regard to breeding, showing, and good management. The AKC allows breeders to limit registration so that certain pups may not be shown and any puppies subsequently bred from them may not be registered. That can be later changed by option of the breeder petitioning AKC, and this […]

So after the months of preparation in organizing and testing before the breeding, praying and crossing fingers that your girl “took,” fretting before, during and after the whelping, the constant vigil for weeks after the whelping, the 24/7 care of your girl and the litter, the vet visits, testing and evaluating your pick, it is time […]

On Wednesday, September 10, Elizabeth II surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria to become the longest-reigning monarch in British history—and that’s a ton of history! The 89-year-old Elizabeth set the record at 5:30 p.m. (BST) by having reigned for 23,226 days, 16 hours, and approximately 30 minutes. Around here, Elizabeth is best known as a true-blue […]

In every breed there are one or more individual dogs who have made their mark on the breed's history not only through a successful show career, but also through the influence of outstanding breed type carrying on in that dog's descendants. These are in many cases dogs whom Anne Rogers Clark referred to as "templates" […]

With his small size and rather plain brown coat, the Border Terrier might seem unassuming, but he’s got enough character for a canine 10 times his size. Originally developed in the border areas between England and Scotland, this diminutive but tough and hardy breed was used to hunt fox, otter, and vermin, and Borders of […]

Not a lot has changed regarding the fear and myths surrounding canine epilepsy since the first person observed seizing dogs when animal/human cohabitation started. Throughout history, thousands of people suffering from epilepsy have been killed because they were thought to be possessed by the devil. Sadly, despite all the scientific improvement and understanding of this […]