Do you enjoy teaching your dog commands and tricks? Then the sport of AKC Rally might be for you. In Rally, a dog and their handler move together through a course made up of 10-20 signs. Each sign displays a skill to perform such as turns or behaviors like sit, down, or stay. The dog […]

Recently at a show, I chatted with an exhibitor who was new to the sport. She had done a lovely job of grooming and showing her very promising puppy, a European import. Since she seemed really determined to learn all she could about showing her breed successfully, I couldn’t resist asking why she had felt […]

My name is Maximillian Thompson. I’m currently seventeen years old and am from northeastern Minnesota. I started training for Rally, Agility, and Junior Showmanship back in late 2014, when I got my first dog, an energetic field Golden Retriever named Stella. She was one and a half at the time. Her family had given her […]

It's a given: Most athletes sustain injuries at some point in their careers. Some recover relatively quickly, but for others, it can take much longer to overcome a temporary setback like this. Dogs are no different. Take, Valkyrie, for instance. The Swedish Vallhund, owned by Whitney Heiken, of Norristown, Pennsylvania, wasted no time getting back […]

The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); […]

Competition/Titles Update Winter 2022 We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY Agility Grand Champion (AGCH) AGCH MACH3 Up&Running A […]

When a new puppy arrives, you're likely to be focused on helping them feel at home with your family rather than any health concerns the dog may have. But a growing puppy can be at risk for developmental disorders such as panosteitis, which can be very painful. Fortunately, by knowing the risk factors and early […]

There are so many new experiences and things to think about when you bring home your puppy that you may forget one of the most important parts of puppy homecoming: establishing a routine. Structure will help your new canine family member feel secure and know what’s expected of him. The best way to do this is to […]

When you bring that fuzzy ball of puppy energy into your home, you know right away that your new puppy depends on you for, well, everything. It’s up to you to give your new puppy all the care they need every day. It can be a little intimidating — your puppy needs the best puppy […]

Many breeders require anyone who purchases one of their dogs to sign a contract. To some buyers, especially first timers, a contract may feel invasive; they might think that for the money they spend, they should have total control over what they do with their puppy. Explain to buyers that your contract is meant to […]