As a responsible dog owner, you're always looking to keep your pet in good health. One way to do that is by creating and keeping up a fitness plan. Maintaining appropriate canine exercise levels can help prevent injuries, lessen the impacts of age-related issues like arthritis, and help them stay physically active for longer. Here's […]

The top five breeds of the 1880s were all working gundog breeds. While this is the only decade that the English Setter reigned as the number-one breed, it remained in the top ten for four decades, though it hasn’t appeared there in the top ten since the 1910s. Irish Setters, the number-two breed of the […]

After nearly two full days of competition between more than 100 dogs, one Golden Retriever came out on top: "Baker" handled by Korin Bevis.

Ever wonder how the sighthound got its name? Just as the label suggests, many years ago they were bred to pursue their prey by sight rather than scent, which requires a display of fantastic athleticism and keen eyesight to stay in hot pursuit. Today’s Sighthounds demonstrate their Coursing skills by following a plastic bag attached to a […]

Accepted into AKC in 1885, the Saint Bernard swiftly rose to the position of the most popular dog of the 1890s. To this day, it is the only giant breed to secure the country’s top position as well as the only number-one breed to never appear in the top ten again. In later decades, two […]

Every year, the AKC publishes its list of breed rankings by popularity, based on registration statistics. 2022, the top 10 least popular breeds were: Pyrenean Shepherds (No. 190) Cesky Terriers (No. 191) Sussex Spaniels (No. 192) Harriers (No. 193) Azawakhs (No. 194) Belgian Laekenois (No. 195) American Foxhounds (No. 196) Sloughis (No. 197) Norwegian Lundehunds […]

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is known for the unique "ridge" on its back, but why is it there? How does their fur get this way?

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 Congratulations to these dogs who have added more MACH titles to their […]

Originally bred to help hunters, retrievers were tasked with finding birds or other game and bringing them back undamaged. For this sort of job, the dog needed a “soft,” gentle mouth, where they would carefully carry the prey without damaging it. Also required were strength and agility to traverse a rugged landscape or work in […]

While some dogs aren't fans of swimming, there are other dog breeds that can swim easily and happily. These breeds were developed to work in the water, whether for hunting, retrieving, rescue, or as all-around helpers. Even though they’re perfectly happy on land, they’re truly delighted to hit the beach, lake, or anything wet. If […]