Ever read about therapy dogs offering just the right touch to an elderly individual or someone in need of comfort and think "my dog can do that?" Well, good news: He can! Here's how: 1. Basic Training: The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Test All therapy dogs need to be under control and have basic training. […]

  Just like the humans who care for them, dogs are susceptible to numerous age-related issues, which can result in a decline in function. Things like memory, awareness, sight, and hearing can deteriorate as a result of aging. But unlike their owners, dogs can’t easily express what’s going on inside their bodies; they need an […]

  Bonnie Bailey of Alexandria, Va., asks: Gunny seeks out rocks to retrieve, bury, and chew. I am concerned that Gunny will swallow a small one (although most are too big) or crack a tooth. It's not possible to remove all the rocks in the yard, so I would like to train him away from […]

The AKC Breeder of Merit program was introduced in October 2010. Since that time, more than 13,000 breeders have been enrolled. The program was developed to recognize those breeders that are the foundation of our sport through their participation in various AKC events and dedication to selective breeding of healthy purpose-bred purebred dogs. The Basic […]

About Canine Good Citizen® Apply for a CANINE PARTNERS NUMBER What is Canine Good Citizen and who can participate? For Dog Owners Training Classes, Earning the AKC CGC Title Test Items and Pledge CGC as a Title After the CGC Getting Started in Training Getting Started in Training Finding Classes/Evaluators Finding Classes and Evaluators For Evaluators […]

Lisa Mallory's Doberman, Kelly, does an exterior search for birch and anise oil.   We've all heard about the incredible power of a dog's nose. Search and rescue dogs locate victims trapped under feet of rubble; K-9s track down fleeing suspects; and detection dogs alert to the presence of explosives, drugs, or other materials. But […]

There are many advantages to sperm collection. The ability to ship semen across the country and internationally can help promote genetic diversity within a breed. Sperm can be kept frozen for years beyond the life of a dog and used when the right female breeding opportunity comes along. Stacey Hathaway and Stephanie Parker are registered […]

Whether it's a therapy dog visiting residents of a nursing home or a service dog assisting a disabled veteran, canine companions can vastly improve a person's quality of life. Thankfully, society is increasingly recognizing the benefits pets can provide for our mental health. But what about the function of pets for people facing mental health […]

AKC Family Dog, a new consumer lifestyle magazine with a focus on the purebred pet dog, makes its debut with the Spring 2003 issue. This premier issue of the new quarterly magazine from The American Kennel Club is a special "Puppies Edition," focusing on topics that help new or prospective dog owners welcome their young […]

  At the AKC Delegate Meeting on March 11, Dr. Patricia H. Haines was elected to the AKC Board of Directors, Class of 2007, and Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia and Mrs. Patti L. Strand were re-elected. Ronald H. Menaker was re-elected Chairman of the Board and David C. Merriam was re-elected Vice-Chairman.   Dr. Patricia […]