The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is proud to announce the AKC Temperament Test™ (ATT).  The ATT is open to all breeds, including mixed breed dogs. The temperament of any dog is an important characteristic.  Temperament is a dog’s natural predisposition to react a certain […]

The pathway to becoming a full-fledged detective has had its challenges for Rocco and Rider but it has never been a mystery to either, or their Midwest owner/handlers. The AKC Scent Work® Detective title, considered the pinnacle of success in the popular sport, went unclaimed since its inception on Oct. 1, 2017, until July 14 […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is celebrating one million dogs passing their AKC Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) Test. The millionth dog to pass the test was a Bernese Mountain Dog named Fiona who is owned by Nora Pavone from Brooklyn, NY. Fiona attended instructor […]

On Oct. 23, 2018, a fire broke out in Georgia. The family had time to get their kids out, but there was no time to go back in for Taka, their nine-year-old Shiba Inu. The fire burned the entire porch, causing the floor to collapse and Taka to fall through. Taka was able to run to […]

It's heartbreaking to leave your dog at home when you head off to work. Those sad eyes beg to come along. Well, on Take Your Dog to Work Day you can finally give in and spend your workday with your canine companion at your side. Every year, on the Friday following Father's Day, Take Your […]

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy: 20 Steps for Success The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program focuses on all the things every puppy and owner need to have a great start together. STAR stands for Socialization, Training, Activity and a Responsible owner and in six weeks of STAR puppy classes, puppies and dogs learn the following behaviors and skills: […]

A key component of the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program is a responsible owner. Our Canine Good Citizen® Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge is for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® Program too. Responsibility should start the moment you decide to add a new dog or puppy to your family. AKC CGC℠ Responsible Dog Owner's Pledge I will be […]

Monday, July 15, 2019 On Monday, July 22nd, two bills of concern will be reviewed by the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.  Those who reside in Massachusetts are strongly encouraged to contact the committee to express concerns with these bills, which would significantly impact dog trainers and consumer protection. Summary: SB […]

Some people live by the motto "bigger is better," and it extends to their dogs too. There are many large dog breeds, each with different care and training needs. Exercise Most large dog breeds were bred for a purpose or function. Some breeds were meant to be hunters, others guard dogs. Dogs with great endurance […]

--Annual Event Educates Public on How to Be Effective Dog Owners-- The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is preparing for the 17th annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day (AKC RDO Days). This summer and fall hundreds of clubs and dog organizations around the country will host free events to educate the dog-loving public about the responsibilities […]