Samoyeds are among the world’s most ancient dog breeds, with a history stretching back more than 5,000 years. Here are 10 Samoyed fun facts that you probably didn't know. 1. The Samoyed Has a Long History As the last Ice Age disappeared, wild reindeer became the key source of food for people living across northern […]

Dog show ribbons and event titles are major accomplishments that dog owners and breeders proudly acknowledge when talking about their kennels. But for one breeder with many title-decorated dogs, there’s something else that keeps her in the game. “The single biggest achievement that just makes me happier than happy... is the people who have my […]

The AKC and The Westminster Kennel Club are pleased to present Meet & Compete, featuring the 4th Annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster and AKC Meet the Breeds®®, brought to you by Purina® Pro Plan®. The joint event returns to New York City on Saturday, February 11th at Piers 92 and 94. Cats make their […]

You’ve likely heard a heartwarming story of a therapy dog helping someone in need—whether it’s a pet curling up with an elderly individual at a nursing home, sitting with a young child during a chemo treatment, or even helping students overcome bullying. There are many different facets of this type of work, but they all […]

Currently a measure is pending in the US Senate that would create a National Purebred Dog Day to celebrate the importance of purebred dogs, whose predictability and purpose have played an important role in the lives of Americans since the birth of our nation. In fact, the “Father of Our Country” George Washington was an avid dog […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), presented U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire with the AKC Legislator of the Year Award on Friday, October 14, at the Souhegan Kennel Club’s Fall Extravaganza and Regional Obedience Trial in Amherst. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the AKC is proud to recognize Senator Ayotte’s important role […]

Cool temperatures prevailed and ready-to-harvest corn rattled in the wind as rolling thunder crossed the prairie: a field of Rottweilers converging on Del Seaman’s Chisago City, Minnesota, farm October 8 and 9 for the annual Northstar Rottweiler Club all-breed herding tests and trials.  A Rottie works sheep at the event with his owner. Judged by […]

Why do dogs crawl under the covers? For some dogs, it's a burrowing instinct. For others, it's a fear and anxiety-driven behavior.

Like many things your dog does, kicking the ground after it eliminates is a very instinctual behavior and may have multiple purposes. This behavior can be traced back to a dog’s wolf ancestors. Like wolves, dogs have scent glands located between the pads of their paws. These scent glands secrete pheromones which are released with […]

Not all dogs snap at the air, but those that do may do so for a variety of reasons ranging from boredom to serious neurological problems. For dogs that snap at the air out of boredom, giving them more opportunities for exercise or stimulating play can help.  Longer and/or more frequent walks, puzzles and interactive […]