When we first began our individual journeys in the sport of dog breeding and showing, we did so with the highest of ideals, hoping not only to succeed, but also to make worthwhile contributions to our breed and the fancy. Along the way, we meet those who are prepared to cut corners and do what’s expedient, if not in the […]

As all dog breeders know, you’re only as good as your latest generation. After all, those promising newbies are the ones on which you build your future. The sport of dogs is governed by the same principle: Newcomers in all venues — from conformation to obedience to agility, not to mention breeding — are vitally […]

I recently participated in my local all-breed kennel club’s annual show weekend. As always, it was a friendly, laid-back event, less than 1,000 dogs — although the entry was up by 150 this year — and the shows drew some nationally ranked Top 10 canines from many far-flung states. I made myself useful stewarding each […]

For better or for worse, the ways we communicate have been changed forever by social media. Snail mail, faxes (remember those?), and long-distance telephone calls have largely been replaced by the ease and speed of online chatting. Still, convenience is not without its pitfalls. For novices and experienced fanciers alike, there are smart ways to […]

Rory is a well-versed Collie with 12 titles in dog sports On his dam's side, Rory's litter represents 13 generations of Kaye's Chelsea Collies Give Rory, a sable and white Collie, the chance to compete in a dog sport, and he struts his athletic stuff with fluff and finesse. The 13th generation of AKC Champion […]

In the spirit of the holiday season, let’s stop for a moment to acknowledge the joy that the sport of conformation gives us every week of the year, and the people who contribute to that joy. Let’s be thankful for: Judges who are students of their dog breeds, know their standards, smile, and don’t look up […]

A young family I know recently made a commitment to quality time by banning cell phones at the dinner table. It started as more of a dare than a serious lifestyle change. The husband is a marketing maven, the wife a high-powered lawyer, and the two kids own every electronic device on the market. One […]

Angel Warren already had two rescue dogs when she got started in her local 4-H dog program at age nine: Durango, a Miniature American Shepherd, and Aspen, a Border Collie mix. "It was my first introduction to dogdom and I was immediately intrigued," Angel remembers. This intrigue is what led Angel to get her first […]

Most of us can remember a special school teacher who had a profound influence on our lives during those formative years. In our lives breeding and showing dogs, a great mentor can have an equally powerful influence: teaching us, guiding us, and inspiring us. Talk to the iconic figures in our sport and they will […]

AKC has been notified that California Assembly Bill 702, which would have regulated all breeders in the state, will be pulled from today’s committee hearing agenda and not be considered this year. As such, we no longer need clubs and hobbyists to make phone calls during today’s meeting. AKC extends a huge thanks to all […]