A new law was signed this week in New York that allows domestic violence victims to bring their service or therapy dogs with them to an emergency shelter.  The AKC was proud to support this important legislation. Victims of domestic violence are in a vulnerable and frightening situation, and the practical assistance and comfort that a […]

Are you considering getting an Irish Wolfhound puppy? If so, it’s certainly understandable. These sweet-tempered creatures have beguiled us since ancient times. Originally bred as fearless big-game hunters capable of dispatching a wolf in single combat, Wolfhounds today are the most serene and agreeable of companions for owners of all ages. But, with big dogs […]

Dogs were never a member of my household. Work and travel were always interfering. That was until February 2004 when Buster J. Brown found me deep in the woods of Mississippi. Buster was my first dog, ever. Buster had been living in the woods for some time. No collar, no microchip; he was sick, hungry, […]

The Vizsla was developed in Hungary centuries ago as both a versatile hunting dog and a devoted companion, and the breed today retains those combined qualities. Vizslas typically love to do things with their owners, and they’re curious and interested in all kinds of activities. Vizslas are athletic and exuberant. (Bob Holmes/AKC Photo Contest) With […]

This training tip is brought to us by Brian Burton, a co-founder of Instinct Dog Behavior & Training LLC in New York City. He’s currently a master’s candidate in Animal Behavior at Hunter College (CUNY) and is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Brian’s rescue mixed-breed dog, Sammy, is […]

Dog DNA tests can be used for a variety of things, not just to identify mixed-breed dogs' genetic makeup. Learn more about the uses of dog DNA tests.

Florida legislators met beautiful dogs, chatted with dedicated dog owners, and shared the excitement of the 2015 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship this month in Orlando, Florida. U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson (FL-9) and Orange County Commissioners S. Scott Boyd and Pete Clarke were among the lawmakers who visited the event on Dec. 13-14. Congressman Grayson and Dr. Dena Minning […]

It didn’t sound that hard – Beginner Novice Obedience.  After all, we already had our AKC Canine Good Citizen and AKC Rally Novice titles!  And this is an optional title, meant to give dogs experience before the regular Novice Obedience class.  Our trainer walked us through the steps, saying, “I think Magic can do this, […]

It’s a picture that’s worth a thousand words. A photo of an injured military working dog recovering in a hospital with a Purple Heart clipped to his collar has gone viral since it was posted to Facebook by the 89th Military Police Brigade on December 9. The dog, named Rocky, and his handler, 22-year-old Specialist […]

The Boston Terrier is a small but sturdy American breed. Also known as the “American Gentleman” for his tuxedo coat and polite demeanor, this intelligent dog was bred to be a companion. In 1870, in Boston, William O’Brien sold a dog (imported from England), who was a cross between a white English Terrier and a […]