The AKC Paw of CourageSM is an award given to show appreciation for the work that dogs do in the service of humankind. This award recognizes dogs who serve their communities, making great impacts in the lives of their human counterparts. Paw of Courage awards can be presented to Police K-9s, Military Working Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Service Dogs, […]

“What’s the matter, Lassie? Did Timmy fall down the well?” For those old enough to remember the book, film, or television series, Lassie was always on the spot to protect or save her family from danger. But canine heroics are not just the stuff of fiction. In real life, dogs have been to known to […]

When tragedy strikes, the Golden Retrievers of Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) jump into action. The group of comfort dogs headed to Las Vegas on October 2nd, according to their Facebook page, to support those affected by the shooting on Sunday night. So far, the dogs have visited hospitals, police ministries, and more throughout Las Vegas. […]

Lori Wells, of Lancaster, Calif., and her search-and-rescue partner, Piglet, take a break during a deployment in the Las Vegas area. This is the second of a series of features on 2017's AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence Winners. There is nothing about the name "Piglet" or "Catahoula Leopard Dog" that would suggest an […]

Inspector Gadget, a Bloodhound, is one of five, loyal companion dogs who won the 19th annual AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). The winners will be honored at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin in Orlando, Florida, December 15-16, 2018. Make no mistake about it, search-and-rescue work is all about commitment […]

WINNER Tracy Dulock & Gryff SEMI-FINALISTS Laura Morefield & Carly Sharon Page & Dash Outstanding Performances from the 2019 AKC Trick Dog National Competition In addition to the competition winners listed above, here are 20 other submissions (in random order). Each of these has something special about the performance. Some of the performances included fabulous […]

Dog Breed Health Testing Requirements Listed below are all AKC breeds and their health testing requirements. A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z Affenpinscher Ophthalmologist Evaluation Patella Evaluation Afghan Hound Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Thyroid Evaluation Airedale Terrier Hip Evaluation Cardiac Exam Renal Disease DNA Test Ophthalmologist Evaluation Akita Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Alaskan Malamute Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Polyneuropathy DNA test American […]

Dogs have made their way through pop culture over the years, in headlines, television, movies, books, and more. Whether you need some name inspiration for your new furry friend or want to enjoy some nostalgic trivia, here’s a list of some famous dog names from A to Z. Astro Astro, a Great Dane, was the […]

Did you know your dog can earn titles for showing off fun tricks? In fact, at the top level of AKC Trick Dog — AKC Trick Dog Elite Performer — you and your dog are required to perform a routine of tricks strung together into a story or script using at least five props. But do the […]

Everyone loves to watch a good dog trick. But did you know dogs can earn titles for showing off fun tricks? They can even enter and win competitions. At the highest level of AKC Trick Dog — AKC Trick Dog Elite Performer — dogs and handlers are required to perform a routine of tricks strung together into […]