When we think about the activities of our dogs, usually we picture their play, their “jobs” or their quiet repose on our laps or couch. However, in all animals the ability to stand quietly at rest is critically important for health and soundness. Many dog owners don’t realize that the reason their dogs flop down […]

When a bitch goes through a false pregnancy (also called pseudopregnancy or pseudocyesis), she thinks she has puppies. In one study, more than 60 percent of bitches had signs of false pregnancy after coming out of heat, whether they were bred or not. Mammary enlargement, with or without milk production, is a common sign of false […]

Golden Retrievers — We now have the benefit of “clearance” testing and the mapped canine genome that could help guide intelligent crossbreeding decisions and the possibility that new breeds might eventually be developed. In the 19th century, as gentleman farmers and sportsmen kept breeding records of their canines and began to exhibit the best of their […]

Never Stop Learning.One of my tips for being successful with your passion in the sport of purebred dogs is to never stop learning. Read the AKC standard for your breed and the other breeds in your group. Know what breed-specific characteristic are essential to define them. Know why they possess those traits and how they […]

Breeder Tax Options and ResponsibilitiesBreeders must be aware of all tax options and discuss them with a tax professional. Whether you owe a substantial amount or have a refund coming, start your tax planning at the beginning of each year. For many dog breeders, just like thousands of other Americans, the scramble to file taxes […]

My advice to others over the years has always been to look to the dams of the stud dogs. Tail-male charts are interesting, but they leave out a very important element of the story: the bitch. It is the bitch who provides the complement to the sire and determines the distinction among his offspring, both […]

Smith, the 2012 AKC Breeder of the Year, attended his first dog show with a Dalmatian in 1956 and has been involved in the sport ever since. He quickly gravitated to the terrier rings and acquired a Wire Fox Terrier in 1957. His first Smooth came in 1962. The AKC delegate from the Dalmatian Club of America for […]

QUESTION:How to teach a dog to do agility "weaves", "tunnels", and "teeter totters"? AKC ANSWER: Lots of treats & positive reinforcement!!! Teaching dogs to perform the various agility obstacles can be lots of fun for both you and your dog however, it’s very important that dogs are introduced to new obstacles in a way that […]

A very attractive 50-something year old woman took her seat beside me on the plane. Within a few minutes, she looked at the carry-on bag under my seat and said, "What's in the bag?" I thought it was an odd question, but I replied. "A sandwich and some books." She began to laugh. "I'm so […]

General ConcernsWinter's cold air brings many concerns for responsible dog owners. Keep the following precautions in mind: Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time. Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings. Be attentive to your dog's body temperature, and limit its time outdoors. Adequate shelter is a […]