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AKC Breeder Spotlight: Beth Kirven of Solaris Vizslas & Malmason Pointers
Beth Kirven of West Columbia, South Carolina, has always had Sporting dogs — her first dog as an adult was an English Cocker. But once she married and had children, she decided to ditch the grooming and go for some smooth operators: namely, Pointers, acquiring her first from the late Susan Thompson of Solivia Pointers […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/akc-breeder-of-merit-program/inner-circle-newsletter/akc-breeder-spotlight-beth-kirven-solaris-vizslas-malmason-pointers/
| July 31, 2023
![Beagle](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Beagle-MP-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
Placing Puppies in Pet Homes
Responsible dog breeders work very hard to place puppies in the right homes. Here is one story of how a breeder went about matching a family to the right Beagle puppy for them.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/placing-puppies-in-pet-homes/
| February 25, 2022
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Expert Advice: Breed History
Primitive Dog Breeds: Understanding These Ancient Aboriginal Canines
"Primitive," "aboriginal," "village," and "landrace" are a few of the terms archaeologists use to describe the world's oldest canine breeds. But what does it mean if a dog breed is primitive?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/primitive-dog-breeds/
| August 4, 2023
![German Shorthaired Pointer standing in a field hunting in winter.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/08144648/German-Shorthaired-Pointer-standing-in-a-field-hunting-in-winter-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Training for Dog Sports
Going Afield: In Fall, Hunting Dogs Know Their Time Is Here
Fall brings its own rhythm and sounds. After the long days of summer, it is almost a relief to enjoy the gap between summer and winter. The soft rustle of leaves gliding on chilly winds, the muted sounds of birds still hanging around before undertaking their migrations, and the tinkling sounds of bells all tell […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/hunting-dogs-know-season-is-here/
| September 22, 2020
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Sports & Events
4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition
You already know that your puppy is the absolute cutest. So why not share his adorableness with the rest of the world? Enter him in an AKC 4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Competition. It’s a relaxed, stress-free way to make your debut in the dog show world. Plus, it gives both of you a fun way […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/conformation/4-6-month-puppy/
| October 26, 2017
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Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
AKC Breeder Spotlight: William Buell III of Sitze-Gou Chow Chows
AKC Breeder of Merit William Buell, III grew up in Western North Carolina. His mother and her mother always had a Chow Chow. Bill has, since he can remember, almost always had a Chow Chow in the home. When he was young, he had two that would find, hold point and flush grouse. Although he […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/akc-breeder-spotlight-william-buell-iii-sitze-gou-chow-chows/
| June 20, 2023
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Expert Advice: Breeding Tips & Best Practices
What’s in Your Puppy Contract?
Many breeders require anyone who purchases one of their dogs to sign a contract. To some buyers, especially first timers, a contract may feel invasive; they might think that for the money they spend, they should have total control over what they do with their puppy. Explain to buyers that your contract is meant to […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/whats-puppy-contract/
| December 15, 2021
![Golden Retriever being walked by its family in the fall.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Golden-Retriever-being-walked-by-its-family-in-the-fall-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Vet's Corner
Choosing the Right Breed for Your Lifestyle
Getting a dog should be a well-planned decision to ensure a lifelong commitment. Dogs are not objects that are returned if you change your mind because they have become too big, too energetic, or too time-consuming to care for properly. For the greatest chance for success, put forth the effort to find the best match […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/vets-corner/choosing-right-breed-lifestyle/
| March 22, 2021
![Bull Terrier puppy sitting in the yard looking up.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/03110917/Bull-Terrier-puppy-sitting-in-the-yard-looking-up-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Responsible Breeding
Everything You Need to Know About Breeder Contracts
Most of life's major acquisitions require a legal contract, from purchasing a house to leasing a car. Add to that list bringing home a purebred dog. Reputable breeders almost universally require anyone who provides a home to one of their dogs to sign a contract. But if you've never purchased a dog from a reputable […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/everything-you-need-to-know-about-breeder-contracts/
| November 27, 2019
Legislative Alerts
NJ Urgent Action Needed: Ask Speaker Coughlin to Not Advance Overreaching Pet Seizure Bill
As previously reported, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is deeply concerned with Assembly Bill 2354, as it still fails to both adequately protect the rights of bona fide co-owners and address the constitutional issues of procedural due process, unreasonable seizures, and excessive fines. Despite ongoing efforts, the bill is scheduled to be voted on by […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/urgent-nj-action-needed-contact-speaker-coughlin-today-not-call-overreaching-pet-seizure-bill-vote/
| May 24, 2023