Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone that has been affected by Hurricane Harvey. Here is some useful information on disaster preparedness and response, how you can help, and what AKC is doing for dogs and people in need.  Please check back, as we are constantly updating this page with the most up-to-date information and […]

How do you know what your dog is thinking? Give him an MRI, of course. While this isn’t practical for the majority of dog owners, for the past five years Dr. Gregory Berns and his colleagues at Emory University have been training dogs to lie still while awake in an MRI scanner, so that they […]

Small but mighty, short but fast, serious but also a goofball. There's just something wonderful about the juxtapositions that make up the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. If you own one we're sure you can relate. Here are ten things that only Pembroke Welsh Corgi owners will understand: 1. Your Pembroke engages in what is known as […]

  With their active, friendly, and outgoing personality, it's no wonder Labrador Retrievers have been the AKC's most popular breed for 26 years in a row. The Lab is gentle, intelligent, and easy to train. They are excellent guide dogs, loyal members of search-and-rescue teams, and faithful K-9 owners. They're also perfect family pets and […]

We wish we could always bring our dogs with us when we have to go away, but sometimes that's just not possible. Hiring a pet sitter to stay at your home and stick to your dog's regular routine will help make the time you're away a little less stressful for him (but don't worry—you'll still […]

Everyone knows that opening gifts is fun. And Santa certainly won’t forget your best four-legged friend! But is it all right to let your canine family members open packages? Could it give them the idea that it’s okay to tear into any paper or box they encounter? Is it even safe? The answer is a […]

  Dogs bring tons of fun and love to our lives, but they also require a lot of care by dedicated owners. In recognition of AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Month , we have a list of things every good dog owner should do for his or her canine family members. No matter how adorable and […]

  When you're training a dog, there are several ways to get him or her to do what you want. The method of capturing a behavior may be a bit time consuming, but sometimes it's the only way to get a very specific behavior. Capturing means marking and rewarding a specific target behavior. There are […]

Kathy Santo, a dog trainer and AKC Family Dog columnist, offers tips on what to buy for your dog, whether you're training for Canine Good Citizen or just brushing up on the basics. TreatsFind out what treats motivate your dog most, and stock up on 'em. Also, have a mix of "regular" treats and "high-value" treats—the […]

German Shepherd Dogs are everywhere! As one of the most active dog breeds working today, you see GSDs in airports, subway stations, and even Times Square. These dogs serve as police K-9s, military working dogs, search and rescue dogs, and much more.Have you ever thought about why this particular breed is so suited for this kind […]