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![Golden Retriever rolling over playing with her litter of puppies outdoors.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Golden-Retriever-rolling-over-playing-with-her-litter-of-puppies-outdoors-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
Average Litter Sizes: How Many Dogs Are Born in a Litter?
A normal litter size can range from 1 to 12 puppies, with 5-6 puppies being average across all dogs. But just as every breed of dog differs by size, function, and personality, they also differ when it comes to litter size, according to AKC registration data. Big dogs tend to have larger litters while small […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/average-litter-size/
| May 24, 2021
Expert Advice: Basic Training
How to Teach Your Dog to Come When Called
Your dog has spotted a squirrel and is running after it in the direction of the road as a truck is barreling toward him. You yell, “Come!” as loudly as you can. What happens? Does your dog pivot and run back to you, avoiding a potentially life-ending injury? Or, does he make the ultimate mistake […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-dog-to-come-when-called/
| August 22, 2016
Expert Advice: Lifestyle
Rover, Move Over! Tips on Sharing a Bed With Your Pet
Did you know that an AKC survey revealed that 21% of dog owners stated the reason they let their dogs sleep with them at night is to keep warm? And in the case of who—or what—occupies most of the bed space, 44% of respondents admitted their dog takes up the most room. If you do […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/rover-move-over-akc-offers-tips-on-sleeping-with-your-pet/
| September 19, 2016
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/is-my-dog-fat-400x267.png)
Expert Advice: General Health
How to Tell If Your Dog Is in Shape Or Overweight
If your pooch is looking a bit more pudgy than usual, it's actually quite common. The battle of the bulge isn't just something people face — so do pets. In fact, according to a 2018 survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 55.8 percent of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. And […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-tell-if-your-dog-is-fat/
| August 7, 2019
Expert Advice: Responsible Breeding
Screening Puppy Buyers — How Top Breeders Find the Best Homes
Header photo courtesy of Karen Moureaux, Contact Point Border Collies You finally decided on the breed of your dreams. You researched and found a potential breeder of your ideal dog on AKC Marketplace. Ready to pick up your new addition? Not so fast! Responsible breeders do as much interviewing and questioning as the buyers to […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/screening-puppy-buyers-how-top-breeders-find-the-best-homes/
| August 31, 2016
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Poodle_Puppy_Desk-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
The Mixed Blessings of Social Media
For better or for worse, the ways we communicate have been changed forever by social media. Snail mail, faxes (remember those?), and long-distance telephone calls have largely been replaced by the ease and speed of online chatting. Still, convenience is not without its pitfalls. For novices and experienced fanciers alike, there are smart ways to […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/mixed-blessings-social-media-dog-sports/
| October 1, 2019
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ANC2017-Friday-Puppy-Stake-AR3I6832-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Breed Temperament and Expectations
As you work up a sweat with your huge, loose-jointed Mastiff puppy, trying to hold up his mid-section while keeping all four of his feet pointed in the same direction, it’s not surprising you’ll watch the Doberman Pinscher handler with a touch of envy. The Dobe glides around the ring, head held high, then nails […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/breed-temperament-expectations/
| January 7, 2020
![Two Bull Terrier puppies wrestling in the grass.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/bull-terrier-puppies-playing-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Puppy Training
Keep Your Puppy Active and Out of Trouble With Stimulation and Exercise
In the search for something to do, a bored dog can become a destructive dog, digging up your garden or chewing on the furniture for example. This is especially true of puppies because they are curious, eager to learn about the world around them, and full of energy. Plus, they may not yet understand the […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/keep-your-puppy-active-and-out-of-trouble-with-stimulation-and-exercise/
| May 7, 2019
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BT-Longhair.small_-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
AKC Breeder Spotlight: Vikki McConnell of Ali’i AK Inu Kennels
Vikki McConnell, owner of Ali’I AK Inu Kennels, started showing dogs in Alaska about 20 years ago. A few years later, with the help of her breeder/mentor, she began breeding her own dogs. She started with Longhaired Dachshunds and Akitas at about the same time. Vikki had been introduced to Akitas while living in Hawaii […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/akc-breeder-spotlight-vikki-mcconnell-alii-ak-inu-kennels/
| April 13, 2021
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Competition Update Spring 2021
We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY AGCH (Agility Grand Champion) AGCH MACH2 Rosie La Bella MXC PDS MJC PJS MFG TQX T2B5 […]
https://www.akc.org/register/information/canine-partners/newsletter/competition-update-spring-2021/
| March 30, 2021