The AKC now works with several non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog titling program and the AKC Search & Rescue title program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); and the […]

This Special Service Dog Helps Autistic Child in Many Ways  Regal is a 3-year-old Labrador Retriever-Golden Retriever mix who has a very special purpose in life. He is trained to be a constant companion to a 9-year-old boy who has autism. Read on to learn about their amazing bond: For most of his life, Eli […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Tracking and Trick Dog, including the first and second All-American Dogs to become AKC Rally® Champions and two new AKC Champion Trackers! And many All-American Dogs had big success at the 2019 AKC National […]

Meet Gayle Watkins, breeder of over 100 titled Golden Retrievers that have excelled in multiple sports and co-founder of Avidog International.  A Gold-level AKC Breeder of Merit, Gayle Watkins of Highlands, North Carolina, puts the “purpose” in multi-purpose dogs: Her Gaylan’s Golden Retrievers have earned more than 140 American and Canadian conformation, obedience, tracking, Rally and agility championships, as well as Master Hunter titles. Dozens […]

When you think about breeds competing in Obedience and earning a Utility Dog (UD) title, an Afghan Hound probably isn't the first breed that comes to mind. Count on Golden Retrievers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Border Collies, Labrador Retrievers, and German Shepherd Dogs to lead the pack of breeds who achieve UDs in obedience. But Hope, a blue and white […]

Like their owners, dogs can be affected by a number of emergency health conditions, including strokes. While strokes are less common in dogs than they are in humans, they are equally as serious. Witnessing your beloved dog having a stroke is a frightening experience — and it's important to know what to do if this […]

Learning Objective Students will plan and create an informative piece of writing involving a popular dog breed. *Note: This is a multi-day lesson.   Grade Levels K-2   English Language Arts Common Core Standards CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.2 Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding […]

If you’re the owner of a senior dog, you might think your dog sports days are behind you. But participating in dog sports with your dog can provide mental and physical exercise, the thrill of competition, and a chance for you both to have fun. With veterinarian approval, there are still many sports you and your dog can participate in. In […]

In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were created and first awarded in 1999 to honor our best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our sport on a national […]

The Curly-Coated Retriever (Curly) is a large-sized, sturdy, and elegant member of the Sporting Group. Here are seven fun facts about this smart and active dog. 1. Curly-Coated Retrievers are one of the oldest retriever breeds The Curly may look like a Labrador Retriever crossed with a Poodle, but he is a breed in his […]