Although a celebratory day for humans, the July 4th holiday can be dangerous for your dogs’ health and happiness. The American Veterinary Medical Association warns that fireworks, picnics, cookouts, and other Fourth of July traditions can be frightening and even dangerous for pets. Up to half of dogs react fearfully to fireworks, according to owner […]

Shedding happens. It's a fact. You can always count on locks losing their grip when spring or early autumn rolls around and dogs shed their seasonal coats. Environmental factors like temperature, nutrition, and stress can also affect canine coat loss. But while some loose hair occurs routinely during a dog's hair growth cycles, thinning hair […]

Use the following resources as a guide to responsible dog breeding. You may also want to watch the AKC webinar on Planning Breedings: Are you ready to breed a litter of puppies? Prepare Yourself for Breeding a Litter of Puppies Breed to Improve Understand the Commitment Choose A Suitable Mate Know Your Genetics Finalize Stud […]

As part of the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, there are 10 essential skills that every dog should master. Here are the test items.

When you need to get tested for COVID-19, what would you rather have: a swab pushed deep into your left and right nostrils or a friendly sniff from a gentle dog? Recent research suggests that a dog's incredible nose may be one of the best answers to early detection of COVID-19 infection in humans. Rapid […]

The Massachusetts Senate could soon consider a bill with negative impacts on owning, breeding, and training dogs.  Massachusetts residents are strongly encouraged to use the information below to contact your State Senator TODAY and ask them to oppose Senate Bill 1322, as written. Summary: The Massachusetts Senate is being strongly encouraged to favorably pass SB […]

AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in California.   AKC is currently neutral on these bills and several contain AKC’s amendments. Below is information on bills with upcoming hearings and/or votes, along with information on how to contact the appropriate lawmakers.  AKC GR will continue to provide individual updates and alerts when necessary. […]

Senior dogs face many health problems such as arthritis and cognitive decline, but cancer is, unfortunately, one of the most common. Although one in four dogs will develop cancer at some point in their life, this disease will strike almost half of all dogs over the age of 10. According to the Veterinary Cancer Society, it's the leading cause of death in […]

Although consistency is key when training dogs, naturally there will be training breaks that happen. Work schedules, family commitments, and vacations can all result in even the most serious dog sport competitors needing to take some time off from training or reduce the amount of time they have to train. Similarly, injuries to the dog or handler […]

The Major League Baseball season has officially begun and stadiums are pretty much at full capacity. What better way to celebrate than by planning to take your pup to the park to catch a game? Believe it or not, many of the MLB teams sponsor dog-friendly nights so that you can enjoy watching your favorite […]