In 1991, the Labrador Retriever began its uninterrupted reign as the most popular breed in the U.S., ending the Cocker Spaniel's 23 years in the top position. As the No. 1 breed of the 1940s, the Cocker Spaniel, enjoyed a renaissance in the ’80s, climbing back into the top spot from 1983–1990. That feat meant that […]

There just seems to be no stopping the Labrador Retriever! For a record 29th year (2019), the versatile sporting breed reigns supreme on the American Kennel Club registry list, a run like no other breed has seen in the record books. Changes in the top ten Little changed in the top ten standings from 2018. Following […]

Do you think you look like your dog? It might not just be you — in fact, a study by Sadahiko Nakajima, a psychologist at Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan, found that people were surprisingly accurate when matching pictures of dogs with their owners. And they could do it based on facial features alone. In honor of […]

Susan Kustrup, owner of Tallie Farms Beagles in Manahawkin, NJ, has lived in New Jersey all her life. She is an AKC Breeder of Merit, having bred and shown dogs since 1977, and has bred and shown Tallie Farms Beagles for the past 15 years. She is a past board member of the Central New Jersey Hound Association.   AKC: How did you get started in breeding dogs? Susan: I started […]

Owners often call into the veterinary clinic and ask if their pet’s illness or injury is an emergency or if it’s safe to observe him for a day. Of course, each dog and each situation is different, so if your pet is hurt or sick, calling your veterinarian for advice is always the best option. […]

Trisha Brenner was shocked when her active 5-year-old Weimaraner named Charlie collapsed on a walk in November of 2018.  “Charlie had been healthy, except for some allergic dermatitis symptoms he experienced as a young dog,” says Brenner.   Those symptoms resolved after a diet change recommended by a board-certified veterinary dermatologist. Unfortunately, the same diet that helped his skin disease […]

Poodles have been labeled as "elitist" and "overly glamorous" by many who don't understand the breed. Here's the history of the poodle haircut.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Purina® Pro Plan® has crowned hundreds of Best in Show winners in its history. Though any breed can win the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, some breeds have taken home the Best in Show ribbon more than others. But breeds don't win based on popularity: some of the […]

For Nuri the Azawakh, the green synthetic turf of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a far cry from the Tennessee greenery to which this 6-year-old Sighthound is accustomed. Rest assured, plenty of attention is focused on the breed's inaugural appearance at one of America's most well-known dog shows. Nuri and her owner Vicki Williams, […]

Tuesday, February 4, 2020 This bill has been removed from the February 5 agenda and AKC Government Relations will update when developments warrant. Monday, February 3, 2020 The American Kennel Club is concerned with Hawaii House Bill 2163.  The bill, introduced by Representative Roy Mitsuo Takumi, seeks to limit the practices of surgical births, debarking, […]