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![Woman talking to Shetland Sheepdog puppy](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/07134253/Shetland-Sheepdog-puppy-being-held-up-and-talked-to-by-a-woman-outdoors-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Training
Dogs May Understand the Meaning of Words
Do dogs understand the meaning of words? Recent research on dog cognition has shed light on what dogs comprehend about human language including their understanding of words used as object labels.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dogs-may-understand-the-meaning-of-words/
| June 6, 2024
![Golden Retriever getting comforted while lying on a table at the vet.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/10113211/Golden-Retriever-getting-comforted-while-lying-on-a-table-at-the-vet-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: General Health
Renal Dysplasia in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment
Renal dysplasia (RD), also known as renal malformation, refers to a type of congenital chronic kidney disease. Learn more about renal dysplasia in dogs.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/renal-dysplasia-in-dogs/
| May 31, 2024
Press Releases
2024 NATIONAL OWNER-HANDLED SERIES FINALS & NATIONAL ALL-BREED PUPPY & JUNIOR STAKES JUDGING PANELS NOW AVAILABLE
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panels for the 2024 National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals and the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2024-national-owner-handled-series-finals-national-breed-puppy-junior-stakes-judging-panels-now-available/
| May 31, 2024
![Miniature Pinscher, two Chihuahuas, and a Pomeranian sitting together outdoors.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/15144616/Miniature-Pinscher-two-Chihuahuas-and-a-Pomeranian-sitting-together-outdoors-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Studies
How Cognitive Traits Vary Breed by Breed
When an Rat Terrier stands next to a Newfoundland, the physical differences in the breeds are obvious. But what about their cognitive differences?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/cognitive-traits-vary-by-breed/
| May 29, 2024
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Sports & Events
In Their League: Junior Handlers Gain Experience on League Teams
By Penny Leigh (This article first appeared in the May/June 2024 issue of AKC Family Dog magazine). The purchase of a new puppy and the promise of a new sport had Sarah Kolath excited about the future. She trained dogs for 4H obedience competitions as a teen-ager and was ready to re-launch her dog training […]
https://www.akc.org/sports/agility/in-the-zone/in-their-league-junior-handlers-gain-experience-league-teams/
| May 21, 2024
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/18232909/best-junior-H-final-400x267.png)
Expert Advice: Events
Octavia Stensen Awarded Best Junior at 2024 Westminster Dog Show
The Junior Showmanship competition at Westminster celebrated its 90th year. Junior Handler Octavia Stensen took home 2024 Westminster Best Junior.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/2024-westminster-best-junior/
| May 15, 2024
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/15022310/sage-2-400x267.png)
Expert Advice: Events
Meet Miniature Poodle ‘Sage,’ the 2024 Westminster Best in Show Winner
Sage, a three-year-old Miniature Poodle from Houston, has won Best in Show at the 148th Westminister Kennel Club Dog Show.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/2024-westminster-best-in-show-winner/
| May 15, 2024
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Expert Advice: Events
Meet the 2024 Westminster Group Winners
The 2024 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which took place in Queens, New York, on May 11-14, has picked its Group Winners to move on to Best in Show.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/2024-westminster-group-winners/
| May 15, 2024
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Expert Advice: Events
All-American Dog ‘Nimble’ Wins 2024 Masters Agility Championship at Westminster
After an action-packed weekend, the 2024 Masters Agility Championship at Westminster, a winner has been crowned.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/2024-westminster-masters-agility-championship-winner/
| May 12, 2024
![Dachshund running in a field.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/09104908/Dachshund-running-in-a-field-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Safety
Why Do Dogs Run Away?
One of a dog owner's worst nightmares is having their dog run away, yet it's an all too common and dangerous scenario. So how do you prevent it?
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-do-dogs-run-away/
| April 18, 2024