The temptation to reach into our medicine cabinets to treat our pets can be dangerous. Humans and dogs react very differently to medications, which is why veterinarians caution dog owners against making independent decisions about how to medicate their animals. However, some human medications are safe for use with dogs, as long as they are […]

Originally bred to help hunters, retrievers were tasked with finding birds or other game and bringing them back undamaged. For this sort of job, the dog needed a “soft,” gentle mouth, where they would carefully carry the prey without damaging it. Also required were strength and agility to traverse a rugged landscape or work in […]

Here at the AKC, we never get tired of learning more about dogs, whether it's a new study on canine behavior, a statistic from our database, or even just cool facts about a dog's impressive physical and mental abilities. You may know some of these already, and others may be more of a "wait, really?" […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking.  Alabama – HB 235 would authorize food service establishments to allow pet dogs in outdoor restaurant seating areas and sets out access, sanitation, and other requirements. It also specifies that emotional support animals are not service animals within the meaning of the Americans […]

Among inexperienced dog seekers, one question looms early in the process of finding that perfect puppy. Pet or show dog? This is an inquiry often asked by breeders, but you may find yourself wondering, "how should I know?" Of course, every puppy will fulfill that first category as a loyal companion. And hopefully, they'll be […]

When you mention dogs that work with sheep, most of us instantly think of those that herd them: Imagine Border Collies and Australian Shepherds darting with flashes of merle and sable among a bleating crowd. These wily workers keep their charges from wandering off, and help move them from place to place. But there’s another […]

Reba’s Fancy Red Heart ACT2 BN FCAT CA CGCA CGCU FDC RATN RA SHDM SWM SWNE SWAE SWEE SWME TDI THDN TKI TT owned by Barbara Bumcrots of Maumee, OH Reba already had a big first under her belt when she became the first All American Dog to earn the AKC Scent Work Masters title, and only the […]

Dogs are always born in litters and oftentimes look alike, so it is easy to assume that identical twins aren't uncommon in puppies. But in reality, identical twins in dogs are incredibly rare. Twins are two offspring produced by the same pregnancy. They can be either identical twins, meaning that they develop from one egg […]

Recently I helped a breeder friend compile a package of handouts to send to prospective owners. This was her first litter so she was new to the process. I was surprised to learn that her bitch’s breeder had not sent her anything comparable when she was shopping for a puppy. I used to think these […]

A passion for terriers and dog shows led 17-year-old Royal Miller, from Pennsylvania, to become ranked as #7 Junior Handler in the Terrier group. "I never expected to be in the top 10 in my group because of COVID-19," Royal explains. "Yet there I was, winning in juniors and moving up to #7 in the […]