The Internet can offer a wealth of tips and facts on dog food. Unfortunately, it provides even more dog food myths and misinformation. Here’s a sampling of urban legends populating the Web and the actual truths behind them. Myth: Don't Feed Dogs Pork But then I started to wonder why so few commercial foods contained […]

The humble potato is the key ingredient in French fries, hash browns, tater tots, and many other essential comfort foods. When prepared in a healthy way, white potatoes can be a nutritious food for humans, but can dogs eat potatoes? The answer is: it depends. Potatoes aren't categorically toxic to dogs, like grapes or onions. […]

Can dogs eat cucumbers? They can, and small pieces of these water-rich vegetables can make good rewards for dogs.

The summer heat can be stifling for both dogs and humans. And when we lose power, it is not only stressful on our own bodies but on our dogs' as well. There are a few steps you can take to keep your dog (and you!) safe and cool in extreme heat. Most Dogs Aren't Built […]

It's easy (and dangerous) for dogs to become overheated. Here's how to recognize signs of overheated dogs, how to prevent overheating, and what to do if you think you have an overheated dog.

At its recent meeting, the Rockingham County Planning Commission (Harrisonburg, VA) tabled a proposed Dog Kennel Ordinance that could impact local hobby kennels.  As a result, the proposal now goes to the Board of Supervisors for possible enactment. The ordinance is not currently listed on the agenda for the 6:00pm meeting on Wednesday, July 27.  […]

One of the most difficult lessons to learn and accept in our sport is that it will sometimes be necessary to rethink our decisions. However costly those decisions might have been, it usually proves even more costly to ignore the warning signs and stubbornly forge ahead. When we are working with genes Mother Nature often […]

In late May, Kristina Steinbach of Grand Rapids, Michigan, debuted in the ring with a female Shiba Inu. A 16-year-old with autism, Kristina appeared in the conformation ring at the four-day Apple Blossom Dog Show Cluster in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with 6-month-old Kuma. The teen's other Shiba, 3-year-old Keiko, is her service dog. Since the breed […]

The doorbell rings, which in many houses prompts the dog to start barking. Then, the barking prompts the owners to start yelling, and instead of stopping—the dog just barks more! Sound familiar? If this scene resembles your house, you aren't alone. This is a common situation where many owners get stuck and frustrated by a […]

AKC Government Relations continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2022 Legislation Tracking map and click on “Federal Bills” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing on the federal level include:  U.S. Congress – […]