Meet Dino, a 13.5-year-old Löwchen and one of the oldest agility competitors at this year's AKC Agility Invitational, held in Orlando on December 16-17.

The AKC® National Championship presented by Royal Canin has a new record-breaking entry. A grand total of 5,762 dogs will compete for the title of America’s National Champion on December 16 and 17, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Combined with the other weekend events, including the AKC®/Royal Canin National All-Breed […]

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs is a neurologic condition affecting the spinal cord. It can range in severity, from pain to paralysis.

In 2009, my family received our first purebred Bernese Mountain Dog, Zack. Zack's breeder encouraged my older to get involved with Junior Showmanship, leading to my family's devotion to the breed and sport of purebred dogs. When I turned 9 years old, I began showing in Junior Showmanship with our Bernese Mountain Dog, Juliette. Throughout […]

Can dogs be albino? Yes, and certain breeds are more prone to the gene than others. Read about albino dog history, and what to do to keep them healthy.

Puppy strangles (or juvenile cellulitis) is an uncommon idiopathic skin disease. It's believed that a hereditary autoimmune issue, and is not contagious to humans or other dogs.

Dog paralysis may be permanent or temporary, depending on the cause. Common causes include infections, trauma, spinal stroke and disk disease.

Marthina Greer First presented Pure Dog Talk Jan 2023 Bladder stones are the quintessential “which came first, the chicken or the egg” question. By this, we mean that a dog can have a bladder symptoms that are caused by a bladder stone, or the bladder infection can cause bladder stones to form. Which then becomes […]

All AKC DNA + Health Kits include the original 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes, as well as over 328 genetic variants for health and traits. Download a pdf of all included tests Health Tests Acral Mutilation Syndrome (AMS, SN) This genetic variant is associated with an inherited neurological disease characterized by […]

Good breeders breed good dogs, and the best breeders know that education is paramount to their success. In 2023, the AKC launched the AKC Eddy Award program to recognize Parent Clubs who go above and beyond in their breeder education efforts. Despite working towards the same goal, each club took their own approach and produced […]