When it comes to planning a litter, most breeders agree on a few things. They want to increase conception rates, maximize litter size, and produce quality puppies -- all with the safety of the bitch of the utmost importance. These days, there are many ways for breeders to achieve their goals. While natural breeding may […]

Congratulations to Elin and Jay Phinizy and members of the Dog Owners of the Granite State (D.O.G.S) federation, winners of the first quarter 2018 Walter Bebout Memorial Award for Leadership in Canine Legislation. Elin and Jay Phinizy have been actively involved in Dog Owners of the Granite State since its inception in 1991. As a […]

Photo courtesy Melissa Hampton Photography   A dog-show newbie says handling isn’t as easy as it looks, but it sure is exciting. In “Talking Sports” we present advice from high achievers in the world of dog sports. But in this edition, about conformation dog shows, we thought it would be fun to see the sport […]

The Maryland Senate Finance Committee has scheduled a hearing for Thursday, March 29, which will prohibit retail pet stores (defined as any “for profit establishment open to the public that sells or offers for sale domestic animals to be kept as pets”) from selling any dogs or cats.  Instead, they would only be allowed to […]

Whether it's a therapy dog visiting residents of a nursing home or a service dog assisting a disabled veteran, canine companions can vastly improve a person's quality of life. Thankfully, society is increasingly recognizing the benefits pets can provide for our mental health. But what about the function of pets for people facing mental health […]

Ever wonder how handlers get into conformation? Well, many of them start out in Junior Showmanship. And it turns out the kids have a lot to say! We chatted with 12 youngsters ranging from the ages of seven to 16 years at the annual Seattle Kennel Club (SKC) Dog Show at Centurylink Field on March […]

The New York State Assembly could soon vote on a bill that would impact hobby breeders who breed and sell animals in the state. New York residents are strongly encouraged to contact their State Assemblyperson to express concerns with Assembly Bill 465. Summary: Currently, the State of New York has numerous regulations for “pet dealers”, […]

Dogs that live in the big city face different challenges from those that live in the country or suburbs. Heavy traffic, large crowds, and using public transit all require special skills and an unflappable attitude. Not to mention, every walk can hold new surprises, like an encounter with a bike messenger or a passing throng […]

One crisp fall morning in 1967, Anne H. Bowes arrived at the Ox Ridge Hunt Club in Connecticut to find that the polo field where she always rode her horse was engulfed in a sea of yellow-and-white-striped tents. The dog-show bug bit her that day – hard – and the following February Bowes found herself […]

More than 60 All-American Dogs will compete in the 2018 AKC National Agility Championship, which is right around the corner. The event takes place March 23 – 25 in Reno, Nevada. There is a total of 917 entrants. To qualify, dogs must have earned seven double Qs, meaning they must have qualified in both Masters […]