Akitas are stunning, spitz-type dogs with ancient Japanese origins. But there's a lot more to know about the Akita than the fact that they're strong and attractive. Here are 10 Akita facts that will teach you plenty about this historic breed. 1. They Were Once Called "Snow Country Dogs" Once upon a time, Akitas were […]

Andretti is a rescue dog whose early life is unknown. A recent X-ray revealed that he has two microchips. “You can only speculate on the chaotic nature of his puppyhood,” Inez said. “We know that he went from the Kansas Humane Society to Beagles-And-More Rescue and had at least one failed adoption before finding his […]

This larger-than-life breed was developed in the mid-1800s by Heinrich Essig, an exotic-animal dealer and alderman from the German town of Leonberg, who, legend has it, was trying to create a dog to resemble the lion on the town’s crest. Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Great Pyrenees, are among the breeds went into this intelligent, all-around working […]

You can teach your dog to do many different things, but there are a few general guidelines that will help make sure your training goes well.  The American Kennel Club’s (AKC®) Canine Good Citizen® Director Mary Burch offers the top tips for effectively training your four-legged friend. Do reward behaviors you like.  Observe carefully when […]

By AKC GoodDog! Helpline Trainer Hilarie Erb Many new puppy owners are alarmed when their pup explores the world by tasting every new thing they find. Grass, dirt, sticks, rocks, mulch – nothing is off limits! This is normal behavior. Many animal babies, humans and puppies included, put things in their mouths to find out […]

That is how Paula Kotowski of Santa Barbara, CA, describes her little rescue dog Riley, who is formally known in the AKC Canine Partners program as PACH Smiley Riley MXP3 MJP4 PAX. Paula adopted Riley when he was about 9 months old from a crowded Los Angeles shelter, where he had been brought in as […]

Overview Pugs are: Even-tempered, charming, mischievous, loving, and adaptable; The largest breed in the AKC Toy Group—portable but sturdy; Originally from Asia, though long associated with The Netherlands; A very popular pet the world over; Easy to groom, but—despite its short coat— a dog that sheds. Pugs love: Kids; Adults who are still kids at […]

Training Your Dog to Be a Therapy Dog The AKC GoodDog! Helpline receives frequent inquiries about how to train dogs for therapy work. GDH Trainer Christie Canfield conducts therapy visits with her dog and also teaches therapy dog classes. She tells us the “who, what, when and how” of making a therapy dog. Because of […]

When seen floating across the show ring, the long, flowing Shih Tzu coat is dramatic and eye-catching. But maintaining that coat requires consistent care. 

The AKC Board of Directors recently discussed problematic new “pet leasing” schemes in which prospective owners make hefty monthly payments for a pet, but are not given legal ownership of the pet. In response to this concerning trend, the Board has updated the AKC Canine Legislation Position Statement on Protection for Puppy Purchasers to include […]