SORT BY
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/03125748/puppy_Wubba-400x267.png)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
What’s in your breeder kit?
Gift-giving season is fast upon us, and all good puppies will be expecting to find something under the tree! Tractor Supply has a great selection of high-quality toys for any type of dog, and these are just a few that new puppy owners would be happy to see come home with their new best friends: […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/whats-breeder-kit-16/
| November 3, 2022
![Historical image of Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/01165502/PBGV001-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen History: The French Hunting Hound
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen came into prominence in the United States nearly 20 years ago. Although there had been a few PBGVs in the country as early as 1971, it was a puppy named Alexander that started the PBGV frenzy in 1983. Since then, the reaction to this scruffy little hound has gone from […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/petit-basset-griffon-vendeen-history/
| November 1, 2022
![Border Collie puppy laying in the grass chewing on a treat.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/01151203/Border-Collie-puppy-laying-in-the-grass-chewing-on-a-treat-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Nutrition
Can Dogs Eat Pecans?
Pecans are a popular option for humans to eat or include in a variety of dishes. In moderation, these tree nuts can be a healthy snack for people, as they are full of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Pecans are also a source of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol. Unfortunately, pecans are not good […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-pecans/
| November 1, 2022
![Merle Shetland Sheepdog laying down in the fall leaves.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/28124904/Shetland-Sheepdog-laying-down-in-the-fall-leaves-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
What Makes the Merle in Dog Coats? The Science Behind the Pattern
Merle in dogs is one of the most intriguing coat patterns in the dog world, both in its appearance and its genetics. Also known as dapple, merle is characterized by irregular blotches of fur set on a lighter background of the same pigment, such as solid black on gray (called blue merle) or solid brown […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/merle-in-dogs/
| November 1, 2022
![Pregnant French Bulldog standing in the garden.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/01122329/Pregnant-French-Bulldog-standing-in-the-garden-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
How to Know If Your Dog Is Ready to Breed
Chances are, eons ago, one of your parents sat you down, all strained smiles and adult awkwardness, and had that “birds and bees” talk. But did anyone ever have that same conversation with you about your dog? If you’ve decided to get into casual breeding, you need to know how to tell if your bitch […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/dog-is-ready-to-breed/
| November 1, 2022
![Basenji puppy hiding under furniture.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/31154011/Basenji-puppy-hiding-under-furniture-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Health
Gabapentin for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives
Gabapentin for dogs is commonly prescribed for pain, anxiety, or seizures. It's generally safe, but there are some known side effects to be aware of.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/gabapentin-for-dogs/
| October 31, 2022
![Dalmatian puppies laying in a whelping box, a woman rubbing the belly of one.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/31094915/Dalmatian-puppies-laying-in-a-whelping-box-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Why does my dog...
Do Dogs Have Belly Buttons?
Do dogs have belly buttons? Yes, and learn how to find your dog's belly button and its purpose, plus what health issues to look out for when examining it.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/do-dogs-have-belly-buttons/
| October 31, 2022
![Spanish Mastiff puppy walking to his food bowl in the sunroom.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Spanish-Mastiff-puppy-walking-to-his-food-bowl-in-the-sunroom-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Lifestyle
How to Inflation-Proof Your Dog’s Care
All it takes is a trip to the grocery store or gas pump to feel the sting of inflation. Inflation impacts every aspect of our lives, and dog care costs are no exception. Meeting your dog's physical, mental, and emotional needs are key elements of responsible dog ownership, and some elements become more costly as […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/inflation-dog-ownership-cost/
| October 31, 2022
![Shetland Sheepdog puppy laying down next to pumpkins and gourds.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/28112748/Shetland-Sheepdog-puppy-laying-down-next-to-pumpkins-and-gourds-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Nutrition
Can Dogs Eat Squash?
Pumpkins and other types of squash are popular vegetables for humans; among other things, they are low in fat and cholesterol. As you're preparing it, you might find yourself wondering if it's okay to share it with your dog. But can dogs eat squash? What Type of Squash Should You Feed to Your Dog? Depending […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-squash/
| October 28, 2022
Pages
Meet the Breeder: Breeder of Merit Chris Flessner
Even if you don’t know Chris Flessner and her husband Bryan, chances are you’ve admired their handiwork: Their homebred “Trumpet” (GChB Flessner’s Toot My Own Horn) was the Westminster Kennel Club’s 2022 Best in Show winner, shown by professional handler Heather Buehner, who is also his co-breeder and co-owner. While this year marked the vaunted […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/akc-breeder-of-merit-program/inner-circle-newsletter/breeder-of-merit-chris-flessner/
| October 28, 2022