Starting to teach tracking skills at an early age can be a great way to build a puppy’s confidence, since he or she is in charge when it comes to finding a scent. But tracking work can be beneficial for an adult dog as well. For most of his life, one of our Pyrenean Shepherds, Speed, […]

Learn the best time to socialize your puppy, how to do it right, and why it's important from AKC's dog training experts.

Some of the best obedience competitors in the world gather for the AKC National Obedience Championship. Just in time for this prestigious event, here’s a newcomer’s guide to the basics of watching an obedience competition — including a breakdown of classes and scoring.  Even better, after learning more, you might be inspired to try one […]

What are the common causes of dog limping, and when should you take your limping dog to the vet? Learn what to look for and what to do.

Similar to how dogs have been shown to help their owners feel better, therapy dogs are able to bring comfort and support to the public. Therapy dogs are typically social, yet calm dogs who after training and certification can alongside their handler visit people in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings. There are also […]

Use the following resources as a guide to responsible dog breeding. You may also want to watch the AKC webinar on Planning Breedings: Are you ready to breed a litter of puppies? Prepare Yourself for Breeding a Litter of Puppies Breed to Improve Understand the Commitment Choose A Suitable Mate Know Your Genetics Finalize Stud […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 AKC® Lifetime Achievement Awards: James (Jim) Crowley (Conformation), Linda Mecklenburg (Companion Events) and Pluis Davern (Performance). The Awards, created by AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung in 1999, are presented […]

The AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards were created to recognize those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. The recipients were selected by votes cast by AKC Member Clubs for nominees in each of the following categories: Conformation, Companion Events and Performance Events. The American Kennel Club […]

New puppy owners hear a ton of advice from their family, their neighbors, and even the overly-talkative owner at the dog park. Some is spot on, and some is ill-advised. Because those early weeks with a new puppy are critical, it's important to filter that advice and do what's best for your pup and their […]

A combination of breed and socialization will help determine how your dog will behave. Here's why breed matters when selecting a pet.