The AKC Breeder of Merit program was introduced in October 2010. Since that time, more than 13,000 breeders have been enrolled. The program was developed to recognize those breeders that are the foundation of our sport through their participation in various AKC events and dedication to selective breeding of healthy purpose-bred purebred dogs. The Basic […]

Does your dog drive you crazy with problem behavior? Perhaps they're jumping on your guests or begging at the table — issues you can tackle with a skilled trainer. But maybe things are more serious, and you’re not sure where to turn. It might be time to hire a behavior consultant or animal behaviorist. These professionals work with clients […]

Susan S. wrote to ask what is the best way to teach her Field Spaniel puppy to stay. To teach your puppy “stay,” the most important thing to remember is to take it in baby steps. Too many owners make the mistake of turning it into an endurance contest: how long can the puppy stay […]

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 […]

There are many advantages to sperm collection. The ability to ship semen across the country and internationally can help promote genetic diversity within a breed. Sperm can be kept frozen for years beyond the life of a dog and used when the right female breeding opportunity comes along. Stacey Hathaway and Stephanie Parker are registered […]

Companion Minnesota bills, House File 3157 and Senate File 2646, seek to make it a crime to misrepresent a dog as a service animal or a service animal in training.   First violations would qualify as petty misdemeanors with fines up to $100.  Second or subsequent violations would qualify as misdemeanors with 30 hours of community service for an […]

The new AKC.org is here! Our website has been completely redesigned with special features just for dog lovers. Here's what's new on the site: New organization. Looking for information on finding the right dog for you? Or maybe you just want to read entertaining dog articles. Our new content organization makes it quick and easy to […]

When you look into your dog's eyes, you probably try to guess what he's thinking. You might read that puppy dog look as begging or see a loving gaze as affection. Just as we try to read other people’s expressions, we attempt to learn what our dog is feeling based on the way he looks at us. […]

Preschool curriculum often includes a lesson about different types of homes. Like people, dogs need shelter too! As a part of a lesson on homes or on taking care of pets, use this STEM inspired activity to encourage your children to create a home for dogs. Responsible dog owners use crates in their homes to […]

Learning Objectives Students will make anatomical comparisons between humans and dogs.   Grade Level Grades 9-12   National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Practices Addressed Asking Questions and Defining Problems Developing and Using Models Planning and Carrying Out Investigations Analyzing and Interpreting Data High School Specific: Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization […]