Melanie Haid

New York

Senior Digital Contemt Editor at American Kennel Club

writer & journo gal in nyc | senior digital content editor @akcdoglovers 💙 alter ego @melwearswhat past: @theknot @younghollywood @droz @netaporter

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Articles

Meet Portland, Oregon Bolognese Breeder, Ikuko Hisaka

1 week ago | akc.org | Melanie Haid

Miscellaneous Bolognese dog breeder Ikuko Hisaka, owner of Elfin Bolognese, has loved the breed almost as long as she’s been breeding them. But her introduction to Bolognese didn’t come until later in life. Hisaka grew up in Tokyo, Japan, and moved to the United States in 1987 when her husband’s job transferred them to Portland, Oregon. It would take another two decades for Hisaka to be introduced to the breed.
Back on the Leash: Better Behavior on Dog Walks

1 week ago | akc.org | Melanie Haid

leash walking walk This article originally appeared in the award-winning AKC Family Dog magazine. Subscribe now!Out of all the outdoor activities that dogs can participate in, going for a walk is probably the most universal. It’s something that dogs and owners look forward to, as it’s an opportunity to get out of the house, exercise, and enjoy each other’s company. However, it’s not always easy (or a good idea!) to take a walk, especially when weather conditions are not ideal.
Meet the 2025 Winners of AKC Fastest Dogs USA

1 week ago | akc.org | Melanie Haid

fastest dogs usa greyhound Some of the fastest dogs in the country dashed after the coveted “bunny” lure in a 100-yard Fast CAT dash at AKC Fastest Dogs USA, part of AKC Salutes the Troops. This multi-event celebration, in partnership with ESPN, celebrated canine athletes and the Army’s 250th anniversary in Georgia at the end of April and early May.
Meet the 2025 AKC Diving Dogs Premier Cup Winners

1 month ago | akc.org | Melanie Haid

diving dogs dock diving diving dogs premier cup The 2025 AKC Diving Dogs Premier Cup, presented by Cosequin, was held in collaboration with North American Diving Dogs on April 5 at the Mississippi State University Campus in Starkville, MS. Dogs competed in Distance and Air Retrieve with a winner crowned in each subdivision. The competition aired on ESPN, and champions were announced for each discipline.
Meet the Winners of the 2025 AKC National Agility Championship

Mar 27, 2025 | akc.org | Melanie Haid

border collie papillon national agility championship From March 14 through March 16, dogs and handlers gathered at the Built Ford Tough Lifestock Complex at Expo Square in Tusla, Oklahoma for the 2025 AKC National Agility Championship. Champions were crowned within the Regular and Preferred Class. Dogs competed in the 8″, 12″, 16″, 20″, and 24″ divisions in the Regular Class, and 4″, 8″, 12″, 16″, and 20″ in the Preferred Class.
Great Dane 'Bing' Stars in 'The Friend' With Naomi Watts and Bill Murray

Mar 26, 2025 | akc.org | Melanie Haid

great dane dog movies the friend Bev Klingensmith of Newton, Iowa, loves her dogs: 7-year-old Great Dane “Bing” and Golden Retriever “Nash.” She’s very involved in the dog world, showing, breeding, training and doing dog sports. She’s the President of the Great Dane Club of Des Moines, and is involved in the Des Moines Obedience Training Club, Central Iowa Kennel Club, and Great Dane Club of America. Now, she’s added “handler to a movie star dog” to her list of impressive accolades.
Meet Howell, Michigan Miniature Pinscher Breeder, Linda Grems

Mar 18, 2025 | akc.org | Melanie Haid

mentor miniature pinscher mentorship Linda Grems didn’t set out to be a dog breeder, and she didn’t always have Miniature Pinschers. The Howell, Michigan had already had a career in business in a different realm: automotive design. These business skills are reflected through multiple degrees, including an MBA, all uncommon for a woman especially at that time. One thing gave her a solid foundation in her career: her mentor, her dad.
Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2024 Released by City

Mar 18, 2025 | akc.org | Melanie Haid

registration labrador retriever french bulldog most popular breeds The American Kennel Club announced 2024’s most popular dog breeds based on AKC registration numbers. For the third year in a row, the French Bulldog is the No. 1 most popular dog in the United States. Before 2022, the Labrador Retriever held the No. 1 spot for 31 years. These may be the top breeds overall, but when you look at major cities in the United States, the rankings aren’t always the same.
Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2024

Mar 18, 2025 | akc.org | Melanie Haid

labrador retriever french bulldog most popular breeds As the world’s largest registry of purebred dogs, the AKC uses our registration statistics to rank the most popular breeds of the past year — and the numbers are in!The French Bulldog has secured the No. 1 spot as the most popular dog breed in the United States for the third year in a row. In 2022, the Frenchie took the Most Popular title from the Labrador Retriever, a breed who had previously sat comfortably at No. 1 for 31 years.
Meet Tennessee Mudi and Scottish Terrier Breeder, Kellie Verrelli

Feb 13, 2025 | akc.org | Melanie Haid

Breeder Spotlight scottish terrier mudi breeding Kellie Verrelli, co-breeder of Akekal Mudis and Shepherds Kennel with Beth Bochardt, wasn’t always a Mudi breeder. Verrelli, who lives near Nashville, Tennessee, notes that her breeding journey actually began with Scottish Terriers after she and her husband got their first Scottie in 1995.