American Kennel Club

Established in 1884, the American Kennel Club (AKC) is a respected non-profit organization that specializes in providing reliable information on dog breeds, health, and training. The AKC promotes responsible pet ownership and is committed to supporting the development of dog sports.

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'Copper' Aims for 300 Dock Diving Jumps, Despite Devastating Diagnosis

2 days ago | akc.org | Gemma Johnstone

catahoula leopard dog dock diving lymphoma diving dogs challenge “Copper” the 10-year-old Catahoula Leopard Dog is obsessed with the sport of dock diving. When his owner-handlers, Julie Ostrander and Cheri Grant, from Riverview, Florida, start loading their van with dog gear on the weekends, he knows exactly what is going on and is very vocal about his desire to be involved.
Miniature Poodle 'Cher' Competes in 2025 AKC Agility Premier Cup

2 days ago | akc.org | Gemma Johnstone

non-sporting group poodle miniature poodle Maggie Schoolar, from Leander, Texas, first tried agility with her little Maltese, “Gus,” 20 years ago, “just for something fun to do with him.” She couldn’t have imagined how much the sport would change her life, leading to her leaving a successful corporate career, opening her own dog training facility, and competing at the 2025 AKC Agility Premier Cup with her superstar 8-year-old Miniature Poodle, “Cher”.
Belgian Malinois 'Maze' to Compete in 2025 Diving Dogs Challenge

3 days ago | akc.org | Rylee Johnston

belgian malinois dock diving diving dogs challenge There was nothing but pride in Christopher Hutchko’s voice as he gushed about his 2-year-old Belgian Malinois,”Mazikeen” (Maze), who has been a fierce Dock Diving competitor within Ultimate Air Dogs (UAD). She recently competed in the 2025 Diving Dogs Challenge, part of the AKC Salutes the Troops event with ESPN. “She’s literally won every event we’ve ever been to,” says Hutchko.
Does You Dog Know When You're Stressed? How Can They Tell?

1 week ago | akc.org | Stephanie Gibeault

stress scent When you’re stressed, does your dog’s behavior change? Perhaps your dog watches you more closely or makes an extra effort to comfort you with cuddles. It may even look as if your dog knows how you’re feeling. But what could your dog be sensing? And perhaps more importantly, what impact does your stress level have on them? Do Dogs Know When You’re Stressed?
What Is Temperament in Dogs?

1 week ago | akc.org | Gemma Johnstone

temperament behavior dog breed Labrador Retrievers are consistently amongst the top five most popular dog breeds in the US. A big part of their appeal is that they’re often described as having outgoing, friendly, intelligent, adaptable and eager-to-please temperaments. But what does temperament in dogs really mean? How is it measured, and how important a factor is it if you’re welcoming a new pet into your household? What Is the Definition of Temperament in Dogs?
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.
Why Do Dogs Sigh?

2 weeks ago | akc.org | Gemma Johnstone

communication sigh exhale There’s nothing more comforting than hearing your dog let out a deep sigh as they curl up with you on the couch. However, sighing isn’t just a sign of contentment. There are several physical and emotional reasons for sighing in dogs, including stress, frustration and attention seeking. That means we must look at the wider context to help us interpret what our dogs are communicating with this action.
Pride in the Ring: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Dog Sport Competitors

2 weeks ago | akc.org | Sassafras Lowrey

lgbtq handler Diversity among dogs and people makes our dog sports community stronger. For Pride month, we spoke to LGBTQ+ identified competitors to talk about the inclusion in the dog world and why being able to be visible, out, and proud is important to them. Finding a Home in the Dog WorldAs a Junior Handler in the late 90s and early 2000s, I was worried about coming out to my conservative dog show family. Ultimately, when I did, I dealt with life-changing homophobia.