SOCIETY

Cesar Nation

For several seasons on his National Geographic Channel show, "The Dog Whisperer," Cesar Millan has performed what appears to be some form of magic. Each week, he goes into the homes of people with unruly, often dangerously aggressive dogs. Millan confidently approaches the dog and somehow reveals a terrific pet...READ MORE

Kramer's Battle

In late August 2008, my wife and I took our 10-year-old Standard Poodle to the veterinary clinic after a urinary tract infection. They prescribed antibiotics and told us to keep an eye on Kramer. That first infection cleared up, but a couple of weeks later another appeared. Our veterinarian, Dr. Lori Paporello, DVM, at the Northampton Veterinary Clinic, asked us to come in for blood tests.  In an eerie foreshadowing...READ MORE

Japan's Gift to the World

One day in January, 1924, Eizaburo Ueno, a professor at the University of Tokyo, received a gift from a former student – an Akita puppy. Professor Ueno fell quickly in love and named his new companion Hachi. This is the Japanese word for "eight," a number representing good fortune, comfort, and confidence, all of which foreshadow the story of this Akita's life...READ MORE

Beyond Bars

When Neil Cortner has tense and uncomfortable days, it is soothing to come home and spend time with his dog. "It's like some weird therapy. I get down on the floor and brush the dog. Five minutes later my hand is not holding the brush so tight. Then I see the dog is sleeping. She's relaxed, and I'm relaxed." Mr. Cortner's experiences sound like any other dog lover's...READ MORE

Interbreed Partnerships

Fifteen years ago, it took a courageous breeder to speak openly about illnesses and conditions. Fearing negative publicity for their kennels, most breeders resisted exposing problems. Slowly, this attitude has changed. Today, nearly every breed club understands that it is healthier to face problems. Permanent health committees identify and discuss health issues, recruiting owners to provide blood and skin samples for researchers...READ MORE

Celtic Connections

Each year at the St. Patrick's Day parade in Morristown, NJ, crowds come out to see representatives of the Irish community. There is the Irishman and Irishwoman of the year, marching bands beating drums and playing the bagpipes, proud gatherings of local Irish American groups.

And there is the banner that reads, "Erin Go Bark!"...READ MORE

Owner to Breeder, Part 1

John has been showing Collies for five years, although he has never won a point. This year, with his third dog, he started hearing the term "beautiful expression." It has been some time since he last checked the Collie standard. Taking another look, his heart raced when...READ MORE

Owner to Breeder, Part 2

There is an odd creature that exists in all regions of the United States. It forms a complex society, gathering on certain days for an intense series of activities in which they reveal to each other how they have shaped another animal, one of an entirely different species. These creatures have a strict social hierarchy. Individual members start at the bottom of the pack...READ MORE

Owner to Breeder, Part 3

"You don't have to breed your dogs," says Janina Laurin. This may seem puzzling, coming from someone who has been involved with dogs since childhood, has been breeding Belgian Tervurens for 35 years, and in 2002 was recognized as the AKC's Herding Breeder of the Year. But Ms. Laurin says she regularly poses this simple statement for all breeders, including herself, no matter how many champions she can list...READ MORE

Responsible Dog Ownership Day

Breed clubs are eager to discuss not only the joys, but also the responsibilities and challenges of being a good dog owner. In 2003, the AKC created the Responsible Dog Ownership Day (RDOD) concept, which includes a set of engaging activities that local clubs and organizations can use to show the many ways to be a loving, responsible, and knowledgeable...READ MORE

AKC Educators

Dog lovers are always ready to explain how canines form the center of our universe. Give them a receptive audience and something special comes to life. In and around the AKC, there is an active network of educators whose mission is to teach those who are eager to learn about dogs. They use a variety of approaches, in many settings, to reach people of all ages...READ MORE

Different Doggy Daycare

Siberian Husky Training Secrets

I grew up in a Siberian Husky world. There were Siberians in our house, and outside 10 Siberians roamed a series of extensive kennel runs. To my delight, I spent many hours with these dogs, observing their unique habits. I saw them in their refined state, when my parents showed them in the ring. I saw them in their more natural state on the trail, when we went sledding...READ MORE

Labrador Retriever Grooming

Labrador Retrievers are rugged dogs. They love to romp in water and rumble through tall grass. They do not need too much primping and beautifying, right?

Although Labrador retrievers do not need much aesthetic care, there are several grooming activities that contribute to health and training, and the bond the two of you form...READ MORE

Dachshund Socialization

Every Dachshund owner wants a puppy who is great with all kinds of people and all other dogs. You want your Dachshund to greet the wide world with confidence and happiness. A healthy relationship with...READ MORE

North Carolina Breeders Symposium

It is a challenge for breeders to keep pace with veterinary research and use the latest knowledge to improve their dogs. On July 17, 2004, the Canine Health Foundation, together with the AKC and North Carolina State University, took a giant step forward by hosting the first-ever AKC Breeders Symposium, gathering breeders and researchers together for a day of interactive seminars covering a broad range of canine health and genetics issues...READ MORE