Assistants Are People Too

Last month, I wrote about why it’s so important to be an assistant before becoming a professional handler. This time, I’d like to explore the opposite point of view.

Last month, I wrote about why it’s so important to be an assistant before becoming a professional handler. This time, I’d like to explore the opposite point of view.

Every time I head out to judge a dog show, my partner, Juliandro, says to me, “Find a Star!”

An American Kennel Club (AKC) affiliate, the Nashville Kennel Club (NKC) operates at the heart of the purebred dog community.

Brought to you by the AKC GoodDog! Helpline – the AKC’s 7-day-a-week training support service Fear of loud noises can be stressful for dogs and can limit the activities they can enjoy. Thunder is probably the most common noise phobia trigger, especially since a dogs’ sensitivity to the changes in barometric pressure can trigger fearful [...]

Going to court is something most people dread – for very good reasons. For most participants in the world of field trials and hunt tests, the American Kennel Club’s disciplinary system represents fairness, structure, and integrity. It’s what keeps our sport credible. We believe that when misconduct occurs, there’s a clear process to protect both people and dogs – one that ensures accountability and safety.

By Amy Fernandez There was a time when trick dogs featured prominently in the show scene. Profit was never guaranteed, and early show sponsors welcomed anything they could find to lure spectators through the door. Reporting on Westminster’s inaugural event in 1877, the Times described “a woman in fantastic attire amusing the spectators for some time with [...]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is thrilled to welcome the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka, and the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier to the registry, bringing the number of recognized breeds [...]

Junior handlers are the future of our sports, and that means as adults we need to be encouraging, supporting, and mentoring to the kids and teens we see at shows.

A new year brings fresh opportunities for a lifestyle reboot, and as you set health goals for 2025, remember that your pet can embark on the journey to healthier living right along beside you. Whether you’re aiming to eat better, exercise more or find peace of mind, one of the best strategies for success is [...]

Regardless of the breed, the same allegation crops up every time purebred dog haters lay out their case by citing the genetic bottleneck. Everyone knows that script. An overly restricted gene pool has led to nothing but substandard, defective dogs…blah, blah, blah. Wading past the propaganda and disinformation, there is a grain of truth in that indictment. Breeding to the big name, top winner of the moment happens a lot. I’m not saying that big winners don’t make valuable contributions to their respective gene pools. But, regardless of show records, no dog is the ideal match for every bitch.