Posts tagged with "American Kennel Club (AKC)"

Above, one of last year's speedy contestants. (Photo source: Mark Baer/AKC)

‘AKC Fastest Dogs USA’ competition to air on ABC-TV on September 25

September 21, 2022

On September 20, the American Kennel Club (AKC) announced that its annual event, AKC Fastest Dogs USA—sponsored by The Farmer’s Dog and YuMOVE—will be broadcast on ABC-TV on Sunday, September 25, at 3 p.m. (ET).

The invitational event actually was held on Friday, September 16, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, at Atrium Health Ballpark.

The top dogs in each of the 14 fastest breeds were invited to race head-to-head to see which would be crowned the Fastest Dog. They were joined by the defending champion, Reas, a Whippet from Michigan City, Indiana.

The event also showcases a variety of America’s favorite breeds racing against each other to see which dog is the fastest in each breed—including Golden Retrievers, Basset Hounds, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. What’s more, there’s a fan-favorite Puppy Dash.

“We’re thrilled to bring ABC viewers this exciting competition,” said AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo. “These are some of the speediest dogs in the country, and those watching at home will be riveted!”

The broadcast will be hosted by ESPN’s Phil Murphy, including play-by-play by sportscaster Carolyn Manno and analysis by Bill Ellis.

Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization, which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States.

Research contact: @akcdoglovers

Photo source: Wide Open Pets

Bewitched, bothered, and bewildered: Six things that confuse puppies

September 8, 2022

There’s arguably nothing cuter than watching a puppy encounter objects and experiences for the very first time.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) there are six things that discombobulate almost all puppies in the most adorable way:

  1. Vacuums: It is most likely the noise of the vacuum that confounds puppies —and maybe the fact that we humans are pushing this giant “beast”v for no apparent reason. Most puppies will bark and growl at a vacuum—and, if they do not become desensitized, you might find yourself stuck in the middle of a lifelong battle between pup and machine.
  2. Mirrors: Watching a puppy look at himself in a mirror is always entertaining. Some young dogs lose interest immediately, but others try to figure out where the other dog they see is located. They may offer appeasing behavior or even circle around behind the mirror (if possible) to try and find the other canine.
  3. Television: Some pups can’t help but be intrigued by this strange device, which emits sound and moving images. Their curiosity is often heightened when they hear or see another dog on the screen. Try watching a dog show with your canine companion in the room. It’s one fascinating experience.
  4. Ice cubes: There’s something about ice cubes that confuses but also excites a puppy. Ice is cold and slippery, sending many puppies into a play-bow and barking frenzy when they joyfully discover that it’s edible. If your puppy is bored or teething, an ice cube is a cheap toy that will soothe and entertain him. However, you should never let your pup chew on an ice cube unsupervised, as they can present a choking hazard.
  5. Brooms: The fast action of a broom baffles many puppies, so they will often react in the same way they do to a vacuum: either running from it or attacking it. But some canine companions may view it as a new toy. Getting puppies used to our weird cleaning devices will definitely make for happier adult dogs.
  6. Phones: Admit it: you’ve asked your pet sitter to hold the phone up to your puppy while you’re away, so that you can tell him what a good boy he is. Hearing a voice, especially a familiar one, come from “nowhere” is enough to confuse any young animal. Some puppies respond with the all-too-adorable head tilt. Others may start looking for you or try to paw the phone.

Most of the time, puppies’ reactions are cute and exploratory—a surprised bark or growl when they first see something that’s quickly replaced with a confident play-bow when they realize the new item is not a threat. However, you should always watch your puppy for signs of nervousness or fear, so that you can quickly turn a negative situation into something positive. This will help ensure that your puppy grows up confident and relaxed. If you still find yourself with a fearful puppy, speak to a professional dog trainer about what methods to try next.

Research contact: @akcdoglovers

A dog dives into action at the championship games. (Photo source: kai_Monkey/#akcchampionships/Instagram)

American Kennel Club inks multi-year agreement for dog competitions with ESPN

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December 8, 2020

If we had them, our tails would be wagging already: The American Kennel Club (AKC) and ESPN have signed a three-year content agreement to bring 100% unique, high-energy dog programming to the channel—including digital rights for selected events to stream live on the ESPN App.

The agreement also brings the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, to ABC-TV for the next three years.  The three-hour show will air on Sunday, January 17, at 2 p.m. (ET). The show is the largest dog event in North America and features thousands of dogs from around the country and the world competing for the coveted title of National Champion and the prize of $50,000.

Building on the success from their collaborations “ESPN Dog Day” and “ESPN Puppy Day,” the AKC will produce championships and competitions for the leading sports network. Each show will give audiences an insight into the fun and intensely competitive world of dog sports.

Among the action-packed events that are slated to air are the following:

  • AKC Fastest Dogs USA,
  • AKC National Championship,
  • AKC Agility Premier Cup,
  • AKC National Agility Championship,
  • North America Diving Dog Premier Cup, and
  • AKC Flyball National Championship.

Each program will have two re-airs on ESPN television channels as well as re-airs on the Nat Geo WILD Channel. The agreement also grants ESPN access to the AKC’s extensive library of dog programming for potential future programming.

“We are thrilled to expand on our amazing relationship with the leader in sports  television,” said Dennis B. Sprung, president and CEO of the AKC in an official press release. “AKC Sports demonstrate the very best in canine athleticism and the strength of the human-canine bond. It is exciting to introduce new audiences to these action-packed events and showcase the stellar dogs that compete, and we cannot think of a better place to do so, than ESPN.”

Programming kicks off on Friday December 11th with the AKC Fastest Dogs USA competition live-streamed on the ESPN App from 2-4 p.m.(ET); and airing on ESPN2 on Sunday December 13th at 6 p.m. (ET). The AKC National Championship evening and group events also will be live streamed on the ESPN App on December 12 and December 13 at 4:30 p.m. (ET) each day..

The AKC is the largest purebred dog registry in the world and the leading governing body of dog sports in the United States. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year—including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earth dog tests.

Research contact: @akcdoglovers

Photo source: Pinterest UK

Hot dog: Labrador Retriever is tops for 27 years

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March 29, 2018

Every dog has his day. However, in the United States, the Labrador Retriever is so popular that it can count its success in years—27 of them. That’s how long this particular breed has led the pack as the number-one choice of  the canine pet set in America, according to findings of a poll by the American Kennel Club, released on March 21.

But there is some real news, as well: While the Labrador Retriever remains a constant at the top of the charts, the big mover and shaker in 2017 was the French Bulldog. This breed—which is “ easygoing, playful, adaptable,” the AKC says—not only jumped two spots to number four, but it butted the Beagle out of the top five for the first time since 1998.

“The Labrador Retriever has its paws firmly planted in Americans’ hearts,” said AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo.   “It’s such a versatile and family friendly breed.  Don’t underestimate the power of the Frenchie, though!  Its adaptability and loveable temperament make it very appealing to a wide variety of people.”

Indeed, DiNardo predicts, “The French Bulldog is poised for a takeover.”

Specifically, the top ten dogs in America (from most popular down) this year include: Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Beagles, Poodles, Rottweilers, Yorkshire Terriers, and German Short-haired Pointers. To see where your favorite breed ranks, check the complete AKC list.

Finally, some, rare breeds were on the rise in 2017. The Norwegian Buhund rose four spots (from 174 to 170), the Skye Terrier advanced six spots (178 to 172), Canaan Dogs jumped six spots (181 to 175), and Harriers rose three spots (186 to 183).

Research contact: communications@akc.org