What are the common causes of dog limping, and when should you take your limping dog to the vet? Learn what to look for and what to do.

Yesterday, Governor Abigail Spanberger signed Senate Bill 707 which bans “debarking” – a standard veterinary practice also known as bark softening – except when such procedure is necessary to treat or relieve any injury, disease, or congenital defect that is causing or may cause the dog physical pain or harm. The new law becomes effective […]

U.S. Federal/Regulations – On February 17, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a Request for Information,  noting that scientific advances, new information and new concepts regarding the care and handling of dogs make it appropriate for the agency to seek scientific information and comment  from the public on Standards for the Care of Breeding Female […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia City Council approved Bill No. 250989 which would impose a 36-month moratorium on the breeding and the sale or transfer of any dog under 7 months of age within the city to address overcrowding at the city’s shelters.  […]

37 legislatures and the District of Columbia are in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: California – AB 2344 standardizes and strengthens due process protections for dog owners in California facing proceedings to declare their dogs potentially dangerous or vicious, raising the evidentiary standard and mandating uniform notification and […]

The following are highlights of the numerous bills in Congress that could impact dog owners and the wellbeing of dogs. Visit our 2026 Legislation Tracking map click on the arrow on the Region column to filter for US Federal legislation and get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues […]

Spring signals a very busy season for dog competitors and exhibitors.  With more sunshine and warmer weather throughout the country, there are numerous events in which to participate from national specialties and conformation shows to a variety of performance events including field trials, barn and hunt tests, Fast CAT, and more. Yet language added to […]

Canine Good Citizen®, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® and/or AKC Community Canine℠ An AKC club near you can provide you and your dog with training classes and testing for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, CGC and AKC Community Canine. You will be able to earn official AKC titles in Canine Good Citizen (the "CGC" title) and AKC Community Canine […]

Puppy strangles (or juvenile cellulitis) is a rare inflammatory skin disease. Learn how vets diagnose and treat this noncontagious condition.

If your dog is lost, the first 48 hours are crucial to finding them. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do if your dog is lost.