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Legislative Alerts
Responsible Breeders Face Nationwide Concerns
In recent months, responsible breeders all across the country have faced an increasing threat of restrictions on their right to breed, both at the municipal and state level. The defeat of proposed legislation in Virginia and Oklahoma was a positive victory for the purebred dog fancy, but introduction of similar proposals is likely in the […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/responsible-breeders-face-nationwide-concerns/
| February 6, 2004
Legislative Alerts
California Bill Will Hurt Responsible Breeders
California legislators are once again attempting to regulate hobby breeders. Introduced by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, AB2513 establishes the "Humane Control of Dog and Cat Overpopulation Act of 2004." The bill will: Prohibit the sale of unaltered dogs and cats unless the seller has obtained a permit. Create two types of permits. The first will […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/california-bill-will-hurt-responsible-breeders/
| April 30, 2004
Pages
Responsible Breeders
Thinking of Buying a Puppy? Find a Responsible Breeder. Don't be put off if a breeder isn't immediately responsive. Hobby breeders often have full-time jobs and they don't always have available puppies. Be selective. Find a responsible breeder who is knowledgeable and make sure you're comfortable with them. Visit the breeder's home or kennel and […]
https://www.akc.org/press-center/articles-resources/responsible-breeders/
| December 19, 2014
Legislative Alerts
Iowa Alert: Bill Would Punish Responsible Breeders and Hobbyists
A bill recently introduced in the Iowa Senate would likely have an extremely damaging impact on breeders and fanciers. This bill is expected to move very quickly. It is imperative that Iowa dog owners and breeders contact their State Senator TODAY and ask them to oppose Senate File 168. Click here to find the name […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/iowa-alert-bill-would-punish-responsible-breeders-and-hobbyists/
| February 11, 2015
Expert Advice: Responsible Breeding
Responsible Breeders: A Commitment for the Dog’s Whole Life
By Cheri Rankin It all started when my daughter, Erin, wanted a "sled dog" for her fourth birthday (because she was enamored of sled-dog movies like Iron Will and Balto). I've been a dog lover all my life and had always had a dog growing up, but at that point we had not had a […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/responsible-breeders-commitment-dogs-whole-life/
| March 17, 2015
Expert Advice: Responsible Breeding
Why Buy From a Responsible Breeder?
By Jo Ann WhiteThere are many good reasons to buy a well-bred purebred dog from a responsible breeder. The first, of course, is predictability. You will know whether you are getting a breed that exemplifies what you want from a dog, rather than an albeit cute puppy who could grow up to be something other […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/why-buy-from-a-responsible-breeder/
| April 16, 2015
Expert Advice: Breeding Tips & Best Practices
Responsible Breeders Reach Out With a Positive Approach to Fight Anti-breeder Sentiment
As a dog trainer and an instructor for puppy socialization classes, I can’t help but notice that almost all of the purebred puppies I see (and many popular purposely-bred mixes) are not from good local breeders but were purchased through the Internet. It’s actually quite astonishing: On a whim, anyone can Google a breed, click […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/responsible-breeders-reach-out-with-positive-approach/
| November 3, 2015
Expert Advice: Responsible Breeding
AKC Marketplace Brings Responsible Breeders, Potential Dog Owners Together
Searching for a new purebred puppy isn’t necessarily as easy as it seems. Sure, anyone can post an advertisement for healthy, purebred, AKC-registered puppies on sites like Facebook and Craigslist, but that doesn’t make them true. It is important for dog owners to know where exactly their new furry friend came from to ensure their […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/akc-marketplace/
| March 22, 2016
Expert Advice: How to...
Tips for Finding and Working With a Responsible Breeder
Finding a responsible breeder you trust is your first—and most important—step to finding your new best friend. Breeders are invaluable resources. Not only are they a bridge between you and your perfect dog, but you can also rely on them throughout your dog’s lifetime. Think of a breeder as your own private guide to all […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/9-tips-finding-working-responsible-breeder/
| March 12, 2020
Legislative Alerts
Colorado: Proposed Initiative Would Harm Responsible Breeders, Animal Owners –and Ban Standard Animal Husbandry Practices, Including Artificial Insemination
Volunteers may soon be seen throughout Colorado collecting signatures to put a measure on the November 2022 ballot that they will claim will protect animals in the state. The American Kennel Club joins many other animal welfare, livestock and animal husbandry groups in expressing grave concerns and opposition to the proposal. We urge all dog […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/colorado-proposed-initiative-harm-responsible-breeders-animal-owners-ban-standard-animal-husbandry-practices-including-artificial-insemination/
| March 25, 2021
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
Replying to Puppy Inquiries: How Responsible Breeders Should Respond
Recently I helped a breeder friend compile a package of handouts to send to prospective owners. This was her first litter so she was new to the process. I was surprised to learn that her bitch’s breeder had not sent her anything comparable when she was shopping for a puppy. I used to think these […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/replying-puppy-inquiries-responsible-breeders-respond/
| April 8, 2021
Expert Advice: Responsible Breeding
Signs of a Responsible Breeder
How do you find a reputable dog breeder? Once you decide to look for a puppy of your own, AKC Marketplace can connect you with a responsible breeder. But you’re also going to have to do some research, mixed with a dollop of good, old-fashioned gut instinct. Here are some considerations to guide you in […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/signs-of-a-responsible-breeder/
| April 15, 2021
Legislative Alerts
URGENT: Responsible Indiana Dog Owners/Breeders Needed to Help Stop Breeders Bill on February 11
The Indiana House Courts and Criminal Code Committee has agreed to hear a proposed amendment that would require any breeder who owns 10 or more intact female dogs over four months old to register as a commercial breeder. The amendment also bans ownership of more than 20 intact dogs that are a year of age […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/urgent-responsible-indiana-dog-owners-breeders-needed-to-help-stop-bre/
| February 11, 2009
Legislative Alerts
Nevada Bill to Terribly Impact Responsible Dog Breeders
A bill has been introduced in the Nevada Senate to regulate anyone who wants to breed and sell dogs, regardless of the number. Senate Bill 241 would require all breeders, regardless of how many dogs owned, to pay a $500 annual fee in order to breed and sell puppies. It would also impose numerous other […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/nevada-bill-to-terribly-impact-responsible-dog-breeders/
| March 17, 2009
Legislative Alerts
URGENT: Connecticut SB 499 Bad News For Responsible Dog Breeders
On Thursday, April 30, Connecticut Senate Bill 499, which seeks to impose several changes to Connecticut's consumer protection laws, passed the state's Senate with burdensome last-minute amendments. The bill is now in the House of Representatives. While the American Kennel Club (AKC) supports reasonable consumer protection laws that protect both puppy purchasers and responsible dog breeders, […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/urgent-connecticut-sb-499-bad-news-for-responsible-dog-breeders/
| May 4, 2009
Legislative Alerts
Victory for Responsible Indiana Breeders!
House Bill 1468 has passed the Indiana General Assembly and been signed by Governor Mitch Daniels. When the bill passed the House of Representatives, it contained numerous egregious provisions including limits on dog ownership, restrictive breeding ages, stringent care and conditions, and consumer protection provisions that provided no recourse for the breeder. Thanks to the […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/victory-for-responsible-indiana-breeders/
| May 8, 2009
Legislative Alerts
Texas Legislative Session Ends in Success for Responsible Dog Breeders and Owners
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report the successful completion of Texas' 2009 Legislative Session. This year, many bills threatened the rights of responsible purebred dog breeders and owners in the Lone Start State, including mandatory spay/neuter, breed-specific, unreasonable breeder oversight, and ownership limit legislation. However, the legislature's adjournment on Monday, June 1 […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/texas-legislative-session-ends-in-success-for-responsible-dog-breeders/
| June 4, 2009
Legislative Alerts
WI Alert: Ask Your Legislator to Support Responsible Hobby Breeders
Wisconsin Representative Don Pridemore is currently asking legislators to sign on as co-sponsors to LRB 1798 - legislation that would change the definition of "dog breeder" in state law from those who sell 25 dogs per year to those who sell 50 dogs per year. The American Kennel Club strongly believes that all dogs should […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/wi-alert-ask-your-legislator-to-support-responsible-hobby-breeders/
| October 17, 2011
Press Releases
Join With the AKC to Protect Responsible Small Breeders
The American Kennel Club has created the petition in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) new proposed regulations which would create harsh and unintended consequences for responsible small and hobby breeders in this country. Please join us by signing the petition before July 16 when the public comment period to the Animal […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/join-with-the-akc-to-protect-responsible-small-breeders-sign-our-petit/
| June 12, 2012
Expert Advice: Responsible Breeding
What Responsible Dog Ownership Means, According to a Breeder
For most people, being a responsible dog owner takes the form of caring for our dogs. That means socializing them to become good canine citizens, cleaning up after them, and ensuring they have good veterinary care, nutrition, a warm bed — if not the couch — and toys and treats. But for purebred dog breeders, […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/responsible-dog-ownership-breeder-edition/
| September 3, 2020
Legislative Alerts
Calling on All Responsible Dog Owners and Breeders: Join in Expressing Opposition to New Hampshire Bill That Will Criminalize Breeders
Dog breeders in New Hampshire are being targeted by legislation that seeks to make them criminals. The legislation is scheduled for a committee hearing on Tuesday, March 5. Responsible dog breeders and owners across the country are needed to join the fight to defend the rights and reputations of purebred dog breeders and to respectfully […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/calling-responsible-dog-owners-breeders-join-expressing-opposition-new-hampshire-bill-will-criminalize-breeders/
| February 29, 2024
Legislative Alerts
Pet Facilities Bill Would Impact Wisconsin Breeders
Wisconsin breeders and rescue groups are concerned about a bill that could significantly affect them. Sponsored by Rep. Larry Balow, AB536 would require licensing and inspection of pet dealers and breeders, defined as those who sell, exchange or offer for adoption 25 or more pets per year. The bill authorizes the state's Department of Agriculture, […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/pet-facilities-bill-would-impact-wisconsin-breeders/
| November 4, 2003
Legislative Alerts
UPDATE: Massachusetts Breeder Licensing
The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners reports the following: On March 24, 2004, H4537 was voted out of the Steering Committee and sent to the House floor listed with low priority, not requiring a vote for approval. Rep. James Eldridge (D, Acton) blocked it so the next […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/update-massachusetts-breeder-licensing/
| March 26, 2004
Legislative Alerts
Update: NJ Bill Still Poses Threat to Breeders
A2324, which would require anyone who sells or transfers ten or more animals per year to be licensed and regulated by their municipality, continues to threaten responsible breeding programs in New Jersey. The bill could be scheduled for a vote by the Assembly at any time, and though many fanciers have contacted their representatives in […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/update-nj-bill-still-poses-threat-to-breeders/
| June 2, 2004
Legislative Alerts
Update: Committee Rejects MA Breeder Amendment
The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners reports that the Budget Conference Committee has approved the final version of the state budget, and it does not include a House-approved amendment requiring regulation of those who breed and sell more than five litters of puppies or kittens per year. This development is welcome […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/update-committee-rejects-ma-breeder-amendment/
| June 17, 2004
Press Releases
AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day Celebrated This September With Public Events Across The Country
-- Listing of Over 200 Events Goes Live on AKC Web Site -- New York, NY - The American Kennel Club has declared Friday, September 17, "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day," and announced hundreds of events to be held nationwide throughout the month of September. The goal of the initiative - being held for […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/akc-responsible-dog-ownership-day-celebrated-this-september-with-publi/
| July 12, 2004
Press Releases
AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day Gives Dogs and Dog Lovers Something to Bark About
-- 450 Events Nationwide Celebrate Man's Best Friend and Bring Attention to Responsibilities of Dog Ownership -- The American Kennel Club has declared Friday, September 17, "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day," and announced hundreds of events to be held nationwide throughout the month of September. The goal of the initiative - being held for the […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/akc-responsible-dog-ownership-day-gives-dogs-and-dog-lovers-something/
| August 31, 2004
Press Releases
AKC Online Breeder Classifieds Offer Valuable Service to Breeders in the AKC Network
New York, NY – The American Kennel Club announced today that it is now accepting listings for AKC Online Breeder Classifieds (AKC OBC), a new web-based service designed to bring breeders of AKC-registrable puppies together with potential pet owners. A breeder of an AKC-registered litter in good standing with the AKC may place a listing […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/akc-online-breeder-classifieds-offer-valuable-service-to-breeders-in-t/
| October 1, 2004
Legislative Alerts
Virginia Breeders Face Licensing and Mandatory Spay/Neuter Bill – Update!
UPDATE: HB2927 was stricken from the docket on February 2nd. Many thanks to the Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and the countless Virginia dog owners who helped make this victory possible! Please continue to watch our Web site for information about other pending legislation in Virginia. [Monday, January 24, 2005] Immediate help is needed […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/virginia-breeders-face-licensing-and-mandatory-spay-neuter-bill-update/
| February 3, 2005
Legislative Alerts
Breeder Licensing Bill Introduced in Illinois
Illinois dog owners, your help is needed immediately to oppose HB707. Sponsored by Rep. Elaine Nekritz, the bill would amend the state’s Animal Welfare Act by requiring licenses for all “animal caretakers.” This definition includes but is not limited to anyone who sells, exchanges, or offers for adoption dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, and other […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/breeder-licensing-bill-introduced-in-illinois/
| February 8, 2005