Yesterday, the Iowa House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed two important bills that will benefit responsible dog owners and home-based hobby breeders. AKC Government Relations thanks all who took the time to contact their State Representatives.  Your actions have made a difference! The Senate must act quickly on these bills to ensure they continue to advance […]

On Thursday, March 12, the Illinois Senate Agriculture Committee heard Senate Bill 2990, which would place extensive new requirements on those licensed as dog breeders by the state. SB 2990 passed out of the Senate Agriculture Committee by a narrow vote of 7–6. Thank you to the dog owners and club members who contacted the […]

FCM Universal Championship AKC International Dog Shows 2026 Expo Santa Fe | Mexico City, Mexico November 12 - 15, 2026 The FCM Universal Championship AKC International Dog Shows 2026 mark a historic milestone for the sport of dogs. Licensed by the American Kennel Club® (AKC) and hosted by the Federación Canófila Mexicana (FCM), this four-day […]

This is the first in a series on early socialization and training that breeders can do with young puppies to help them adapt to life in their future new homes. Housetraining is almost always the number one concern of a new puppy owner. While puppies are still in the whelping box, they begin to learn preferences for where to eliminate. […]

The following breeders have met the requirements for the Breed and Levels recorded at the time of the application. The American Kennel Club is pleased to recognize these breeders for their contribution to the sport and maintaining the tenets of the Breeder of Merit program. (current as of  3/12/26, last updated 3/13/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

Here’s everything you’ll need prior to joining the Breeder of Merit program:  Have a history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events  Can demonstrate a commitment to individually registering 100 percent of the puppies you’ve bred Have earned either AKC Conformation, Performance, or Companion* event titles on at least four dogs from AKC […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Below you will find recording links and resources for webinars that aired in 2026. Once you click the recording link, you will be asked to enter your name and email address in order to access the recording. Webinar Topic Recording Link Breeder Mythbusters: Top 10 Myths in Canine Reproduction-Sponsored by Purina®Pro Plan® […]

The AKC Education Webinar Series provides an opportunity for club members, judges, breeders, trainers and the general dog-owning public to learn more about topics that are of interest to them. Do you have an idea for a topic you would like covered as part of the AKC Education Webinar Series? Tell us about it here. […]

The AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award Program was established in 2006 to provide each AKC Member Club with an embossed AKC medallion to award on a yearly basis as an ongoing effort to celebrate its volunteer club members. This award honors those individuals who deserve special recognition that have made a difference in the Sport of […]

Do you enjoy teaching your dog obedience skills? Then, the sport of AKC Rally might be for you! Here's how to train for the sport at home.

Many dog foods contain certain peas in small amounts. But can dogs eat peas? Especially with recent studies on DCM, it's important to be careful.

With Crossover Day fast Approaching, the Maryland House Economic Matters Committee will be holding a voting session tomorrow, March 12, 2026, on a number of bills heard by the Committee including HB 1551.  Among the provisions of the bill is a required annual registration for all dog breeders, and $50 birth certificates for every puppy […]

The American Kennel Club has been tracking two bills affecting dog breeders in Arizona and they both have missed legislative deadlines and will not advance this session. SB 1539 would have imposed arbitrary, one-size-fits-all mandates on animal breeders and harm responsible breeding practices without meaningfully addressing animal welfare concerns. The bill defined a "hobby breeder" […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has been tracking many bills this legislative session in Hawai’i. Two bills of note that the AKC has opposed, Senate Bill 2710 and Senate Bill 3012, have missed legislative deadlines and will not advance this year. The AKC thanks all who were involved in defending the interests of responsible dog […]

Most people don't think of Saint Bernards when they think of water. But Kim Goodwin and her dog "Sully" defy expectations to make a splash.

In 2018, when Tanis was 3 years old, the Rapoza family received a text message with a photo from Debby Chaplic of the Animal Rescue League of Boston. They had a coonhound-beagle mix with “their name written all over her.” The Rapoza family went with a leash to the shelter and returned home with Skippy. […]

The Iowa House of Representatives is expected to vote tomorrow (March 12) on two important bills that will benefit responsible dog owners and home-based hobby breeders. Iowa dog owners are encouraged to contact their State Representative and respectfully urge them to vote YES on House File 2674 and House File 2190. Take Action Find your Iowa State […]

The Florida Legislature has given final approval to a consumer protection bill that also includes non-controversial elements of amended breeder-focused legislation. History The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs (FAKC) expressed significant concerns with House Bill 1521 as introduced, which would have required (1) Florida dog breeders and dog breeding […]

In compliance with PCI regulations, the American Kennel Club (AKC) no longer accepts credit card information on paper forms. Please submit payment by check, money order, or complete your transaction securely online. Most AKC forms and applications can be downloaded from this page. For best results, select a form and save it to your computer, […]

Tomorrow (March 11), Maryland House Economic Matters Committee is holding a public hearing on a bill that, among other provisions, would require annual registration for all dog breeders, and $50 birth certificates for every puppy whelped.  The costs would be put into account to support shelters and spay/neuter programs, along with supporting administration and enforcement […]