As concerns around shelter populations, at-large dogs, and humane care for animals gain momentum nationwide, lawmakers are under increasing pressure to take action. Proposals such as mandatory spay/neuter policies and intact dog registries are emerging around the country as proposed solutions. But the American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) team is actively working to […]

The end of June brought Oregon’s 2025 legislative session to a close, joining Washington state in adjourning for the year.  While both states had fairly limited legislative activity concerning dogs and dog owners, both did see bills introduced that sought to regulate dog breeders. For your reference, below are a few of the significant bills […]

The following list highlights some of the AKC Government Relations’ (AKC GR) legislative successes through June 30, 2025.  These and other victories have been won in cooperation with AKC federations, clubs, and responsible dog owners and breeders around the country who continue to work tirelessly to promote positive canine legislation in their state and community. […]

The AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes is held in conjunction with the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin   Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL Friday, December 12, 2025   The AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy & Junior Stakes is a competition created especially for purebred dogs aged 6-18 months (Puppies 6-12 months/ […]

2025 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL December 13 & 14, 2025 All Sporting, Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting Breeds and Junior Showmanship Competition  will be Judged on Saturday All Working, Terrier, Herding Breeds, Miscellaneous and Best in Show will be Judged on Sunday The 2025 event will showcase the top canine athletes […]

Bringing home a new puppy is incredibly exciting. Follow this checklist to make sure your puppy’s transition is a success.

Jupiter Piquet, from Pinellas Park, Florida, is competing in the 2025 AKC Rally National Championship at Purina Farms in St. Louis, MO. When Piquet was...

Adaptable Airedale Terrier, 'Tanner', is an ambassador for this oft-underestimated breed at the 2025 AKC National Obedience Championship.

Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Activate AKC DNA Kit DNA Resource Center All AKC DNA + Health Kits include: The AKC DNA Profile of 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes 328 genetic variants for health and traits, including coat color Results are delivered by our trusted service provider (Neogen) with the […]

As I reported in my November 2008 Chairman’s Report we know that canine health remains a top priority for AKC, its parent clubs, and all responsible breeders. In that report I outlined the resources available to the responsible breeder from a variety of sources such as the AKC Breeders’ Department and the AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKC […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories CT, Meriden –AKC and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners met with legal counsel for the city to request practical changes to recently released breeder and litter permit application forms. The city’s ordinance is likely to be updated to […]

Summary: On Tuesday, June 24, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors advanced a proposal that will significantly overhaul the county’s animal ordinance code. The ordinance includes new breeding permitting requirements for breeding as few as one dog.  It is unclear if this applies solely to breeding females, or if it applies to stud dogs as […]

As the summer sun officially greets us, so too does a renewed sense of purpose within the dog-loving community. From backyard barbecues to dog shows and family vacations, this season brings countless opportunities to celebrate the special bond we share with our canine companions. Yet, behind the scenes, significant legislative and educational efforts are unfolding […]

Seventeen legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: California – SB 221 expands the definition of stalking to include threats against a person's animals. This would bring California into alignment with federal law. The bill has advanced out of the state […]

A Bolognese Breeder for over 10 years, Ikuko Hisaka fell in love with the breed as soon as she first held a Bolognese puppy in her arms.

Introduction In many breeding programs, genetic health testing has become an essential part of responsible dog breeding. One concept frequently used by breeders is “Clear by Parentage” (CBP). This designation indicates a puppy inherited two normal copies of a genetic variant because both parents tested “clear” for a known disease-associated variant. While this can be […]

A good temperament is often top of the list of desirable attributes for a pet, but what does temperament in dogs mean, and how can it be measured?

Last night, the New York Assembly adjourned, officially ending the New York 2025 legislation session with many positive results for dogs and dog owners in the state: Hobby Breeder Licensing/Commercial Regulations Did Not Advance: Thanks to the partnership with the NY Federation,  Associated Dog Clubs of New York State (ADCNYS) and the many hobbyists who […]

Blue eyes in Siberian Huskies are caused by a different genetic mutation than the one seen in other blue-eyed dog breeds. So what makes them blue?

AKC Education consists of AKC Canine College, AKC Public Education, AKC Education Webinars, and the Library and Archives. Each area plays an important role in achieving the mission and vision of AKC Education and in supporting the mission of American Kennel Club.   AKC Canine College is dedicated to creating quality online courses for judges, […]