Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories CT, Meriden – In December, 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 […]

Thirty-seven state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Alabama – HB 249 would specifically prohibit animal abandonment in Alabama.  The bill is currently at second reading in the Alabama House of Representatives.  Click here for more information.  Arizona – Senate […]

Welcome to the April issue of Taking Command! In this issue, we will explore the science, policy, and community efforts shaping the lives of dogs and those who care for them. This edition highlights recent developments that challenge long-held assumptions, showcase successful advocacy, and celebrate the impact of hands-on outreach. In recent years, a false […]

Puppies are exciting. However, any experienced breeder will tell you they're also a lot of work. A responsible breeder prepares long in advance—to identify the purpose of the breeding; to carefully plan and research the breed, the standard, the health history, and available healthy males of good temperament; to form partnerships with their veterinarians and […]

Laurie Green has been breeding English Springer Spaniels for 40 years and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens for six. She adores these people-loving dogs.

Virtual monthly webinar learning experiences created by breeders for breeders. Join renowned experts in these educational opportunities for breeders! 2025 Schedule Tuesday, April 15, 2025 6:00 pm (EST) –Marcus Bach “AKC Inspections” Learn how the AKC Inspection Program benefits breeders by providing personalized assistance to manage required paperwork, develop effective emergency plans, and comply with […]

On Tuesday, April 8, the Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee voted to advance SB 1076 and referred it to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources. The AKC thanks all the Oregonians who showed up to the State Capitol for the hearings and have been active in communicating your concerns […]

The following list highlights some of the AKC Government Relations’ (AKC GR) legislative successes through March 31, 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. […]

As previously reported, Florida Senate Bill 1830 and House Bill 1481 seek to require state licensing and regulation of anyone in Florida who owns or possess an intact female dog that is six months old or older, and who offers puppies from its breeding for sale.  Under the bill, any intact female more than six […]

On Tuesday, April 8, the Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee voted to advance SB 1076, which would allow for regulations of breeders who sell even one dog.  The bill has been referred to the Joint Ways and Means Committee for further consideration. Oregon already has robust regulations on dog breeder. Senate Bill 1076 would […]

The Nevada Senate Natural Resources Committee advanced Assembly Bill 487 that would ban pet stores from selling dogs and cats, in a hearing on April 9. Currently, the bill also prohibits the sale or transfer of dogs or cats in public places and at swap meets, with certain exceptions for animal shelters and rescue organizations. […]

Game of Thrones may be over, but dogs and dog lovers around the world are still feeling the show's repercussions. For eight years, more than 30 million viewers watched dire wolves protect the Stark family. For many viewers, Ghost, Summer, Nymeria and pack's intelligence, fierce loyalty, and imposing stature were more than entertaining: it inspired them […]

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, starting at 5PM, the Senate Committee on Judiciary is scheduled to accept testimony on multiple dog related bills. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is strongly opposed to two and encourages residents to review two others for possible outcomes. S.551 – CRUELTY TO ANIMALS – OPPOSE Seeking to further the interest […]

The Texas House Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development Committee Joint Committee scheduled a public hearing for House Bill 3458 on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, which would impose a statewide ban on the retail sale of dogs and cat, beginning September 1, 2025. The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes HB 3458 and encourages all concerned Texas residents to share […]

On Thursday, April 3, an Oregon state Senate committee was scheduled to vote on a bill (SB 1076) that establishes a licensing framework for all breeders who sell even one dog as a pet. However, the hearing was postponed to Tuesday, April 8. The AKC thanks all the Oregonians who showed up to the state […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has just learned that the Minnesota House Commerce Finance Policy Committee will consider House File 2627, which seeks to prohibit pet shops from selling dogs and cats, tomorrow, Tuesday, April 1, 2025.  Pet shops that have been open for at least one year, and under the same ownership, would be […]

On Thursday, April 3, an Oregon state Senate committee will likely vote on a bill (SB 1076) that establishes a licensing framework for all breeders who sell even one dog as a pet. This likely vote is a follow up to the previous March 18 hearing on the bill. Oregon already has robust regulations on […]

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier owes its name – and arguably its continued existence – to a peripheral character in an 1815 novel.

Registering with the AKC connects dog owners to a community that values purebred pride, offering them lifetime benefits and carrying on the legacy of your beloved breed. As a breeder and exhibitor, you understand the value of AKC support. But puppy buyers don’t always understand the importance of AKC registration, so we have gathered some […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce that its esteemed AKC Canine College is now available on the App Store, making expert-led canine education more accessible than ever. “Whether you're a new puppy owner, a responsible breeder, a professional […]