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 […]

Forty-six 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 […]

by Hilarie Erb 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 […]

Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!

Minnesota Senate File 1029, which is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee on Friday, March 21, 2025, seeks to eliminate longstanding privacy and data protections for commercial breeders, which the state defines as those with more than 10 intact dogs and 5 litters a year.  The American […]

It’s a three-peat for the French Bulldog! The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, announced this morning that the beloved French Bulldog is America’s most popular breed for the third year in a row, according to AKC registration statistics. While the playful and […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2025"] Invitation - AKC DDTF Webinar Series: Essential Skills All Breeders Should Know, April 23, 2025, 7:30pm ET  You are invited to join the AKC Detection Dog Task Force for our next webinar on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM (ET).  Dr. Carmen Battaglia, Co-Chairman of the AKC Detection Dog Task Force […]

2024 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin Orange County Convention Center Orlando, FL December 14 & 15, 2024 AKC National Championship Judge Changes: Ms. Pamela Bruce will Judge Toy Fox Terriers in place of Gina Wieser and will Judge Lancashire Heelers in place of Ms. Linda L. Robey. Mrs. Sheila DiNardo will Judge Spaniels […]

Overreaching breeder regulation legislation has again been introduced in the Florida Legislature.  SB 1830  and HB 1481 seek to impose registration and inspections requirements on any dog owner of an intact female dog more than six months of age.  Similar to legislation first introduced in 2023, these bills are also part of an extensive anti-breeder […]

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On Thursday, March 6, the New Jersey Assembly Commerce, Economic Development, and Agriculture Committee will consider Assembly Bill 4051, which seeks to repeal the state’s consumer protection laws for pet purchasers and implement a statewide ban on the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits by pet shops.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all concerned […]

The Abilene City Council decided to pull the proposed mandatory spay and neuter ordinance from its February 27 agenda following significant community feedback. An amended version of the ordinance is expected to be discussed at the March 13, 2025, council meeting at the same location: March 13, 2025 8:30 AM 2nd Floor Council Chambers 555 […]

Xolos are over 3,000 years old, having been revered by ancient Aztecs in Mexico. Learn more fun facts about the Xoloitzcuintli.

Wondering how long dogs are in heat? Learning about the length of the cycle stages will help you provide proper care and prevent unplanned pregnancy.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Gina M. DiNardo as AKC President and CEO, effective April 1, 2025. DiNardo will step into this leadership role following Dennis Sprung, ensuring a seamless transition as the organization continues its mission to advocate for purebred dogs and responsible dog […]

By Claire Wiley, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM) Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic conditions affecting dogs, particularly in larger breeds. As a breeder, understanding the genetic basis of hip dysplasia is essential for making informed breeding decisions and working toward reducing its prevalence in future generations. What is Hip Dysplasia? Hip dysplasia is […]

The goal of AKC Education is to educate breeders, judges, groomers, trainers, and the general dog-owning public about purebred dogs and the sport of purebred dogs through AKC Canine College, AKC Public Education and the AKC Education Webinar Series. Follow us on Instagram Learn more about each area of AKC Education below. [accordion] [accordion_panel title="About […]

The first step in finding your perfect puppy is to find a breeder you trust and we make that easy: just look for breeders who are members of our AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program. Breeders that participate in the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program pledge to uphold the program values of health, education, accountability, responsibility, and […]

An Tu's Doberman Pinscher 'Noah,' was her heart dog. He got her started in an incredible Conformation career.

As we look to the future of purebred dogs, we must recognize the growing challenges posed by legislation that could endanger the breeds we love. In recent months, we’ve witnessed firsthand how local laws and regulations can impact breeders and enthusiasts. From Cathy Pike's experience with the endangered Lagotto Romagnolo breed in Washington, to the […]

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 […]

Forty-seven legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country:  Arizona – Senate Bill 1457 would establish a new Office of Domestic Companion Animal Health within the Office of the State Veterinarian.  It would, in part require “all backyard breeders and hobby breeders […]

How do you find a responsible dog breeder? Once you decide to look for a puppy of your own, it's important to do plenty of research to figure out not only which breed is the best fit for you, but also which breeder you'd like to work with. Here are some considerations to help you as […]

Never been to a dog show? Here is everything you need to know about how to go to a dog show, how to behave as a spectator, and how to learn.

On February 27, the Abilene City Council is holding its second hearing on an animal ordinance that would significantly impact pet owners in the city. The ordinance includes two key problematic provisions: Mandatory spay/neuter for all dogs and cats over six months old. An exemption only for those who obtain a commercial breeder permit – even […]

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 […]

Kellie Verrelli co-breeds Mudis with Beth Bochardt at Akekal Mudis and Shepherds. But Verrelli actually got her start with another breed: Scottish Terriers.

On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security will accept public testimony on HB 6964, which would create a taskforce to study what provisions could be made in certain circumstances to allow emergency medical services personnel to provide emergency treatment and transportation to an injured police K-9. […]

Yesterday, a bill regulating commercial dog breeders advanced from committee that included an amendment requested by the AKC to further clarify how a commercial breeder should be defined in the state. The AKC thanks the Pacific Pet Alliance and other passionate Hawaiians for their efforts to protect responsible dog owners and hobbyists in the state. […]

Although their precise origins are unknown, the Shih Tzu undoubtedly descended from lion-like Tibetan holy dogs and has existed for centuries.