New York, NY- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2025 AKC Breeder of […]

It might have been the puppies' dark, deep-set eyes peering up at Alan and Jane Stevenson. Or maybe the dogs' fluffy white coats, pressed against the pet s

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2025 AKC Breeder of the Year group […]

Sometimes the first breed that you get doesn't end up being "your breed." With an open mind, research, and often, some fate intervening, you can end up...

In September 2024, the Los Angeles Times published an extensive report on the market for dog importation into California. The investigative report described a market filled with unscrupulous brokers masquerading as animal rescues; these actors often sold sick puppies while fraudulently masking their origin; in some cases, these puppies were falsely advertised as being AKC-registered. […]

Susan Lacroix Hamil's Bloodhound, 'Rocky,' starred in the famous movie 'Best in Show,' now 25 years ago.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that serves as the world’s largest registry of purebred dogs and a leading advocate for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to announce that it will now accept pedigrees from The Canine Owners and Breeders Association (COBA), through its Foreign Registration Program. “The American Kennel Club […]

From contract obligations and health updates to training support and sharing milestones, staying in touch with your puppy’s breeder can benefit you both.

Kayla Stilger learned early on what kind of breeder she wanted to be. Now a breeder of Icelandic Sheepdogs, she's carving her niche in the breeding world.

AKC Government Relations has learned that the Asbury Park (NJ) City Council recently passed a new law to prohibit all breeding in the city – with no exceptions. The goal stated by the city was to address significant concerns with the care, treatment, and temperament of some who were breeding aggressive dogs in poor conditions. […]

Eva Gellert, who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, got her start breeding Labrador Retrievers. Now, Gellert owns a breeding program for Barbets: Chateau Barbets.

The end of June brought with it the closure of Oregon’s 2025 legislative session. A bill that the American Kennel Club (AKC) has tracked closely, SB 1076, did not advance to the finish line. In fact, it did not make it out of the chamber in which it was introduced. SB 1076 would have directed […]

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 […]

The AKC Breeder of Merit program celebrates your dedication to maintaining breed standards and ensuring your AKC-registrable puppies find loving homes. Your work as a breeder is vital to upholding AKC’s mission, and you play a crucial role in preserving the legacy of your beloved breed. This is why, as a Breeder of Merit, your […]

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 […]

Summer is here, and that means fun at the lake or in the pool! Dogs and puppies need exciting new toys to keep things interesting. Flat-shaped toys are safer than balls for retrieving in water, and Tractor Supply has a great selection including the Retriever Ballistic Covered Durachew Boomerang, the Tractor Supply Floating Flyer Dog […]

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 […]

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.

Earlier this month, the Rhode Island (RI) House introduced H. 6383 as a companion to the Senate bill that seeks to change the state’s  “hobby breeder” definition. For the bill’s June 10 public hearing, the American Kennel Club (AKC) submitted testimony that highlighted concerns and requested the House Corporations Committee amend the bill with text […]

Legislation is likely to move any time in the New York legislature that could force virtually every hobby breeder in the state to be licensed, inspected, and regulated as pet dealers. As mentioned in a previous alert, Senate Bill 8252 and Assembly Bill 8653 include some clarifying language to address the ban on dog and […]

Two Rhode Island (RI) bills of concern to the American Kennel Club (AKC) have been amended before being passed by the State Senate. Earlier this week, the State Senate delayed its scheduled vote on S. 325, “Animal Care”, which sought to further restrict the state’s definition of “hobby breeder”. Yesterday, before passing the bill, the […]

A pivotal point has been reached in the California Legislature session.  The deadline has passed for bills that were subject to a fiscal committee review to be eligible for further advancement during the session. This year was especially challenging for bills that increased spending given the state’s sizeable budget deficit. We are pleased to report […]

The American Kennel Club®, a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for the AKC Eddy Award starting today through September 1, 2025. The AKC Eddy Award is designed to encourage and reward Parent Clubs that demonstrate a breeder education effort […]

This week, the Rhode Island (RI) Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture voted to recommend passage of S. 325, “Animal Care”, which would further restrict the state’s definition of who is a “hobby breeder”.  On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, S. 325 will be voted upon in the Senate - without any changes to address concerns […]

With just a few days before the end of the New York legislative session, bills have been filed in both the NY State Assembly and Senate that could force virtually every hobby breeder in the state to be licensed, inspected and regulated as pet dealers. The bills include some clarifying language to address the ban […]

Recently, your U.S. Senator John Kennedy introduced a bill that would radically expand and shift federal regulations while undermining expert care and oversight for dog breeding.  Your U.S. Senators, need to hear your opposition to this bill. Senate Bill 1538,  the so-called “Better CARE for Animals Act” shifts enforcement of dog breeder licensing under the […]

Laural Harris, DMD, of Omnia Paratus Doberman, has owned Doberman Pinschers for over 40 years. She loves their intelligence and versatility.

The Retriever 24 in. Step-Thru Exercise Pen is perfect for when your puppies are ready to meet the great outdoors in a safe, confined area or for when they have outgrown the whelping box and need their own space indoors. Designed for convenient portability, this exercise pen has a door for easy entry and exit. […]

The Spartanburg County (SC) Council will again consider extensive proposed amendments to the county’s Animals ordinance at its meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025.  The proposal would create new licenses for dog breeders, require inspections of their facilities, establish care and conditions standards for all dogs, and impose ownership limits.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) […]

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners is expected to vote on an amended Animals ordinance that will negatively impact responsible dog breeders.  It is imperative that DeKalb County residents contact county commissioners immediately to request the ordinance be deferred to allow for further amendments prior to its final consideration. WHAT […]