Cones are necessary for dogs after surgery, but they can cause a lot of distress. Teach your dog to tolerate wearing a cone in case the need arises.

Last week, a San Antonio City Councilmember requested an ordinance intended to address at-large and dangerous dog issues in the city.  However, the request includes concerning provisions requesting the city adopt practices requiring the spaying/neutering of at-large animals even if the owner is identified. The AKC understands the City’s desire to address dangerous dog and […]

Here you can access a list of AKC Government Relations resources available to help you be effective advocates for responsible dog ownership and breeding! Be sure to check back often, as we are continuously adding new items.  If you have any questions about these materials, or are dealing with a canine legislation issue, please contact […]

Want an easy, low-stress way to get involved in the world of dog sports? Start with a Coursing Ability Test (CAT) because it is designed specifically for newcomers. The first thing to know about the CAT is that – as with all of our tests – dogs do not compete against each other (as opposed […]

Lure coursing clubs should be aware of the following:  Clubs are reminded to inform the Performance Events Department if they have to cancel their event by calling: 919-816-3908 or sending  an email to:  perfcancel@akc.org. Clubs at their option can now send  copies of  their results including their Secretary Report in PDF format via email to:  performanceresults@akc.org. Clubs will then be contacted to confirm […]

One of a dog owner's worst nightmares is having their dog run away, yet it's an all too common and dangerous scenario. So how do you prevent it?

Twenty-eight state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors.  It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”.  As introduced, the bill […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories CA, Los Angeles – The Los Angeles City Council has passed a moratorium on issuing new breeder permits until the shelter population levels reach a 75 percent capacity.  AKC expressed significant concerns with the proposal, and continues to ask that current law be […]

LATEST RULE CHANGES Removal of 30-Day Restriction/New 5th Placement Two Class Option for Brace Spay/Neutered Beagles Allowed/Tracking Collars AKC Measurement Cards   RULEBOOKS AKC Beagle Field Trial Rules - Brace/SP/SPO/Two Couple Pack AKC Beagle Field Trial Rules - Large Pack

Choosing the right pet insurance for your puppy is a part of being a responsible dog owner. Learn what you should know about selecting a pet insurance.

Summary: On Wednesday, April 3, the Los Angeles Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee voted to send a proposal to the full Los Angeles City Council that would suspend the issuance of new breeding permits. The full city council will consider the proposal on Tuesday, April 9. See below for more info! Reminder: this proposal would […]

Summary: On Wednesday, April 3, the Los Angeles Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee voted to send a proposal to the full Los Angeles City Council that would suspend the issuance of new breeding permits. There is not a date set for the city council to consider this proposal, but AKC will provide updates as they […]

Summary: On Wednesday, April 3, the Los Angeles Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee is expected to discuss a 2023 proposal to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits. This would impact all who breed in the city, and as currently enforced it could also impact all owners of intact dogs even if they are not […]

Walk down the dog food aisle of any large pet-supply store, or peruse the shelves at a boutique pet-food shop, and you can quickly become overwhelmed. This is especially true for puppy owners, and probably even more so for first-time puppy owners. When did it get so complicated? Back in the day, dog food options […]

All dogs six months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Pointing Breed Hunting Tests: AKC Recognized and FSS Breeds Bracco Italiano Braque du Bourbonnais Braque Francais Pyrenean Braque Saint-Germain Brittanys Drentsche Patrijshond English Setters French Spaniel German Longhaired Pointer German Shorthaired Pointers German Wirehaired Pointers Gordon Setters Irish […]

All dogs 9 months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Herding Events. Effective January 1, 2011 all dogs 6 months of age or older from the following breeds are eligible to participate in Herding Instinct Tests. AKC Recognized Breeds Australian Cattle Dog Australian Shepherd Bearded Collie Beauceron Belgian […]

Accidents happen, but as a dog owner, there are two things that no one likes to witness. First, immediately after an outdoor bathroom break, your dog comes into the house and dribbles urine across the floor. Or, worse, your adult canine looks you squarely in the eye and urinates in front of you. These could […]

Owning a dog is a joy, privilege, and responsibility. If you are considering bringing a dog into your life, think seriously about the commitment that being a responsible dog owner entails. The AKC is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all dogs. In honor of AKC's Responsible Dog Ownership Day, on September 17th, […]

Obesity in dogs can put your pet at risk for other health conditions. Here's what to know about canine obesity and what to discuss with your vet.

The Springfield (IL) City Council is expected to consider a proposal on Wednesday, March 27, that would require all who breed dogs “for the purpose of sale” to obtain a $100 annual registration. The proposal is very broad and could impact anyone who breeds and sells even one dog for conformation, performance, sporting, etc.  The […]

Routine spaying and neutering of dogs is generally accepted, and some doggy daycares and dog parks don't allow intact male dogs or female dogs in heat. In addition, many states require dogs in rescue shelters to be spayed or neutered before they're placed in a home, often at just a few months old. Along with […]

Thirty-five state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors.  It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”.  As introduced, the bill […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories CT, New Haven – In 2018, the city proposed and adopted new dangerous dog, breeding license and litter permit regulations. AKC submitted requested changes and met with the Mayor and General Counsel to discuss the changes. The election of a new mayor and […]

It's the dog misdeed most likely to turn an owner's face beet red—humping. When your pup gets that gleam in their eye and mounts their pal (or worse, yours), it's tempting to yell, pull the dog away by force, or pray for the ground to open and swallow you. But with a little patience, owners […]

Friendly, active, and outgoing, Labrador Retrievers regularly rank among the most popular dog breeds. There's a lot to love, and for first-time Lab owners, there's a lot to get to know — especially over the course of the initial months of your puppy's first year of life. So what are the key milestones and firsts […]

Marking is not the same as a dog relieving itself – it is leaving small amounts of urine on items (trees, bushes, couch) to leave a“calling card” and to say “this is mine.” It seems natural for dogs, but is very annoying to humans. This often starts happening in adolescence as dogs mature. Female dogs can […]

Recently Houston Mayor John Whitmire stated his belief that “(mandatory spay and neuter) is the ultimate solution to overcrowding and stray animals.” Whitmire further alluded to the development of a mandatory spay/neuter (MSN) ordinance in Houston soon. While the AKC understands Mayor Whitmire’s desire to address animal welfare issues in and around Harris County we […]

Dogs pee in the house for many reasons, but they also urine mark. Learn to tell the difference between these behaviors and how to reduce marking.

The official term for dog shows is conformation -- as in, the act of conforming or producing conformity. While a dog show may look like a beauty pageant, it’s not. Dogs are not being compared to each other; they’re being measured by how closely they conform to the standard of their particular breed. Why? Because […]

  New puppy owners who register their dogs with the AKC are usually clamoring for all the information they can get about their new best friend. Who better than to tell them than national breed clubs? Take advantage of the AKC's parent club flier program. The AKC will distribute a flier written by your national […]