On Tuesday, March 7, a number of bills are scheduled for hearings in Illinois impacting dog owners and all who breed dogs.  This includes a bill establishing mandatory genetic testing and sterilization of dogs with “genetic defects”, among other issues. Illinois residents can make a valuable difference today by filling out a simple online witness […]

Named after an iconic British sports car, 1½-year-old Aston exudes a wow factor of his own. The 49-pound Canine Partners mixed-breed, who is blind and deaf, recently earned a coveted American Kennel Club Novice Trick Dog title. Finding a Home Aston’s owner, Miriam Scheinblum, of Winter Park, Florida, dubs herself his “guardian and teammate.” She […]

Tomorrow (Tuesday, February 28), two Illinois House committees will consider bills related to dogs and dog ownership. Illinois residents are strongly encouraged to provide comments and submit witness slips today. Express your support for limiting breed discrimination in insurance coverage. (HB 1049) Convey your appreciation for amendments to the bill creating a “lawyers for dogs” […]

Time flies, and the years pass so quickly, especially in dog years. Is there any one of us who hasn’t let out a sigh upon realizing that their dog is no longer a puppy, and fast advancing into adulthood and finally the “golden years”? Whether you are a breeder, competitor, or pet owner, the thought […]

I ask Julie Starbuck, from Peace River K9 Search and Rescue, if she remembers a time that left her feeling especially proud of Caliber, her German Shepherd Dog. “The first one that comes to mind is the time we were called to work a burned building. It had been burned the night before, and they […]

Some dogs can catch a frisbee. But it takes a truly special dog to handle catching one thrown out of the hands of the monstrous, green Phillie Phanatic without running the other way. But Phame, an 8-year-old Labrador Retriever, is up for the challenge, performing Disc Dog routines at halftime shows across the country.   […]

When it comes to love, dogs offer all of the devotion with none of the guile. They won't sign up for a secret dating profile or see another owner behind your back. And that flirtation with the pet sitter … well, it's harmless. After all, there's a reason dogs have a reputation for being faithful […]

A bill scheduled for consideration on Wednesday, February 22, would allow for a person to face forfeiture of their animals for virtually any violation of state law regarding the care of animals, even without a conviction. Illinois residents are strongly encouraged to take the actions listed below prior to Wednesday’s hearing to express your concerns […]

On Tuesday (February 21), an Illinois committee is considering a bill that would prohibit homeowner’s and renter’s insurance providers from refusing or cancelling coverage or increasing premiums based solely on the breed of dog owned by the policy holder. All responsible dog owners and breeders in Illinois are encouraged to contact the House Insurance Committee […]

Years ago, a friend wanted to interview a global giant in her breed. Everyone who heard about the project was excited. She issued the invitation, and the great lady agreed. The two met at an important American show that the overseas breed authority would be attending. Over the course of a few days, their discussions […]

On Tuesday, February 14, an Illinois House Committee will consider a bill that would provide a legal advocate in court for a dog or cat in legal cases involving the health, safety, or an injury of a dog or cat. House Bill 1169 is similar to bills introduced in other states in an effort to […]

While no dog is truly hypoallergenic, some breeds are better than others for allergy sufferers. By taking an allergy test, you can better determine the best dog for you. There are multiple ways to reduce dog allergens, including grooming and keeping a clean home. Sharing your life with a dog is a special experience. After all, […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is excited to announce that its popular special, AKC HEROES: 2022 AWARDS FOR CANINE EXCELLENCE, is coming back to ESPN2. This broadcast is scheduled to air on December 11th at 10pm ET. The show will cover the stories of this year’s AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE) winners. […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2022 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18, 2022. The 2022 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]

If you are unfamiliar with the spunky, sturdy breed known as the Havanese, you might make the mistake of thinking it is some sort of Poodle. Or, you might think it is related to the Bichon Frise. If you guessed any of these well-known breeds, you’d be on the right track, because all of them […]

As a world-renowned sculptor, Susan Bahary brings to life service animals in her monuments, but it was her start in showing Afghan Hounds in the 1970s that inspired her to incorporate the veracious details of her subjects. “I began dabbling with sculpting at age 16,” says Bahary, recipient of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s prestigious […]

Anyone who's ever tossed a flying disc to a dog can appreciate the satisfaction of a perfect throw and catch. While the exact origins are unclear, the sport of disc dog has been a part of canine culture since at least the 1970s. Disc dog has been around in some form for decades, but the […]

OVERALL WINNER Muriel McMullen & Maddie (Australian Terrier) Dogwarts School of Witchcraft FINALISTS Christina Jones & Chloe (All American) Back to School https://youtu.be/OAc8x8ZvOfE   Tamara Shaffer & Olivia Nicole (Biewer Terrier) Rescuing the Mermaid Princess https://youtu.be/ve6xeYSyf9g   20 ADDITIONAL OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES   Deana Allen & Dervish (Portuguese Water Dog) Insomnia Strikes! https://youtu.be/lylH0ieLtEQ   Deana Allen […]

Bred to work in the steep mountains and fertile fields of Switzerland, Bernese Mountain Dogs are hardy dogs. But their tough constitution and large size are matched by their cheerful and loving personalities, which charm owners worldwide. Good with kids and adults, BMDs are a giant dose of fun for the family. Before bringing home […]

A family I know recently decided to get serious about spending quality time together. It began with banishing cell phones at meals in favor of face-to-face communication. The husband is a high-powered lawyer, the wife a university professor, and their kids own every electronic device on the market. One set of grandparents got tired of […]