UPDATE (March 21, 2003)—Rhode Island dog fanciers had a productive meeting with House Leader Gordon Fox this week regarding the “animal protection” bill (HB5817) that contains many troublesome provisions. Fox, who is a sponsor of HB5817, listened to the concerns expressed by the fancy and appears committed to addressing their many concerns. He will take […]

  At the AKC Delegate Meeting on March 11, Dr. Patricia H. Haines was elected to the AKC Board of Directors, Class of 2007, and Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia and Mrs. Patti L. Strand were re-elected. Ronald H. Menaker was re-elected Chairman of the Board and David C. Merriam was re-elected Vice-Chairman.   Dr. Patricia […]

In an ongoing effort to improve customer service, the American Kennel Club has launched the new AKC Registration System. This state-of-the-art system will significantly expand our data processing capability and result in much improved customer service. Some of the key features of the new system are:   Integration of registration records with competition records Previously, […]

Ensuring that the AKC has a solid financial foundation in order to achieve our mission and fund important new programs--both now and in the future--is integral to the continuation of our organization and sport. This is a fundamental responsibility of the Board of Directors.  The Board has adopted a policy that it will evaluate all […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is urging the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make important enhancements to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) that will improve the enforcement of the AWA and the overall welfare of purebred dogs. In a letter to USDA Secretary Ann Veneman the AKC urged the USDA to: Close a loophole […]

  On Thursday, February 27, 2003, The Appellate Division, New York Supreme Court published its decision in the case of Jon Hammer vs. The American Kennel Club, finding in favor of the AKC. Mr. Hammer filed suit against AKC and the American Brittany Club alleging that the official Brittany standard calling for dogs to be […]

Help is needed immediately to defeat legislation that has been introduced in Maryland to severely restrict debarking of dogs. The bill (H355) is currently awaiting a vote by the House Committee on Environmental Matters. Debarking of dogs is a commonly misunderstood practice. When performed by a veterinarian, debarking is an acceptable medical procedure that is […]

  The Board of Directors is considering some changes to the procedures and policies for approval of judges. It requests your comments on them. Your written comments should be addressed to: Mr. James P. Crowley Executive Secretary American Kennel Club 260 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10016. All comments must be received by Mr. […]

  The American Kennel Club (AKC) was disturbed to learn that Nike, Inc., a major competitive sports and fitness company, has recently begun airing a national television ad promoting a new basketball shoe, which depicts a dog fight-like scene between a Rottweiler and a mixed breed. The dogs are leashed but are clearly seen baring […]

Basic obedience training is the foundation upon which all canine activities are based, whether it be competition in conformation, conquering the obstacles on the agility course, sniffing out a suspect in law enforcement work or a service dog guiding a visually impaired person safely across the street. In 1933, when AKC Obedience competition began, the […]