June 16, 2015 On June 23rd the Washoe County Board of Commissioners will be considering changes to their animal control ordinance that will define commercial animal establishments and commercial breeders. Two separate ordinances are proposed. The ordinances will impose significant fees and burdens on small, local, responsible breeders. State law already defines and regulates certain […]

The City of Holly Hill, Florida, is trying for the second time this year to pass a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for the small community.  The ordinance would require all dog owners to have their dog or cat spayed or neutered by six months of age, with few exceptions. In February 2009, the City Commission rejected […]

The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a new federal order that imposes restrictions on the importation of live dogs for resale from regions where African swine fever (ASF) exists or is reasonably believed to exist. Regions include: The continent of Africa, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bhutan, Brazil (excluding […]

An emotionally-driven, but problematic bill in Florida seeks to provide for compensatory damages for the injury or death of a pet. The bill will be heard by Senate Committee on Judiciary tomorrow, March 14, 2017.

The Maryland House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider a bill on Thursday, February 19, that would amend the state’s tethering laws and ban dogs from being left tethered outdoors in extreme hot or cold conditions.  However, like a Senate bill recently considered, this bill as introduced prohibits any dog from being tethered outside unattended […]

The end of June brought Oregon’s 2025 legislative session to a close, joining Washington state in adjourning for the year.  While both states had fairly limited legislative activity concerning dogs and dog owners, both did see bills introduced that sought to regulate dog breeders. For your reference, below are a few of the significant bills […]

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has scheduled a hearing for October 20 on a proposal that would, among other provisions, prohibit tethering a dog for more than 1 hour cumulatively a day – with no exceptions.  The proposal specifically states that this restriction is in place even if the dog is provided with the […]

Citizens of Hillsborough County and dog trainers who have concerns about the proposed ordinance are encouraged to immediately contact Hillsborough County Commissioners to express your opposition, and to attend the meeting on November 15.

New York, NY – The holidays are a fun and happy time, but they are also extremely hectic. One family member that can get lost in the hustle and bustle is the dog. Because of the added stress and frequent travel that the holidays can bring, the American Kennel Club (AKC®) offers safety tips for […]

New York, NY – Nothing tops a holiday wish list more than an adorable puppy – but with the hustle and bustle of the season, the family pet can get lost in the shuffle.    The  American Kennel Club (AKC®) reminds those considering adding a dog to their home this holiday season that puppies are […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, and the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce that the AKC Agility League held its second live championship from August 29th through August 31st at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, MO, bringing together league teams from around the country […]

  New York, NY - The American Kennel Club is pleased to welcome the seven students who have been chosen to participate in the AKC Internship Program. The program--open to college students with a background and interest in purebred dogs--is designed to further their professional development as well as help the AKC identify potential employees […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce that the AKC Agility League recently concluded its eighth season of competition and honored its top teams and competitors. Team champions were named in each of the 10 divisions, including the League’s […]

National Champion is First Toy Group Winner in the History of the Show GCH CH Pequest Wasabi, a Pekingese known as “Wasabi” triumphed over more than 5,200 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 14-15, 2019 in […]

Communicating the AKC mission to the public is one of our most important goals as an organization. Our leadership and staff are dedicated to sharing our message about purebred dogs, the work and expertise of the AKC, and responsible dog ownership as broadly as possible on a daily basis. Last year, the Communications department generated […]

We come together every quarter to share information about the status of our sport and the financial health of our organization; to introduce new ideas that may shape our future; sometimes to elect our directors; and certainly for camaraderie and the pleasure of catching up with fellow dog people. The face-to-face interactions that underscore these […]