New York, NY — The American Kennel Club ( AKC ® ) announced today that Julie Slobodnjak of Virginia Beach , Virginia , has been named a recipient of the AKC Community Achievement Award for her therapy work, promoting responsible dog ownership and safety around dogs in her community. Slobodnjak was nominated by the Virginia […]

  – A True Gentleman in the Sport of Purebred Dogs – New York, NY — The American Kennel Club's Board of Directors is deeply saddened by the loss of their associate Asa Mays, DVM. "The sport of purebred dogs lost a highly respected life-long fancier, esteemed judge and three-term AKC Board member with his passing," […]

  --In Honor of AKC® Responsible Dog Ownership Day, AKC Salutes Stars for Choosing the Right Breed to Fit Their Lifestyles-- New York, NY — Dogs have occupied the homes of many of the world's most sought-after celebrities since the dawn of the entertainment industry. Under constant surveillance of fans, critics and the media, celebrities […]

New York, NY — The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced today that John Fredericks, meteorologist at KVBC Channel 3 in Las Vegas and Vegas Valley Dog Obedience Club member, has been named a recipient of the AKC Community Achievement Award for his public education efforts throughout the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Fredericks was one of […]

-- Click here for more information about PAWS --   -- Board Reaffirms Support of Proposed Legislation --   Chicago, IL - At a meeting of the American Kennel Club (AKC®) Board of Directors today, the Board reaffirmed their position to support the principles in the Pet Animal Welfare Statute (PAWS) of 2005, a bill […]

-- Click here for more information about PAWS -- The following is an interview with AKC's federal government relations consultant Jim Holt in response to dog owners' questions about PAWS. The article originally appeared in Dog News June 10th, 2005. Who is regulated under current law and how would PAWS change that? In simple terms, […]

-- Click here for more information about PAWS -- To help dog owners better understand the recently introduced PAWS legislation, please see the bill analysis below as prepared by Dr. James Holt, AKC's federal government relations consultant. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS OF S. 1139/H.R. 2669, THE "PET ANIMAL WELFARE STATUTE" (PAWS) INTRODUCED MAY 26, 2005. […]

The AKC Canine Good Citizen® program rewards responsible dog ownership and is the national gold standard for recognizing good canine behavior and a dog owner’s commitment to basic training.  The 10-step CGC™ test not only encourages owners to begin a journey with their canine companions that epitomizes the human-animal bond, but is used as a […]

Purebred dog owners in Austin—we need your help! The city's Animal Advisory Committee recently approved a proposal that could have a devastating impact on our sport. The measure, which now goes to the City Council for consideration, includes a mandatory spay/neuter provision for all dogs and cats over 6 months of age unless one purchases […]

There are currently two ordinances being proposed at the county level in Florida which have the potential to dramatically impact the rights of fanciers and hobby breeders. Your help is needed to defeat these proposals and protect the rights of Floridians to responsibly breed, show and own unaltered animals.   Palm Beach County Palm Beach […]

The AKC Canine Good Citizen® program rewards responsible dog ownership and is the national gold standard for recognizing good canine behavior and a dog owner’s commitment to basic training.  The 10-step CGC™ test not only encourages owners to begin a journey with their canine companions that epitomizes the human-animal bond, but is used as a […]

In response to a state Supreme Court decision last year that declared part of Ohio's breed-specific dangerous dog law unconstitutional , Representatives Kathy Walcher and Shawn Webster are sponsoring HB189. The bill makes significant revisions to the state's dangerous dog law, the most important being the repeal of an existing breed-specific provision that automatically declares […]

The American Kennel Club today announced that 58 Junior Scholarships have been awarded to students from 26 states. The scholarships for high school, college and graduate school students range from $1,000 to $5,000 each for a total of $100,000. "The Junior Scholarship program is a special way for AKC to honor the hard work and […]

Importance of Responsible Dog Ownership Now Recognized by 21 States New York, NY – The American Kennel Club (AKC) applauds the state legislatures of Colorado, Delaware and Texas for recently passing AKC Canine Good Citizen® (CGC™) resolutions. The three states join 18 others and the U.S. Senate in recognizing the importance of responsible dog ownership, […]

Attention Texas dog owners! Rep. Al Edwards of Houston is sponsoring HB1096, a bill which would exempt any cities with a population of over 1.9 million from the current state law prohibiting breed-specific legislation. (Currently this includes the City of Houston only, but rapid growth in Dallas and San Antonio means these cities would be […]

AB418 passed out of the Assembly Committee on Public Safety late yesterday afternoon. The bill, which would ban ear cropping of dogs, now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for fiscal analysis and then on to the full Assembly. Although several concerned fanciers attended yesterday's hearing, they were considerably outnumbered by supporters of AB418. Additionally, […]

UPDATE! AB418 has been set for hearing in the Assembly Committee on Public Safety on Tuesday, April 5th at 9 a.m. in Room 126. The Animal Council is urging dog clubs to submit formal letters on their own letterhead to the committee consultant. Letters should be clearly marked "AB 418 - Dogs: animal cruelty: ear […]

Hobby breeders could soon be considered "dealers" in Tennessee if H148 or its companion S1686 are enacted. Both bills would require anyone who breeds and sells more than one litter of puppies per year to be licensed as a "dealer." In Tennessee, dealers must be inspected by the state and pay anywhere from $125-$1000 annually […]

AB418, Asm. Paul Koretz’s bill to ban ear cropping in California, has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Public Safety. However, no action can be taken on the bill until mid-March. AKC will continue to provide updates as we learn when AB418 is scheduled for a hearing. Read more about this negative legislation in […]

Whether you missed it the first time or want to add the world's top dogs to your DVD collection, the 2005 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship will be available on DVD beginning March 30 for $19.95. Ron Reagan, dog-show veteran Lee Arnold, and renowned dog-show judge Edd Biven, host the event which featured over 3,000 canines competing […]

As many fanciers are now aware, officials in West Hollywood, California recently proposed a city ordinance that would ban ear cropping, tail docking and other non-therapeutic measures. AKC has been actively working with California fanciers and parent clubs to oppose the ordinance. The California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) shared AKC’s concern over the measure because […]

As many in the fancy are aware, the American Kennel Club established the AKC Canine Health Foundation ten years ago with an original donation of $1 million. Since its inception the Foundation – a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization – has contributed over $12 million to help fund canine health studies. This includes research related to the […]

Is Your Dog Among the Country’s Bravest, Boldest, and Best Companions?  New York, NY — Is your canine the kind that always lifts your spirits when you’re feeling blue? Do you know a dog that helps the sick feel better? Heard of a pooch who played a role in a dramatic rescue? If so, what […]

Many thanks to the concerned fanciers and dog owners in Georgia who contacted AKC this week regarding H78, a bill to ban "pit bulls" in the state. For those who are not yet aware, H78 defines "pit bulls" as American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or any dogs displaying characteristics of […]

  The American Kennel Club and The Iams Company announced today a total of 2,451 entries were received for the 2005 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on January 15 and 16 in Tampa, Fla. The event will be simulcast live on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel, starting at 8 p.m. (EST) both nights. In addition a […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recently organized a relief effort to aid the working canines serving in Iraq after receiving word from a military veterinary technician serving overseas that "rest and relaxation" supplies were greatly needed. While the dogs are provided for in terms of basic care, many were without recreational toys and treats, which […]

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club (AKC) announced today that the catalog of its world-renowned library is now available online at www.akc.org/about/library/index.cfm. The online bibliographic research tool, named "Caius," (pronounced KEYS) will help researchers identify information sources on various subjects associated with dogs – from the development of dog shows to the canine’s […]

AKC club members seeking to become savvy media specialists gathered at the first-ever AKC Communications Summit for a full day of learning and sharing ideas with AKC Communications staff and club-member panelists who have already found a formula for success when it comes to promoting their clubs and events. Held at the Kennel Club of […]

  New York, NY – The day for trick or treating will soon be here, yet, neither tricks nor too many treats are good for your dog, and Halloween can certainly be a scary experience for your pet. Here are some tips from the American Kennel Club to ensure a safe and Happy “Howloween” with […]

Central Park in autumn splendor was the scene of a very special picnic in honor of Balto, the single representative of canine sculpture in New York City's flagship park. The much loved sculpture by Frederick George Richard Roth depicts the famous sled dog, Balto, who led the team that raced through hurricane-force winds and minus-50-degree […]