The Maryland General Assembly has adjourned, and passed bills relating to keeping dogs outdoors and care of animals seized on suspicion of cruelty.  While some positive amendments were included to protect responsible dog owners, some concerns still remain. The governor could take action on these bills very soon.  Those who reside or participate in dog […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world's largest dog registry and leading industry authority and advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce that ten exceptional students from nine states have been awarded the American Kennel Club Junior Scholarship for 2022. The scholarships are offered to high school and college students, this year ranging from $3,500 - […]

The American Kennel Club is in full support of research that assists us in gaining greater knowledge of our canine companions. We agree with the data in the AAAS study but differ in their interpretation and conclusions. The study focused on “newer” breeds that were developed over the past 100 years (i.e., different sight hound […]

Here are some highlights of state and federal regulatory issues AKC GR recently addressed.  Visit AKC’s Regulatory Resource Center for more information on these and other significant regulatory issues addressed by AKC Government Relations. Federal – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it is soliciting comments from the public on the use […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – House Bill 485, among other provisions, would have allowed a dog to be confiscated without court authorization if suspected of harassing, harming, or killing livestock. Minor amendments were adopted in committee, and AKC GR advocated for […]

Owning a dog is one of the greatest pleasures and highlights of our life. But there is a downside to loving a dog, and that’s the huge difference between our life expectancy and theirs. “Everyone wants to live as long as possible, and we want the same for our family members and pets,” says Dr. […]

Sophia Rainna Jean Norman from Cincinnati, Ohio got started showing dogs when she was just five years old. Now twelve, she's a seventh-grader and an avid dog sports competitor with her American Eskimo Dog Sailor “CH Wintersun's Making Waves RN SNB SNE CGC TKN.” Getting Started At five, Norman started showing as part of Peewee […]

At only 10 years old, Addie Weger from Cameron, North Carolina is already a breeder, owner, and handler. Weger, who shows two Swedish Vallhunds – CH Hightower Au Reult Alva Elora “Eevee'' and Au Reult SD Maplewoof Master of Disaster “Valkyrie” – inspires other junior handlers to get involved and stay involved in dog sports […]

It's a given: Most athletes sustain injuries at some point in their careers. Some recover relatively quickly, but for others, it can take much longer to overcome a temporary setback like this. Dogs are no different. Take, Valkyrie, for instance. The Swedish Vallhund, owned by Whitney Heiken, of Norristown, Pennsylvania, wasted no time getting back […]

It's an unfortunate fact that dogs, like people, experience medical emergencies. If your pet falls victim to an illness or an accident, they will need to see a veterinarian stat. The following tips may keep your dog out of immediate danger until he receives professional help. What to Do in Emergencies One of the first […]