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Legislative Alerts
Greenville County, SC: Proposed Animal Ordinance Raises Questions – Express Concerns
SUMMARY Proposed changes to Greenville County, South Carolina’s Animals and Fowl ordinance are currently under consideration by the Greenville County Council. Among its many changes, the proposal appears to require all “pet breeders”, including fanciers and enthusiasts who breed purebred dogs as a hobby, to register as a business and implement significant changes to their […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/greenville-county-sc-proposed-animal-ordinance-raises-questions-express-concerns/
| April 29, 2025
Legislative Alerts
Take Action: Texas Retail Pet Sales Ban Scheduled for a Hearing
The Texas House Trade, Workforce, and Economic Development Committee Joint Committee scheduled a public hearing for House Bill 3458 on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, which would impose a statewide ban on the retail sale of dogs and cat, beginning September 1, 2025. The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes HB 3458 and encourages all concerned Texas residents to share […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/take-action-texas-retail-pet-sales-ban-scheduled-hearing/
| April 7, 2025
Legislative Alerts
Oregon Update: Vote Postponed on Breeder Regulations until Tuesday (4/8)
On Thursday, April 3, an Oregon state Senate committee was scheduled to vote on a bill (SB 1076) that establishes a licensing framework for all breeders who sell even one dog as a pet. However, the hearing was postponed to Tuesday, April 8. The AKC thanks all the Oregonians who showed up to the state […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/oregon-update-vote-postponed-breeder-regulations-tuesday-4-8/
| April 4, 2025
Legislative Alerts
MA Alert: Support Establishing a Commission to Study Intentional Service Animal Misrepresentation
At its upcoming hearing on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 1PM – 5PM, the Massachusetts Joint Judiciary Committee agenda includes HB 1686 and SB 1254. Both would establish a commission to study the use of service animals in the state, including the fraudulent misrepresentation of them. The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly supports the rights […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/ma-alert-support-establishing-commission-study-intentional-service-animal-misrepresentation/
| April 2, 2025
Legislative Alerts
Alabama Tethering, Outdoor Shelter Bill Scheduled for Hearing Tomorrow, 4/2/25
Alabama House Bill 149 seeks to require certain methods be used for tethering or providing outdoor confinement for a dog, with exceptions for dog sports and other legal activities. HB149 will be heard by the Alabama House Agriculture and Forestry Committee tomorrow, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 3PM. The American Kennel Club (AKC) is urging […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/alabama-tethering-outdoor-shelter-bill-scheduled-hearing-tomorrow-4-2-25/
| April 1, 2025
Legislative Alerts
ME Alert: Multiple Upcoming Dog Related Bill Hearings – PLEASE OPPOSE AND REVIEW!
LD 962 - ESTABLISH OFFENSE OF AGGRAVATED OPERATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE RESULTING IN THE DEATH OF A PET - OPPOSE On Monday, March 31, 2025, starting at 1PM, the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety is scheduled to accept testimony on LD 962. Among other provisions, the bill would create a new, separate crime […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/alert-multiple-upcoming-dog-related-bill-hearings-please-oppose-review/
| March 24, 2025
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
Boxer History: From Hunter’s Assistant to Sparring Pal
Loyal, courageous, and always up for a good game, Boxers never shy away from showing off their silly side. Learn more about Boxer history.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/boxer-history/
| April 25, 2025
Expert Advice: Dog Behavior
The Importance of Small Breed Puppy Socialization
When you bring home a small breed puppy, it's important to begin socializing that puppy early on to set them up for success throughout their life.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/socialize-small-dogs/
| April 25, 2025
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
Brucellosis in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments
Canine brucellosis is a contagious bacterial infection that can cause reproductive failure in dogs. The most common site of infection is the dog's reproductive tract. However, the bacteria can affect other organs and cause illness in spayed or neutered dogs. Brucellosis is highly contagious among dogs and is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/canine-brucellosis/
| January 7, 2021
Expert Advice: Training for Dog Sports
Dog Sports and Activities for Senior Dogs
If you’re the owner of a senior dog, there are many dog sports that are suited to dogs of any age so long as your veterinarian approves.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-sports-activities-senior-dogs/
| August 5, 2022
Expert Advice: Health
Everything to Know About a Partial Maxillectomy in Dogs
Dogs who develop a disease or injury to the upper jaw may require a veterinary surgical procedure called a partial maxillectomy. This procedure involves...
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/maxillectomy-in-dogs/
| April 24, 2025
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
AKC Scent Work Kit Supplies for Beginners
While AKC Scent Work is a relatively new sport, it has become one of the fastest-growing. This low-impact sport is an excellent way to build your dog's confidence and is great for all dogs no matter their size, breed, age, or ability. Scent Work is all about your dog's joy of sniffing. In AKC Scent […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/akc-scent-work-supplies-for-beginners/
| September 26, 2019
Expert Advice: Fun Facts
Bulldog Facts You May Not Know
Can Bulldogs swim? What was their original purpose? How many presidents owned them? Here are some interesting facts you may not know about the Bulldog.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/fun-facts-bulldog/
| May 27, 2021
Expert Advice: Senior Dog Health
Too Much Sleep: Is There Such a Thing for Senior Dogs?
Ever heard the saying, "Let sleeping dogs lie"? Well, it's true — even middle-aged dogs can snooze half the day. But what about senior dogs? Is there such a thing as sleeping too much? Most geriatric dogs require 12 to 15 hours of sleep a day. However, if you notice changes in their slumbering habits, […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/senior-dog-sleep-too-much/
| September 12, 2019
Expert Advice: Feature
Agility Competitor ‘Shazam!’ Is the Transformative Heart of His Family
Rat Terrier "Shazam!" is a godsend to the Pautlers. He's also taking the Agility world by storm, competing at the 2025 AKC National Agility Championship.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/national-agility-championship-rat-terrier-shazam/
| March 27, 2025
Expert Advice: Common Conditions
Can Dogs Get Hemorrhoids?
Although dogs don't get hemorrhoids, they can have problems with their anus and rectum, just like people can. Learn what signs to watch for.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/can-dogs-get-hemorrhoids/
| October 12, 2022
Expert Advice: News
The Most Popular Dog Breeds of 2024
Based on American Kennel Club registration statistics, we rank the most popular dog breeds in America each year. The French Bulldog takes the No. 1 spot!
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/most-popular-dog-breeds-2024/
| March 18, 2025
Clubs & Delegates
States Issues April 2025
Thirty-seven state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Alabama – HB 249 would specifically prohibit animal abandonment in Alabama. The bill is currently at second reading in the Alabama House of Representatives. Click here for more information. Arizona – Senate […]
https://www.akc.org/clubs-delegates/government-relations/newsletters/taking-command/states-issues-april-2025/
| April 24, 2025
Clubs & Delegates
State Issues March 2025
Forty-six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Alabama – HB 249 would specifically prohibit animal abandonment in Alabama. The bill is currently at second reading in the Alabama House of Representatives. Click here for more information. Arizona – Senate […]
https://www.akc.org/clubs-delegates/government-relations/newsletters/taking-command/state-issues-march-2025/
| March 21, 2025
Press Releases
2025 NATIONAL ALL-BREED PUPPY & JUNIOR STAKES JUDGING PANEL NOW AVAILABLE
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin. The AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/2025-national-breed-puppy-junior-stakes-judging-panel-now-available/
| April 3, 2025