The American Kennel Club announced today the appointment of Stephen F. Fielder as Director of Coonhound Events. Fielder comes to AKC with a wealth of experience gained during a 22-year career in the field of purebred dogs. With a special emphasis on coonhounds, he has held numerous positions with United Kennel Club (UKC) and […]

Recently, I was a guest on the History Channel's weekly series "History's Business" where I was asked to discuss AKC and the sport of purebred dogs.  In preparation, I did a great deal of reading about AKC’s 120-year history and the individuals who contributed to making the organization and the sport what it is today. […]

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to report that usage of its online litter registration service – launched one year ago this month – has now surpassed 100,000 litters in total and accounts for nearly 30 percent of all AKC litter regsitrations. In February 2004, the AKC launched a service […]

  New York, NY — President and Chief Executive Officer, Dennis B. Sprung, announced today a number of executive promotions, as well as the hiring of a new manager in the Public Relations department. In his statement Sprung said, " I am proud of these employees for their outstanding performance and for the fact that […]

Langdon Skarda, banker, lawyer, cowboy, breeder, owner-handler and all-breed judge, was perhaps the most beloved American Kennel Club judge of the 20th century. The award was conceived and created by a group of Skarda’s closest friends to honor and perpetuate his memory. And to encourage the perpetuation of the ethic which Skarda typified. It is […]

-- 450 Events Nationwide Celebrate Man's Best Friend and Bring Attention to Responsibilities of Dog Ownership -- The American Kennel Club has declared Friday, September 17, "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day," and announced hundreds of events to be held nationwide throughout the month of September. The goal of the initiative - being held for the […]

July saw the successful conclusion of two federal issues of importance to the dog fancy, both of which were supported by the AKC. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued its long-awaited final rule strengthening the federal Animal Care regulations applicable to commercial dog dealers. Also, Congress enacted the "Minor Use and Minor […]

Albuquerque City Councilwoman Sally Mayer has proposed sweeping changes to the city's animal control ordinance that would drastically impact fanciers' rights to breed their dogs. To view the proposed changes click here: http://www.cabq.gov/council/animalord.pdf. The measure's restrictive provisions include: An annual $150 permit for each unaltered dog or cat over six months old.   A $150 […]

-- Listing of Over 200 Events Goes Live on AKC Web Site --   New York, NY - The American Kennel Club has declared Friday, September 17, "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day," and announced hundreds of events to be held nationwide throughout the month of September. The goal of the initiative - being held for […]

  Effective July 1, 2004, the Black Russian Terrier and the Neapolitan Mastiff became eligible for competition in the Working Group.   The Black Russian Terrier first bred true in 1956 and its history is a compelling one. During the 1930's a military kennel named the Red Star started work on a native breed that […]

While many of the dog breeds we know and enjoy today originated in other countries, there are a number of AKC registered breeds which were developed on American soil, and each has its own unique history and heritage: Alaskan Malamute - The Alaskan Malamute, one of the oldest Arctic sled dogs, was named after the […]

Following the recent defeat of proposed breeder regulations, New Jersey dog owners barely had time to catch their breaths before Senator Sharpe James, who is also Mayor of Newark, introduced the "Responsible Pit Bull Ownership Act" (S1718) late last week. S1718 Would Allow a Municipality To: Require a special license for all "pit bulls" ($150-700)-including […]

  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to welcome the ten 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 with experience in […]

The AKC has learned that Massachusetts's budget bill was sent to conference committee late last week. Thanks in large part to lobbying efforts by purebred dog fanciers, the Senate version of the bill does not appear to contain any language that will impact breeders. However, the House version does still include an amendment that would […]

It is well known that revenue from our registration services forms the major portion of AKC’s income.  The slow but gradual decline in our registration numbers over the past years has been of concern to all of us.  Therefore, it is gratifying to me to see the possible reversal of this trend with a steady […]

It is well known that revenue from our registration services forms the major portion of AKC’s income.  The slow but gradual decline in our registration numbers over the past years has been of concern to all of us.  Therefore, it is gratifying to me to see the possible reversal of this trend with a steady […]

The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs reports that late-night budget talks in the House last week resulted in yet another change to Rep. Kujawksi's proposed breeder amendment. The final budget bill that was sent to the Senate for consideration now requires regulation for those who breed and sell more than five litters of puppies or […]

  The American Kennel Club has announced that effective May 1, 2004, the Black Russian Terrier and the Neapolitan Mastiff have been granted regular status as AKC-recognized breeds and are eligible for competition in the Working Group, effective July 1, 2004. In addition, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is approved for AKC registration as of […]

Urgent help is needed from Massachusetts dog owners regarding a proposed budget amendment that will negatively affect responsible breeders. The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs reports that having been unsuccessful at pushing through an onerous commercial breeder licensing bill (H4537), Rep. Paul Kujawski plans to introduce an amendment to the House budget bill on April […]

Sporting badges and patriotic ribbons to identify themselves as responsible animal owners, purebred dog fanciers, hunters, cat fanciers, and other concerned animal groups joined the American Kennel Club April 6 at a public hearing in Raleigh on proposed changes to the state's animal care and control laws. An impressive turnout of dog owners from every […]

"Do you spend so much time grooming your dogs that there is not enough time left for you?" Well, here is your opportunity to be transformed! "A Makeover Story", which airs at noon and 12:30pm EST on TLC (The Learning Channel) has contacted the AKC Communications department and is seeking two active dog-show breeder/exhibitors to […]

The Canine Legislation department strongly urges purebred dog owners to carefully review the draft prior to preparing their comments for the public hearing on April 6th. We appreciate your efforts and will continue to post updates on AKC's Web site for updates as they become available.   NC Fanciers: April 6th Hearing Approaching [Wednesday, March […]

The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce the promotion of Bobby Birdsong to Director of Event Operations. Birdsong brings a tremendous amount of experience in operations management and the sport of purebred dogs to his new position. Birdsong, who has been employed at the American Kennel Club since 1995, has over thirty years experience […]

There is an update to this article.   As a reminder, the House Interim Committee on the Prevention and Disposition of Unwanted and Abandoned Companion Animals will present the first draft of legislation designed to address North Carolina's animal care and control problems to the public on April 6th. The Committee will meet at 10 […]

  At the AKC Delegate Meeting on March 8, Dr. Thomas M. Davies, Walter F. Goodman and Ronald H. Menaker were re-elected to the AKC Board of Directors, Class of 2008. Ronald H. Menaker was re-elected Chairman of the Board and David C. Merriam was re-elected Vice-Chairman at a meeting of the AKC Board of […]

As part of our efforts to protect the rights of responsible dog owners and breeders, the American Kennel Club is continuing its daily communication with North Carolina legislators. We have been told that thanks to overwhelming response from the purebred dog fancy, lawmakers have been made aware of our opposition to proposed breeding restrictions and […]

Following a recent telephone call from Co-Chairman Howard, the AKC is strongly urging purebred dog owners and clubs in North Carolina to refrain from submitting additional correspondence to members of the committee, including e-mails. We further believe that continued correspondence may actually hinder the progress we have made to date. North Carolina legislators have been […]

The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that as of February 23, 2004 individual Dog Registration Applications will be accepted online. This new service offers numerous benefits to both breeders and dog owners and follows the Online Litter Registration service launched by the AKC in October 2003. "This initiative marks another milestone in AKC […]

Attention North Carolina dog owners and breeders! Last fall, North Carolina co-speaker of the House Jim Black established the House Interim Committee on the Prevention and Disposition of Unwanted and Abandoned Companion Animals. Its purpose was to evaluate the state's animal care and control laws. Specifically, the committee was charged with studying North Carolina's animal […]

In light of overwhelming opposition from purebred dog fanciers and other concerned animal owners, Sen. Sam Helton has withdrawn his support from SB1130. Staff members for the Senator have confirmed that the bill, which would have required mandatory spay/neuter for all animals unless one purchased an expensive license, will not be introduced next week when […]