Of the top five breeds registered by the American Kennel Club, two have never won the sought-after Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

At the 144th iteration of the famous Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show held in New York City's cavernous Madison Square Garden, judge Robert H. Slay pointed to “Siba" the black Standard Poodle for Best in Show. That win — in an entry of almost 2,600 dogs — marked the fifth time one of these elaborately […]

For Nuri the Azawakh, the green synthetic turf of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a far cry from the Tennessee greenery to which this 6-year-old Sighthound is accustomed. Rest assured, plenty of attention is focused on the breed's inaugural appearance at one of America's most well-known dog shows. Nuri and her owner Vicki Williams, […]

Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death among women, but could pets be part of the solution? A recent study by the American Heart Association finds that dog ownership is associated with a 33% lower risk of death for heart attack survivors and a 27 percent reduced risk of death for stroke survivors. To […]

For Anne Brastow, Obedience and Agility are all about daunting physical and psychological challenges with each step in the ring. But, you're probably asking yourself, isn't that the case for many? That may be true, but when the Bellevue, Washington, owner-handler competes in both AKC dog sports, she's doing so from a powered wheelchair. Consequently, her 7-year-old, multi-titled Cavalier King Charles […]

While not especially common, the state dog is a symbol used by at least 13 states across the U.S.A, with several others pending legislation. Some state dogs, like the Boykin Spaniel in South Carolina, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever in Maryland, and the Boston Terrier in Massachusetts, reflect homegrown originals first developed in that state. Others, […]

They grab some Z's on recliners, hog the bed, and circle the kitchen counters hoping for a handout. There's no question the seven, eight, or even ten German Shorthaired Pointers who routinely hang inside Dave and and Lee Walker's home in Forsyth, Georgia, live the good life. These liver-and-white dogs, along with other GSPs the […]

Dog body language can be confusing. But if you know the signs and signals to look for, it can make it easier to communicate with and understand your pet.

Many first-time puppy owners feel overwhelmed in the early weeks of bringing home their new addition. As a responsible breeder, there is much that can be done to alleviate some of the more common issues owners have with new puppies before you send your precious litters out to their new homes. Addressing common problems before they begin can set your puppies up for success in their […]

You've welcomed a new puppy into your home. Congratulations! Now what? In addition to enjoying snuggles, playtime and the challenges and rewards of puppy training, it's up to you to make sure your dog gets the right amount of food and exercise. Keeping healthy weight gain on track helps ensure a smooth transition from puppyhood […]

Bugs? Check. Worms? Check. The questionable remains of something deceased? Check. Check. It never fails. Even if I've killed a bug on the floor and cleaned it up, my dog still runs over to the spot rolling and rubbing himself all over the area where something has just died. What gives? If you can relate, […]

The first time Lucy Hayes met Stella, the Dayton, Ohio, native could sense something special about her. Hayes had owned a Bulldog before, but that dog had been somewhat stubborn and sedentary. Stella, however, was a whole different story. Despite being the runt of a nine-pup litter, Stella showed a certain spunk and eagerness to achieve. […]

AKC Senior Breeder Field Representative Stacy Mason has spent a lifetime breeding, showing, and training dogs. Here, she shares her plans for making 2020 a great year for her and her dogs. We are already several weeks into 2020, and I am still wondering where 2019 went! Once again, I didn’t get my Christmas cards to […]

The Detroit City Council will be holding a public hearing on two proposals meant to address dangerous dog and animal control concerns in the city.  The proposals are being brought forward after the tragic death of a child in August 2019 that occurred after her neighbor’s dogs escaped from their yard.  The American Kennel Club […]

A problematic Rhode Island House bill, H. 7361, regarding Contested Pet Ownership, is scheduled for public hearing by the House Judiciary Committee on February 12, 2020.  The bill would allow an individual to bring a complaint in equity to the district court during dispute over pet ownership of formerly cohabitating people and ask the court […]

Bills regulating leaving dogs outdoors and allowing localities to arbitrarily pass laws regulating the care of dogs continue to move in Virginia.  Virginia residents are strongly encouraged to contact their State Delegate and Senator TODAY and express concerns on these bills (Scroll down for contact information). Summary: The Virginia Senate ACNR Committee recently passed Senate […]

Yesterday, several committees of the Massachusetts General Court took procedural action on dog-related bills.  Some bills were ordered to study, which means that they will likely not be considered for the remainder of the legislative session, while others had their deadlines for further consideration extended. BILLS SENT TO STUDY: The Joint Judiciary Committee ordered multiple […]

Tuesday, February 4, 2020 This bill has been removed from the February 5 agenda and AKC Government Relations will update when developments warrant. Monday, February 3, 2020 The American Kennel Club is concerned with Hawaii House Bill 2163.  The bill, introduced by Representative Roy Mitsuo Takumi, seeks to limit the practices of surgical births, debarking, […]

An Iowa House Subcommittee is scheduled to consider a bill on Wednesday, February 5, that contains several provisions updating current laws to protect dog ownership. Those who reside or participate in dog events in Iowa are encouraged to contact the subcommittee members prior to Wednesday’s hearing and express your support for the provisions of House […]

The Virginia full Senate ACNR Committee is scheduled to consider Senate Bill 272 TOMORROW (Tuesday, February 4).  This is the Senate version of House Bill 1552.  Both bills seek to modify or include provisions that were not included in the tethering legislation that was just passed and became law last session.  Unlike House Bill 1552, […]

The Virginia Senate ACNR Companion Animals Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider Senate Bill 272 TOMORROW (Thursday, January 30). This is the Senate version of House Bill 1552 we alerted you on yesterday.  Thanks to all of you who took the time to contact the House Agriculture Subcommittee on that bill.  We now ask that you […]

A bill has been introduced in the Washington State House of Representatives that would ban the sale of pets in pet stores and restrict pet choice and consumer protections in the state.  The House Committee on Consumer Protection and Business is scheduled to consider the bill on Friday, January 31. Washington residents are strongly encouraged […]

The Virginia House ACNR Agriculture Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider House Bill 1552 tomorrow which seeks to modify or include provisions that were not included in tethering legislation that just passed and became law last session.  This attempt to revisit last year’s approved legislation could create several significant problems for dogs and dog owners in […]

The New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee has scheduled a public hearing on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, during which it will consider three bills of concern to dog owners.   The American Kennel Club (AKC) is tracking more than 25 New Hampshire bills filed this session that could impact breeders and responsible dog owners.  We strongly encourage […]

In June 2019, the Massachusetts General Court’s Joint Municipalities and Regional Government Committee accepted two hours of public testimony on multiple bills seeking to impose regulatory oversight over personal and commercial kennels, mandate annual inspections of all kennels, and create consumer protection laws that exempt animal shelters and rescue organizations from providing appropriate remedies.  AKC […]

Yesterday, the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee took testimony on three dog bills and delayed testimony for two weeks on HB 1389.  AKC’s prior alert and details on bills scheduled for this hearing can be reviewed here. Updates from the Committee hearing:  American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) testified with the New […]

It All Starts with Confidence This issue’s training tip is brought to us by Valerie Dietz of O’Fallon, IL. Valerie has learned through experience the importance of building confidence in her dogs.  She has enjoyed much success with her two All-Americans, Sally & Shani, in several sports. Sally, 10, has earned eight MACH titles in […]

AKC Title Recognition Program – New Title Holders  The AKC works with several non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC- registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog titling program and the AKC Search & Rescue title program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association […]

Competition & Title Updates  We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, and Tracking. AGILITY Congratulations to the winners at the 2019 AKC Agility Invitational AKC Canine Partners congratulates the All-American Dogs and their owners who competed and won honors at the AKC […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the 2020 AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin to be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13, 2020. The 2020 event will showcase the top canine athletes and will also […]