Responsible Dog Owners Vindicated in Buckeye State New York, NY – The American Kennel Club applauds the Sixth District Court of Appeals in Ohio for handing responsible dog owners a monumental victory earlier this month, when it ruled that local and state breed-specific "vicious" dog laws were unconstitutional on equal protection and due process grounds, […]

--AKC Teams with Dog Clubs to Host Events Across the Country--   The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that the AKC Board of Directors has designated September 17th (the day AKC was founded in 1884) as "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day." The goal of the event, being held for the first time on […]

On Thursday, March 19, the Montana House Judiciary Committee will hear a bill to expand the definition of animal cruelty.  The American Kennel Club urges all responsible dog owners, fanciers, and breeders to contact the Montana Senate and express their opposition to Senate Bill 221, which would expand the definition of animal cruelty to include […]

September 25, 2019 A Prince George’s County (Maryland) policy committee is expected to consider numerous changes to the county’s animal laws at a hearing tomorrow, Thursday, September 26. Those who reside or participate in dog events and activities in Maryland are strongly encouraged to contact the Prince George’s County committee and express concerns with how […]

New York State Assembly Bill 7218 seeks to make the docking of tails unlawful. The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Responsible Dog Owners Association of New York both vehemently oppose AB 7218. This bill has been referred to the New York Assembly Agriculture Committee.  It is imperative that ALL concerned dog breeders and owners contact […]

The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can't help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or introduced in your city or county. We will provide you with resources and […]

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 […]

Spring is an incredibly busy season for those involved with canine legislation. The majority of state legislatures are still in session, providing a great opportunity to communicate with your local lawmakers with the positive message of the many ways breeders and clubs benefit dogs and local communities. On May 1, we celebrate National Purebred Dog Day, […]

On August 8, the American Kennel Club (AKC) Board of Directors unanimously approved a new Canine Legislation Position Statement on Pet Choice. The statement (below) takes a strong stand in support of pet choice, education and responsible pet selection as a foundation for successful long-term pet ownership. It also affirms AKC’s opposition to legislation that […]

The Icelandic Sheepdog is as old as Iceland itself. The ancestors of these Nordic spitz dogs arrived on the island with its first human inhabitants in the late 800s, and were used to herd and guard sheep, horses, and cattle. Today, these small-to-mid-sized working dogs make loyal, loving family pets.