Does your dog have a routine? Dogs thrive on consistency and benefit from knowing what to expect. Routines can support every aspect of your relationship...

For the majority of people in the U.S., Michael Phelps is a household name. He is the most medaled Olympian, having won a total of 28 medals in individual and team events. So who is the "Michael Phelps" of the dog world? Some may say it's Jennifer Crank. At just 35 (a year younger than Phelps!) […]

Learn the best time to socialize your puppy, how to do it right, and why it's important from AKC's dog training experts.

As the American Kennel Club’s 200th fully recognized breed, the Bracco Italiano became the Sporting Group's latest member in 2022. Its AKC recognition was a huge milestone for the organization’s mission in the preservation of purebred dogs. After all, it's been a long time since America's oldest dog registry recognized its first breed, the Pointer, […]

Here’s a newcomer’s guide to the basics of watching a dog obedience competition — including a breakdown of classes and scoring. 

Yesterday, the Massachusetts Senate suspended its rules and hastily approved Senate Bill 2994 (formerly Senate Bill 1322), an anti-breeder “puppies and kittens” bill that was amended late last week by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.  S. 2994 is a significant departure from its predecessor, as it would significantly alter the state’s current protections for […]

As reported in July 2021, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is considering amendments to the regulations that carry out the state’s Animal Welfare Act. The proposed amendments, which may be viewed here, add: (1) sanitation and safety requirements; (2) requirements for primary pens to be safely constructed, be large enough for the animals, and […]

Recently, a substitute version of Senate Bill 258 (known as Izzy the Cat’s Act) passed both chambers of the General Assembly.  It provides for the awarding of compensatory damages for injury or death of a companion animal as a result of a tortious act.  The legislation now goes to the Governor John Carney for signature. […]

  The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce that the Bracco Italiano has received full recognition and is the AKC’s 200th breed. The Bracco Italiano is eligible to compete in the Sporting Group. “We at the AKC are thrilled to welcome our […]

The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that Amanda Ciaravino of Crete, IL has been hired as an Executive Field Representative. Ciaravino’s career in the sport of dogs spans 35 years, starting as a Junior Handler. Since 2005, she has worked as an All-Breed Professional Handler, responsible for the day-to-day training, conditioning, and showing […]