This week, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 746 into law (Act No. 18 of 2023), which makes several changes to the Commonwealth’s Dog Law, including requirements for licensed kennels (including rescues).  The Act becomes effective on January 21, 2024, and includes several changes including removing the difference in license fees for intact and sterilized animals.  It also […]

The California State Legislature has adjourned for the year, and the deadline has passed for the Governor to take action on legislation sent to his desk.   Overall, AKC is pleased with the outcome of the 2023 legislative session. AKC is proud to have supported a bill that will make Californians safer by providing access to […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has learned that the Barnstable, Massachusetts, Department of Animal Control held an October 18 public hearing on changes to its dog regulations.  The proposal would: Establish a new “multiple dog licenses” category for a private residence maintaining four to six dogs or for breeding dogs for show or sport which […]

Summary: On Wednesday, November 29, the Bakersfield City Council advanced the first reading of a proposal to overhaul the city’s laws related to dog ownership, dog breeding, and kennel licensing. While the agenda is not yet posted, it is likely this could be considered again on Wednesday, December 13.  It is essential that the council […]

A stakeholder meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 11, 2023, to discuss an animal ordinance that among other provisions seeks to establish overreaching requirements for individuals who may occasionally breed a single litter of puppies or kittens. As currently drafted, the proposed ordinance  would also require any individual who sells or transfers more than two […]

The holidays are just around the corner, and if you are going to be at the AKC National Championship in Orlando this year, we have just the gift for you! For a donation of $35 to the AKC PAC, you can get a custom drawn caricature of you and your dog on a special holiday […]

As we close in on the end of the year, the American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) extends our sincerest thanks for all the hard work you demonstrated this past year to protect the dogs we all love so much. We could not do what we do without you showing up at hearings, […]

THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB PRIVACY NOTICE   Last Updated: 5/6/2022 Welcome! We are American Kennel Club, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the study, breeding, exhibiting, running and maintenance of purebred dogs. This Privacy Notice explains how The American Kennel Club, Inc. (“AKC”, “we”, “us” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and otherwise processes personal information […]

At AKC Meet the Breeds events, you can meet, play with, and learn about hundreds of dog breeds. Find an event in your local area!

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is excited to announce that the Lancashire Heeler has received full recognition and is the AKC’s 201st breed. The Lancashire Heeler is eligible to compete in the Herding Group. “We are excited to welcome the Lancashire Heeler to the […]