A fast-moving proposal in Stanislaus County could severely impact the breeding rights of local fanciers. The proposed ordinance is scheduled for a public hearing on Tuesday, November 30 at 9:35 AM. If enacted, the ordinance would: Require owners to obtain a $100 annual license for intact dogs or cats over the age of four months. […]

Shouldering bright blue tote bags with the American Kennel Club logo prominently displayed on the side, AKC Legislative Liaisons from across the country ascended the steps of Capitol Hill on September 29th, ready to bring the fancy's concerns to Congress. The Hill visits were the culmination of this year's Lobby Day, an event hosted by […]

Dear Members of the Fancy: We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for all the wonderful work you did to defeat the proposed cropping ban in California. Your efforts, your voice, your commitment to fighting this battle made the difference, and we know we would not have won this challenge without you. There is […]

Despite strong opposition and lobbying efforts by concerned dog owners and the AKC, the Boston City Council approved a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance on June 23rd. Prior to its passage, the measure was amended to include a mandatory spay/neuter provision for all "pit bulls." Pit bulls are defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull […]

Purebred dog fanciers from all over California and beyond have been quick to respond in opposition to SB1548, legislation that would make it a misdemeanor to crop a dog's ears. AKC applauds your efforts, and we ask that you continue to politely contact Sen. Figueroa in this regard. The Honorable Liz Figueroa (D-10) Fremont State […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 recent months, responsible breeders all across the country have faced an increasing threat of restrictions on their right to breed, both at the municipal and state level. The defeat of proposed legislation in Virginia and Oklahoma was a positive victory for the purebred dog fancy, but introduction of similar proposals is likely in the […]

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 […]

Field trialers and hunt test enthusiasts in Indiana who have been frustrated by their state's recent restrictions on performance events have an opportunity to share their thoughts with state officials in June. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a series of open houses around the state June 3-11th. […]

After months of negotiations, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has learned that American Airlines is reversing its ban on Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, and any mixed breeds containing one or more of those breeds. Effective May 17th, 2003, all dog breeds will once again be accepted for […]

Washington would become the 10th state to preclude breed-specific laws if pending legislation passes. HB2043 amends the state dangerous dog law to include "the breed of dog shall not be a determining factor when declaring a dog potentially dangerous or dangerous." This important amendment supports the position of the American Kennel Club and numerous other […]

AKC and California dog owners are outraged by legislation that prohibits hunting with dogs or training for that purpose. This bill (AB342) was intended to restrict the hunting of fur-bearing animals with dogs but is extremely poorly worded. As written, AB342 makes it illegal for any dog to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or […]

  The American Kennel Club® is pleased to announce that 26 Junior Scholarships have been awarded to students from 16 states. The scholarships for high school, college and graduate school students range from $1,000 to $3,000 for each student. "These awards have been given to successful students who have also reached the highest levels of […]

  -- Lee Arnold, Carl C. Ashby, III, Alan Kalter, and Dr. Robert D. Smith Elected -- The Annual Meeting of the AKC Delegates took place on March 10, 2009. Four new Directors have been elected: Lee Arnold, Delegate from the Southern Colorado Kennel Club; Carl C. Ashby, III, Delegate from the United States Kerry Blue […]

  $1,000 Presented to AKC Affiliated Clubs Hosting Exceptional AKC RDO Day Events The fourth quarter Community Achievement Awards will solely honor AKC clubs holding exceptional AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day (AKC RDO Day) events in September 2009. AKC RDO Day aims to educate first-time dog owners about the responsibilities of dog ownership and help […]

  The American Kennel Club® is pleased to announce the appointment of John Wade to Director of Judging Operations. Wade’s background includes 50 years of involvement in the sport and more than 20 years of business and management experience from various professional roles in highly competitive industries. "We are pleased to welcome John to his […]

  The Sussex Spaniel is a True Original: Among the First AKC Registered Breeds in History "Stump" and owner-handler Scott Sommer won Best in Show at the 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Show. The American Kennel Club®, a non-profit organization whose rules govern more than 20,000 canine competitions each year including the famed Westminster Kennel Club […]

With 22,000 events held each year, there’s a dog sport for every dog -- and every owner. Whether you want to just want to watch or actually participate, it’s easy to find an event: To Attend an Event AKC events are fun and exciting for both owners and dogs! There’s no pressure to participate; you […]

By Karla Deithorn, Executive Field Representative When a terrier or a Dachshund does not progress through the levels of Earthdog tests to the owner's expectations, a common question asked is whether or not you need to train the dog for the tests. There are a wide variety of opinions on this subject and that is […]

By Karla Deithorn, Executive Field Representative Before gathering the supplies to build your dens you need to consider a number of things. One of the first things to consider is whether you will be building permanent or temporary dens. If the dens are to be left in the ground for any length of time you […]

Since 1937 Basset Hounds have competed in AKC field trials. To become a part of that history your first step is to decide which type of field trial you wish to compete in. There are Brace, Small Pack Option, Large Pack and Gundog Brace field trials. Brace trials, the oldest type of AKC Basset Hound […]

April 10, 1936 - the first official "Regulations and Standard for Obedience Test Field Trials" was published. The first licensed test held in accordance with these regulations took place on June 13, 1936, and appropriately enough, was held with the North Westchester Kennel Club all-breed show at Mount Kisco, New York. Tracking was originally part […]

Ways to Increase the Chance of TV News Coverage for Your Dog Show TV crews are eager to cover local stories and your hometown dog show easily fits the bill. Even if there may be a bigger dog show, your local show can serve as a lead-up, building anticipation toward larger shows. Luck sometimes plays […]

Meet Michael Shikashio By Mary Burch, AKC CGC Director Note: On a recent survey of CGC Evaluators, evaluators ranked aggression toward other dogs as the most difficult behavior for dog owners to treat or manage, and aggression toward people as the second most difficult behavior to treat. In addition to being certified as an animal […]