On October 22, the Ojai City Council voted 4-1 to adopt a first-in-the-nation law that prohibits the breeding of dogs and cats with “congenital anatomical features” that are likely to cause the animal or its offspring to suffer pain, deformity, or difficult expressing natural behaviors, difficulty breathing, difficultly with physical exertion or exercise, or difficulty […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories GA, DeKalb County – An overreaching proposed ordinance in DeKalb County seeks to require owners of female intact companion animals to obtain a litter permit prior to the birth of a litter or within one week after the litter’s birth. The proposal seeks […]

On September 17, the American Kennel Club® (AKC) proudly celebrated its 140th anniversary, honoring its profound impact on the lives of dogs and their owners. The milestone was marked by illuminating the Helmsley building in New York in vibrant blue and hosting a special reception at the U.S. Capitol for members of Congress and Congressional […]

Breeder of Merit registration applications and registration certificates featuring a special designation Monthly credit for online reports available in AKC Breeder Toolkit Access to the AKC Direct toll free number Free litter listings on AKC Marketplace for qualified breed(s) Prime placement of AKC Marketplace listings A certificate of distinction Breed-specific web banners that participants can use […]

Here at the AKC, we believe in honoring responsible breeders who have gone above and beyond on health issues, temperament, and genetic screening, as well as to the individual care and placement of AKC-registerable puppies in responsible homes. That’s why we started the AKC Breeder of Merit Program: To give breeders a way to prove […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="2024"] AKC Detection Dog Task Force Hosts National Conference to Address Shortage of U.S. Bred and Raised Detection Dogs August 2024 Explosives detection dogs play a crucial role in U.S. safety and security at home and abroad, but unlike other vital national security tools, the United States is importing approximately 85-90% of its […]

by Claire Wiley, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM) In the world of canine genetics, understanding the principles of inheritance is crucial for breeders aiming to enhance desirable traits and manage hereditary conditions. One important aspect of inheritance that breeders should be aware of is sex-linked inheritance. This article will explain the basic concepts of sex-linked inheritance in […]

September 30 was the last day for Governor Gavin Newsom to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature over the two-year session. From the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) perspective, California’s legislative session concluded quietly. The session began with bills that could have seen the definition of a “dog breeder” expanded to include many hobbyists, […]

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to take action on a problematic litter permitting and pet transfer ordinance at its meeting tomorrow (Tuesday morning, October 8, 2024). This ordinance would apply to and require the payment of fees by every county resident who, in the future, may have reason to give away, sell, […]

The Longview Animal Shelter Advisory Committee has approved an ordinance mandating spaying/neutering, creating intact animal permits, and establishing an animal breeder license. The Longview City Council will consider this ordinance package in the coming weeks. Local news reports indicate the ordinance is intended to address shelter overpopulation issues. How to Help The City Council needs […]

Donate to an AKC Organization AKC Humane Fund The hallmark of the AKC Humane Fund is responsible pet ownership, by supporting programs that preserve the human-animal bond and keep pets and owners together. Its Women’s Shelters Grant provides funding to shelters that offer a safe harbor to victims of domestic abuse, along with their pets. […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories AR, Sherwood – A proposed ordinance that would have lifted restrictions on ownership of “pit bull” dogs in the city has been withdrawn. AKC GR submitted a letter in support of provisions in the ordinance that would have ended dog breed discrimination. View […]

With autumn at our doorstep, attention is turning to the critical elections scheduled for November. While the presidential race and congressional control capture headlines, it's essential for responsible dog owners to recognize the importance of local and state elections on legislation directly affecting them. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has launched a 2024 Election Center […]

What information does the DNA testing provide? AKC DNA Profiling is for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes only. It does not provide information regarding genetic health, conformation, performance ability, coat color, etc. AKC DNA testing does not determine the breed of a dog. Can DNA testing determine the breed of a dog? No. AKC […]

For most people, being a responsible dog owner takes the form of caring for our dogs. That means socializing them to become good canine citizens, cleaning up after them, and ensuring they have good veterinary care, nutrition, a warm bed — if not the couch — and toys and treats. But for purebred dog breeders, […]

Melanie Bereckis, of Jolanie Schnauzers in Washington, made the decision to get a Standard Schnauzer while living in Germany with her family. They wanted a dog with a natural protection instinct that is good with children and is no- to low-shedding. A Miniature Schnauzer was her longtime dog growing up, so she was intrigued by […]

Here you can access a list of AKC Government Relations resources available to help you be effective advocates for responsible dog ownership and breeding! Be sure to check back often, as we are continuously adding new items.  If you have any questions about these materials, or are dealing with a canine legislation issue, please contact […]

On September 17, 1884, a group of 12 dedicated sportsmen from local dog clubs convened to form the American Kennel Club® (AKC®).  Now in its 140th year, the AKC has grown into the world’s largest not-for-profit dog registry and is the second oldest amateur sport-governing body in the country. What started out as a club for […]

During its informal session on Thursday, September 12, the Massachusetts House of Representatives agreed to an amended version of “Ollie’s Law” that had previously been adopted by the Senate on July 31, 2024.  The bill now awaits Governor Maura Healy’s signature or veto. HISTORY As originally worded, Ollie’s Law would have undermined Massachusetts purebred dog […]

AKC understands that local animal rights groups are putting increased pressure on local cities in Arizona (particularly Phoenix) to enact breeder regulations in an effort to address shelter population concerns.  This is a trend we are increasingly  seeing in cities throughout the United States. While nothing has been formally introduced, now is the time for […]

  [accordion] [accordion_panel title="AKC Educational Requirements Policy and Recommendations (April 2024 Board meeting)"] As an additional step in creating a safe and respectful sport environment for all, the AKC Board of Directors approved the following educational requirements policy and recommendations.  Effective immediately: AKC Board of Directors, Inspectors, Field Staff across all sports, AKC Registered Handlers, […]

When you're looking to bring a new puppy into your home, your search for a responsible, knowledgeable breeder might take you across state lines. When you've found your breeder, you may have to travel far far, which means your puppy could be going on a journey too. Families wanting to welcome a new puppy into their […]

The American Kennel Club met for the first time on September 17th 1884 in Philadelphia. 140 years later, we've become the trusted experts on all things dog.

No breed can upstage the Bedlington Terrier: From its sculpted, crispy-linty coat to its tassel-tipped ears, it looks for all the world like a lamb.

The Fort Collins City Council is expected to vote on Tuesday, September 3, on a proposal that will restrict pet sales in the city. As currently written, the proposal would ban the retail sale of dogs and cats in the city, with the exception of shelters and rescues.  “Hobby breeders” are also exempt, so long […]

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners deferred consideration of a proposed ordinance that would, among other provisions, enact litter permits and impose restrictions on breeders and individuals who sell/transfer dogs. Revisions to the proposal are in process, and it will be on the agenda October 8, 2024. It is important for DeKalb County commissioners to […]

AKC Canine College is dedicated to creating quality online courses for judges, groomers, breeders, trainers and the general dog-owning public. Our goal is to provide a valuable supplemental online educational tool for all breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Judges and breed enthusiasts will be able to access these courses anytime, anywhere! The American […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories AR, Sherwood – A proposed ordinance that would lift restrictions on ownership of “pit bull” dogs in the city was heard for a second time at the July 22, 2024. AKC GR submitted a letter in support of provisions in the ordinance that […]

Five state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: California – AB-2042 is an amended version of AB 742 from 2023 and would have directed the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), on or before January July 1, 2026, […]

While many state legislatures have wrapped up their sessions for the year, troubling developments persist at the federal level regarding responsible dog breeding. Animal rights extremists continue to push for an expansion of the Justice Department's (DOJ) powers to regulate breeders by adding the Better CARE for Animals Act  to the Senate version of the […]