A pivotal point has been reached in the California Legislature session.  The deadline has passed for bills that were subject to a fiscal committee review to be eligible for further advancement during the session. This year was especially challenging for bills that increased spending given the state’s sizeable budget deficit. We are pleased to report […]

The American Kennel Club®, a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for the AKC Eddy Award starting today through September 1, 2025. The AKC Eddy Award is designed to encourage and reward Parent Clubs that demonstrate a breeder education effort […]

This week, the Rhode Island (RI) Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture voted to recommend passage of S. 325, “Animal Care”, which would further restrict the state’s definition of who is a “hobby breeder”.  On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, S. 325 will be voted upon in the Senate - without any changes to address concerns […]

With just a few days before the end of the New York legislative session, bills have been filed in both the NY State Assembly and Senate that could force virtually every hobby breeder in the state to be licensed, inspected and regulated as pet dealers. The bills include some clarifying language to address the ban […]

Recently, your U.S. Senator John Kennedy introduced a bill that would radically expand and shift federal regulations while undermining expert care and oversight for dog breeding.  Your U.S. Senators, need to hear your opposition to this bill. Senate Bill 1538,  the so-called “Better CARE for Animals Act” shifts enforcement of dog breeder licensing under the […]

Laural Harris, DMD, of Omnia Paratus Doberman, has owned Doberman Pinschers for over 40 years. She loves their intelligence and versatility.

The Retriever 24 in. Step-Thru Exercise Pen is perfect for when your puppies are ready to meet the great outdoors in a safe, confined area or for when they have outgrown the whelping box and need their own space indoors. Designed for convenient portability, this exercise pen has a door for easy entry and exit. […]

The Spartanburg County (SC) Council will again consider extensive proposed amendments to the county’s Animals ordinance at its meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025.  The proposal would create new licenses for dog breeders, require inspections of their facilities, establish care and conditions standards for all dogs, and impose ownership limits.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) […]

On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners is expected to vote on an amended Animals ordinance that will negatively impact responsible dog breeders.  It is imperative that DeKalb County residents contact county commissioners immediately to request the ordinance be deferred to allow for further amendments prior to its final consideration. WHAT […]

The American Kennel Club’s Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has learned that the concerning breeder ordinance currently under consideration in DeKalb County, Georgia, will likely be deferred again by the Board of Commissioners County Operations Committee, which will send the ordinance back to the full Board of Commissioners.  Then, in expectation of a substitute ordinance, […]

On Friday, May 2, the Florida Legislature extended its 2025 regular legislative session until Friday, June 6, 2025, to further consider bills related to the state budget.  The resolution extending the session explicitly lists 16 budget bills that shall be further considered before June 6th.  It also states, “all other measures in both houses are […]

A problematic proposed dog ordinance in DeKalb County, Georgia—which includes litter permits for all breeders in the county, litter limits, sales restrictions, and incomplete consumer protections—has been added to the Board of Commissioners agenda for Tuesday, May 6, 2025.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) believes that the current version of the proposed ordinance will negatively […]

A bill seeking to address overcrowding in animal shelters by regulating hobby breeders is advancing in the California Assembly. The proposal, sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation, insinuates that people who breed as few as ONE litter are contributing to animal shelter population concerns, and, therefore, should incur significant regulations. Assembly Bill 1482 is going […]

AKC has just learned that a bill seeking to address overcrowding in animal shelters by regulating hobby breeders, will be considered in committee TOMORROW (Tuesday, April 29). The proposal, sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation, insinuates that people who breed as few as ONE litter are contributing to animal shelter population concerns, and, therefore, should […]

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is happy to announce that registrations are open for the 2025 National Parent Club Canine Health Conference (NPCCHC)--an essential event for breeders who want to stay at the forefront of canine health. This year’s conference will be especially meaningful as we celebrate 30 years of CHF’s impact on canine […]

A valuable tool in AKC’s Breeder Toolkit is Prepay Registration. It makes it easy to ensure 100% registration of your litter, helping you maintain control over the integrity of your breeding program. There are significant cost savings with prepaid registration, and it helps to avoid additional owner fees. When registering a litter through the Breeder […]

The Retriever Palm Pet Grooming Glove is an excellent tool for removing loose hair from smooth-coated dogs. Unlike metal de-shedding tools, the flexible glove works as comfortably on legs and sensitive areas as it does on the dog’s body. To removing dead hair, massage the dog’s dry coat all over with the 4-pronged rubber bristles. […]

As previously reported, Spartanburg County, South Carolina, will consider extensive proposed amendments to the county’s Animals ordinance at its meeting on Monday, April 21, 2025.  The proposal would create new licenses for dog breeders, require inspections of their facilities, establish care and conditions standards for all dogs, and impose ownership limits.  The American Kennel Club […]

Laurie Green has been breeding English Springer Spaniels for 40 years and Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens for six. She adores these people-loving dogs.

On Tuesday, April 8, the Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee voted to advance SB 1076 and referred it to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Natural Resources. The AKC thanks all the Oregonians who showed up to the State Capitol for the hearings and have been active in communicating your concerns […]

As previously reported, Florida Senate Bill 1830 and House Bill 1481 seek to require state licensing and regulation of anyone in Florida who owns or possess an intact female dog that is six months old or older, and who offers puppies from its breeding for sale.  Under the bill, any intact female more than six […]

On Tuesday, April 8, the Senate Natural Resources and Wildfire Committee voted to advance SB 1076, which would allow for regulations of breeders who sell even one dog.  The bill has been referred to the Joint Ways and Means Committee for further consideration. Oregon already has robust regulations on dog breeder. Senate Bill 1076 would […]

On Thursday, April 3, an Oregon state Senate committee was scheduled to vote on a bill (SB 1076) that establishes a licensing framework for all breeders who sell even one dog as a pet. However, the hearing was postponed to Tuesday, April 8. The AKC thanks all the Oregonians who showed up to the state […]

On Thursday, April 3, an Oregon state Senate committee will likely vote on a bill (SB 1076) that establishes a licensing framework for all breeders who sell even one dog as a pet. This likely vote is a follow up to the previous March 18 hearing on the bill. Oregon already has robust regulations on […]

It’s not too early to prepare for flea and tick prevention for your dogs and puppies. Vet's Best Advanced Strength Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs is a vet-formulated shampoo made with a unique blend of ingredients including natural peppermint, thyme and rosemary essential oils to kill fleas on contact for a safe and effective […]

South Carolina dog fanciers and enthusiasts: Extensive proposed amendments to Spartanburg County’s Animals ordinance seek to create new licenses for dog breeders, require inspections of their facilities, establish care and conditions standards for all dogs, and impose ownership limits.  The ordinance is likely to be considered at the County Council’s next meeting, scheduled for Monday, […]

On March 18, testimony was taken on a bill (SB 1076) that establishes a licensing framework for all breeders who sell even one dog as a pet was heard by an Oregon state Senate committee. The bill is not currently scheduled for a follow-up vote by the committee and AKC continues to closely monitor it. […]

Last month in Breeder News, we provided an overview of canine hip dysplasia (HD). This article is a continuation with more in-depth information about recent genetic discoveries. HD is a developmental disorder in which the hip joint does not fit properly into the socket, leading to joint instability, inflammation, and eventually arthritis. The condition varies […]

Minnesota Senate File 1029, which is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee on Friday, March 21, 2025, seeks to eliminate longstanding privacy and data protections for commercial breeders, which the state defines as those with more than 10 intact dogs and 5 litters a year.  The American […]

Linda Grems has been a dog breeder in Miniature Pinschers for over two decades. Now a mentor, Grems got her start in the breed through Min Pin mentors.