UPDATE: HB2927 was stricken from the docket on February 2nd. Many thanks to the Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and the countless Virginia dog owners who helped make this victory possible! Please continue to watch our Web site for information about other pending legislation in Virginia.    [Monday, January 24, 2005] Immediate help is needed […]

  The American Kennel Club and The Iams Company announced today a total of 2,451 entries were received for the 2005 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on January 15 and 16 in Tampa, Fla. The event will be simulcast live on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel, starting at 8 p.m. (EST) both nights. In addition a […]

Recently, I was a guest on the History Channel's weekly series "History's Business" where I was asked to discuss AKC and the sport of purebred dogs.  In preparation, I did a great deal of reading about AKC’s 120-year history and the individuals who contributed to making the organization and the sport what it is today. […]

Harsh winter weather and the hectic holiday season can be stressful for many people, but what about your furry, four-footed companion? The season's festivities can be both enjoyable and safe for your pet as long as you keep your canine's health and well being in mind. Following are tips from the American Kennel Club for […]

  Most of you who own dogs treat your dogs like family and care deeply for the well being of all dogs. You want to give generously to charities that benefit dogs, but the AKC advises you to choose organizations that best serve your desired ends. There is a difference between animal welfare organizations and […]

-- "Clinton" Progeny to Enter the White House -- New York, NY – Republican President George W. Bush may have won re-election but it looks like there may soon be a Democratic operative in the White House. The new arrival-- a purebred Scottish Terrier puppy named Miss Beazley--will play a dual role as a birthday […]

Recently, I was a guest on the History Channel's weekly series "History's Business" where I was asked to discuss AKC and the sport of purebred dogs.  In preparation, I did a great deal of reading about AKC’s 120-year history and the individuals who contributed to making the organization and the sport what it is today. […]

  New York, NY – The day for trick or treating will soon be here, yet, neither tricks nor too many treats are good for your dog, and Halloween can certainly be a scary experience for your pet. Here are some tips from the American Kennel Club to ensure a safe and Happy “Howloween” with […]

  New York, NY — President and Chief Executive Officer, Dennis B. Sprung, announced today a number of executive promotions, as well as the hiring of a new manager in the Public Relations department. In his statement Sprung said, " I am proud of these employees for their outstanding performance and for the fact that […]

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club announced today that it is now accepting listings for AKC Online Breeder Classifieds (AKC OBC), a new web-based service designed to bring breeders of AKC-registrable puppies together with potential pet owners. A breeder of an AKC-registered litter in good standing with the AKC may place a listing […]

-- Governors of Alaska, North Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Tennessee all designate Responsible Dog Ownership Days--   New York, NY – In honor of AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day on September 17, 2004, (the AKC’s 120th anniversary) the AKC and many of its affiliated clubs have received support – in the form or proclamations and […]

In honor of AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day on September 17, 2004, the AKC and many of its affiliated clubs have received support – in the form of proclamations and congratulatory letters -- from numerous government officials, including the governors of Alaska, North Carolina, and California. At least seven proclamations and one letter of congratulations […]

Each March, Delegates representing the AKC Member Clubs elect individuals from among their own number to serve as voting members of the AKC Board of Directors. In order to understand the significance of this process, it is important to understand how the AKC is governed. There are three distinct, but interrelated, groups of individuals with […]

The AKC Employee Events Team (EET) sponsored the "Dog Days of Summer" on Friday, August 20, 2004. Two hot dog carts were stationed in front of the Raleigh office. In addition to the hot dogs with all the fixin's, each employee received a 22-ounce stadium cup with the AKC logo. Beautiful sunny weather added to […]

  In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were established in 1998 to honor our Fancy’s best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our sport on a national level. […]

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 […]

July saw the successful conclusion of two federal issues of importance to the dog fancy, both of which were supported by the AKC. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued its long-awaited final rule strengthening the federal Animal Care regulations applicable to commercial dog dealers. Also, Congress enacted the "Minor Use and Minor […]

Each March, Delegates representing the AKC Member Clubs elect individuals from among their own number to serve as voting members of the AKC Board of Directors. In order to understand the significance of this process, it is important to understand how the AKC is governed. There are three distinct, but interrelated, groups of individuals with […]

  From Washington's Foxhounds to Bush's "Barney," presidential purebred pups are as traditional as baseball and apple pie. Twenty-two U.S. presidents have owned purebred dogs and most shared the White House with them. While some dogs had jobs - "Millie" authored a book, "Him" and "Her" modeled for Life magazine, and "Laddie Boy" oversaw high-level […]

The first-ever Breeders Symposium, held on Saturday, July 17, 2004 in Raleigh, N. C. provided attendees with the golden opportunity to learn how to breed better dogs as well as gather the most current information available for improving canine health through advances in veterinary medicine. Jointly sponsored by the American Kennel Club and the Canine […]

In the wake of Boston's recent enactment of a breed-specific dangerous dog ordinance, Massachusetts fanciers should be on the lookout for similar legislation in their municipalities. The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners has notified AKC that two cities, Fitchburg and Leominster, are considering proposals similar to Boston's new ordinance, which severely […]

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 […]

Following the recent defeat of proposed breeder regulations, New Jersey dog owners barely had time to catch their breaths before Senator Sharpe James, who is also Mayor of Newark, introduced the "Responsible Pit Bull Ownership Act" (S1718) late last week. S1718 Would Allow a Municipality To: Require a special license for all "pit bulls" ($150-700)-including […]

SB1548, which includes language that would make ear cropping a misdemeanor, easily passed the Assembly Committee on Business and Professions this week. The majority of the bill pertains to other aspects of veterinary medicine and has the support of the veterinary community. AKC is therefore urging fanciers to contact the bill sponsor and ask her […]

California fanciers, take note! The Animal Council reports that SB1548, a bill pertaining to veterinary medicine, was amended last week to include a ban on ear cropping for dogs. Violators will be charged with a misdemeanor unless the procedure was done for treatment of disease or injury to the dog. The bill defines "disease or […]

  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is proud to announce a new relationship with The Hartz Mountain Corporation to become the official sponsor of the AKC Veterinary Outreach Program. The AKC Veterinary Outreach Program unites the world of purebred dogs with the veterinary community through educational initiatives aimed at veterinarians, veterinary students and veterinary technicians. […]

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 American Kennel Club announced today the initial delivery of Your AKC, an electronic newsletter delivered monthly to dog lovers' desktops. Currently, Your AKC has a circulation of 222,000 customers and year-end circulation figures are expected to be 350,000. Covering the complete world of AKC dogs, Your AKC will feature a broad range of articles […]

Despite opposition from concerned dog owners and fanciers at a public hearing in Boston on Thursday, April 29th, legislators appear resolute in their support of a breed-specific ordinance. The proposal now heads to committee for further consideration. If enacted, the measure would: Require residents to register their "pit bulls" with the city at a cost […]

California legislators are once again attempting to regulate hobby breeders. Introduced by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, AB2513 establishes the "Humane Control of Dog and Cat Overpopulation Act of 2004."   The bill will: Prohibit the sale of unaltered dogs and cats unless the seller has obtained a permit. Create two types of permits. The first will […]