The American Kennel Club® today announced the launch of the Full Litter Registration Application pilot program. Breeders now have the option to register an AKC® litter and individually register each puppy in the litter all at the same time using one easy application form. The full litter registration application offers breeders discounted litter and […]

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club® is pleased to announce the hiring of William H. Deily, Jr. as the Director of Inspections and Investigations. Deily, who replaces the recently retired Steve Robinson, has joined the staff in Raleigh, NC. Deily has extensive background in both the sport of purebred dogs and law enforcement. […]

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has announced the dates and times of four public meetings to discuss a proposed mandatory spay/neuter ordinance and an ordinance to require microchipping of all dogs and cats. It is vital that fanciers, breeders and concerned dog owners attend these meetings and educate the community about the benefits […]

  New York, NY – Whether you're a pooch parent looking for tips on training, grooming and health or are currently considering adding a precious pup to the family, be sure to circle the month of September on your calendar to mark "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day." This month-long celebration involves hundreds of organizations around […]

Many times when talking to fanciers and club members they tell me how being involved “in dogs” has enriched their lives tremendously and that whenever they have the opportunity they look for ways “to give back to the sport of purebred dogs.” This spirit of volunteerism exists all around us in the fancy. Among those […]

    NEW YORK, NY– The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to welcome nine students chosen to participate in the 2006 AKC Internship Program. The program isopen to college students primarily with a background and interest in purebred dogs but  qualified applicants from any background will be considered. The program is designed to further […]

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors has released the specifics of their mandatory spay/neuter ordinance and mandatory microchip proposal. The measure will require all dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered unless the owner qualifies for and purchases an intact animal license. A first violation of the mandatory spay/neuter ordinance can result in a […]

The New York State Legislature is now in recess, although they can be called back into special session at the behest of the Speaker of the Assembly or Governor Pataki. The recess signals the effective end to the proposed ear cropping/tail docking ban bill, A. 11242. Dog owners in New York and across the country […]

The Indianapolis City Council has decided not to pursue breed-specific legislation. Councilwoman Sherron Franklin will be proposing a stricter dangerous dog ordinance that requires dogs that have been determined to be dangerous to be confined by a fence or specified structure and imposes a minimum $500 fine for violators. AKC thanks the fanciers and concerned […]

None of us will ever forget the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita last year and the tireless efforts of the fancy to give generously of their time, money (more than $1 million was donated to the AKC Companion Animal Recovery Canine Support and Relief Fund) and resources to aid those animals in need.  […]

The Indianapolis City Council has decided not to pursue breed-specific legislation. Councilwoman Sherron Franklin will be proposing a stricter dangerous dog ordinance that requires dogs that have been determined to be dangerous to be confined by a fence or specified structure and imposes a minimum $500 fine for violators. AKC thanks the fanciers and concerned […]

Ear Cropping and Tail Docking Bill Amended A. 11242, the New York State Assembly bill to prohibit ear cropping and tail docking, has been amended. It is imperative that New York fanciers and concerned dog owners contact their Assemblymember and members of the Agriculture Committee immediately to oppose this legislation.   The new version of […]

This year as we gear up for the fourth annual AKC ® Responsible Dog Ownership Day (AKC RDO Day) I am pleased to report about some new opportunities for clubs, state federations, and pet-related organizations as they plan their AKC RDO Day events in communities across the country. Publicly promoting responsible dog ownership takes time, initiative and […]

AB 2110 Fails to Pass Committee Assembly Bill 2110 was held yesterday in the Appropriations Committee Suspense File and can not move forward. The bill would have prohibited field trials in the state of California. Congratulations to all fanciers and field trial participants who worked to oppose this measure.     California Bill Would Outlaw […]

The AKC and Buena Vista Home Entertainment Team Up to Educate Viewers About Responsible Dog Ownership   The American Kennel Club® and Buena Vista Home Entertainment announced a joint initiative today to help inform viewers about the joys and responsibilities of owning a dog. This partnership is a result of two highly successful films featuring […]

This year as we gear up for the fourth annual AKC ® Responsible Dog Ownership Day (AKC RDO Day) I am pleased to report about some new opportunities for clubs, state federations, and pet-related organizations as they plan their AKC RDO Day events in communities across the country.    Publicly promoting responsible dog ownership takes time, initiative […]

The Berkeley Citizens Humane Commission will meet again on Wednesday, May 17th to discuss a proposal to require mandatory spay/neuter of all “pit bulls.” It is vital that responsible dog owners and concerned breeders attend this meeting. Fanciers are also encouraged to contact their representative on the Berkeley City Council to oppose this measure. The […]

The Los Angeles County Supervisors will take a final vote on the proposed mandatory spay/neuter ordinance at their meeting this Tuesday, May 2nd. Dog owners wishing to breed or simply maintain an intact dog will have to pay a $60 per dog fee and meet a host of restrictive criteria. It is urgent that fanciers […]

While many in the fancy focused on federal legislation pertaining to canine welfare last year, a threat to our rights and privileges as dog lovers has been gaining momentum at an alarming rate across the country - breed-specific legislation. In 2005, the AKC tracked 106 breed-specific measures. This year, through March alone, 55 measures have […]

Assembly Bill 2110 was recently amended and the new language will affect certain AKC sanctioned events. The bill will prohibit "live field coursing," which is now defined as "a competition in which dogs are, by the use of rabbits, hares, or foxes, assessed as to skill in hunting live rabbits, hares, or foxes." AB 2110 […]

City Councilor Sally Mayer is again proposing sweeping changes that would drastically limit fanciers' ability to breed and own dogs, while doing little to address the city's problems with irresponsible ownership. The proposal is currently set for a vote at the May 1st city council meeting. Fanciers are encouraged to attend the meeting, which will […]

While many in the fancy focused on federal legislation pertaining to canine welfare last year, a threat to our rights and privileges as dog lovers has been gaining momentum at an alarming rate across the country - breed-specific legislation. In 2005, the AKC tracked 106 breed-specific measures. This year, through March alone, 55 measures have […]

  Clubs Encouraged to Hold Educational Events For AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to announce that the fourth annual AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day will be held on Saturday, September 16th. The goal of the initiative is to educate first-time dog owners about the responsibilities of dog ownership […]

Click here for an update to this Alert The Los Angeles County Animal Board of Supervisors will meet April 18th to discuss their proposal to require all dogs to be spayed or neutered unless their owner purchases a $60 intact animal license (currently $30) and meets the stringent criteria established by the county. The measure […]

  -- Gina Weiser, Rosalind Kraus and John Leininger Join Executive Field Staff; Walter Bebout Named Director of Canine Legislation; Penny Leigh and Phil Guidry to Internal Consulting Group; Michael Shea to Retire -- American Kennel Club Chief Operating Officer John Lyons today announced the appointments of six longtime fanciers to key positions at AKC. […]

The Wilmington Kennel Club and local dog owners report that the proposed breed-specific ordinance in New Castle County was defeated 11-2 yesterday. The council is now working to establish a task force to come up with effective measures to address the county's problems with loose dogs and irresponsible owners. AKC looks forward to working with […]

  --David Keene and Dr. William R. Newman Elected to Board of Directors; Incumbent Director Nina Schaefer Re-Elected; Ronald H. Menaker and David C. Merriam Re-Elected as Chairman and Vice Chairman Respectively -- The Annual Meeting of the AKC Delegates and subsequent meeting of the Board of Directors took place on March 14, 2006. David […]

The New Castle County Council will vote next Tuesday, March 14th, on an ordinance to restrict "pit bulls." The measure, authored by Councilman Jea P. Street, defines "pit bulls" as Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers and any dog displaying the physical characteristics of these breeds. The measure will require owners […]

AKC has learned from responsible dog owners in Oklahoma that Sen. Earl Garrison, Chairman of the Senate General Government Committee, has agreed not to hear S1569 and S1702. These bills would have permitted cities and counties to enact breed-specific legislation, action that is currently prohibited by state law. With this legislation effectively dead in committee, […]

-- Dog Experts Say Researching Breeds and Finding a Responsible Breeder Puts Your Pet in a Leading Role in Your Family. -- In light of the release this week of the film, "The Shaggy Dog," and the recent success of "8 Below" featuring Siberian Huskies, the American Kennel Club reminds moviegoers about the importance of […]