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 […]

Attention Boston dog owners! Councillors Rob Consalvo and James Kelly have introduced an ordinance that requires residents to register their "pit bulls" with the city at a cost of $50 annually. Pit bulls are defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, or any mix of those breeds. The measure also […]

  The American Kennel Club has announced that effective May 1, 2004, the Black Russian Terrier and the Neapolitan Mastiff have been granted regular status as AKC-recognized breeds and are eligible for competition in the Working Group, effective July 1, 2004. In addition, the Glen of Imaal Terrier is approved for AKC registration as of […]

On April 22nd, the North Carolina House Interim Committee on the Prevention and Disposition of Unwanted and Abandoned Companion Animals gave final approval to this legislation (see link below). The bill will next be introduced in the House of Representatives when it convenes on May 10th, where the measure will be assigned to a committee. […]

For 17 years, New York City has hosted Fleet Week, America’s Premier “thank you” to the brave men and women of the armed forces who serve our nation.  This year, Fleet Week is hosted by the Intrepid Foundation, the City of New York, The US Navy and the Fleet Week Executive Steering Committee. Fleet Week […]

"Do you spend so much time grooming your dogs that there is not enough time left for you?" Well, here is your opportunity to be transformed! "A Makeover Story", which airs at noon and 12:30pm EST on TLC (The Learning Channel) has contacted the AKC Communications department and is seeking two active dog-show breeder/exhibitors to […]

The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners reports the following: On March 24, 2004, H4537 was voted out of the Steering Committee and sent to the House floor listed with low priority, not requiring a vote for approval. Rep. James Eldridge (D, Acton) blocked it so the next […]

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day on Wednesday, March 17th, the American Kennel Club celebrates seven purebred dogs of Irish heritage that are AKC registrable or are in the AKC miscellaneous class. Additional information, including the full breed standards, links to Parent Club web sites and video clips of each breed, is available a this […]

In recent years, responsible dog owners across the country have faced an increasing threat to their right to own and breed dogs. The concept of replacing the term animal "owner" with "guardian" in city codes was first introduced in San Francisco several years ago by an extreme animal rights group. Since then, several cities and […]

The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that as of February 23, 2004 individual Dog Registration Applications will be accepted online. This new service offers numerous benefits to both breeders and dog owners and follows the Online Litter Registration service launched by the AKC in October 2003. "This initiative marks another milestone in AKC […]

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 […]

Legislation (H4397) has been introduced in West Virginia that would prohibit debarking or surgical silencing of dogs. Violators would face fines of $400-$1,000 and/or up to six months in jail. H4397 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, and help is needed to defeat this misguided bill. Much misinformation exists about debarking of dogs. […]

The AKC is devastated to have to announce the death of Sue Gray, a valuable and popular member of the Special Services Department. Sue joined us in 1999 and has been an extremely competent, and very popular, connection to people in the sport of dogs as a "trouble shooter." Recently Sue took over the Foundation […]

The American Kennel Club Gazette, The Official Journal for the Sport of Purebred Dogs which has been continually published since 1889, swept the annual Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) awards dinner last night, taking home a total of seven awards: Best All Breed Magazine - AKC Gazette Best Special Publication - AKC Gazette special […]

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 […]

As a celebration of dogs in art, AKC will team up this month with Doyle New York, one of the world’s leading auctioneers.  A series of events will take place at Doyle, beginning with a brunch this Sunday, February 8, at 10am. for attendees and their canine companions in conjunction with the Dogs in Art […]

Attention Chicago dog owners! Alderman Virginia (Ginger) Rugai has introduced an ordinance that would prohibit residents from owning, transporting, or selling "pit bulls." Pit bulls are defined as American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, or any mix of those breeds. Violators will face fines of $100-1000 and/or up to six months […]

There's nothing like a New Year's resolution- especially when it is a state resolution designed to promote responsible dog ownership. Thanks to the Doggonits 4-H Club, a group of active AKC CGC supporters, the state of Washington has passed a Canine Good Citizen resolution. The Washington resolution endorses the AKC's CGC program and its public […]

For 2004 Summer Intern Program The American Kennel Club is seeking new interns for the summer of 2004. The program runs for eight consecutive weeks during the months of June and July. Students will be selected for paid internships at either the New York headquarters or the Raleigh facility. The AKC Internship Program was created […]

  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 […]

Dennis brings years of experience and expertise to this position, having been involved in the fancy for 35 years as a breeder, exhibitor, club officer, judge and delegate, said Ronald H. Menaker, AKC Chairman of the Board. This expertise, coupled with the broad scope of his responsibilities over the last 15 years, make him most […]

In November 2003, the so-called "Puppy Protection Act" (PPA) was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) designated H.R. 3484. 36 co-sponsors have signed onto the bill. H.R. 3484 is virtually identical to the PPA introduced by Whitfield in the 107th Congress, except that it does not require setting federal "socialization" […]

Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), the principal sponsor of the so-called "Puppy Protection Act" (PPA) in the 107th Congress has informed the American Kennel Club that he plans to introduce a modified version of the PPA in the near future. The new version of the PPA will be virtually identical to the original, except that it […]

  New Service Offers Ease and Convenience to AKC Customers The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that as of October 27, 2003 litter registrations will be accepted online. This will enable users to more quickly and easily register their litters at www.akc.org. This service is the first of many new services that AKC […]

  The American Kennel Club announced today that effective immediately, Noreen E. Baxter will oversee the following departments in addition to her current duties: Communications, Internet Services, Marketing and Publications. Her title of Vice President of Public Education and Canine Legislation will change to Vice President of Communications. "By closely linking the efforts of these […]

  American Kennel Club Offers Tips For A Safe And Happy "Howloween" With Your Dog 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 […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) welcomed home the AKC/USA World Agility Team after a weekend of intense competition at the World Agility Championship in Lievin, France from September 26-28. The AKC/USA World Agility Team, sponsored by The Iams Company and K9 Advantix , traveled overseas to compete against 30 different countries. The large dog team […]

  The AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards honor those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. The recipients are selected by votes cast by AKC member clubs for one of three nominees in the categories of Conformation, Companion Events, and Performance. The awards, engraved Tiffany and Co. […]

This year we are celebrating the 76th year of AKC Junior Showmanship.  Formerly called Children's Handling, the event was founded by Len Brumby Sr. at the Westbury Kennel Association as a class for youngsters to compete in during their day at the dog show. I’m sure Mr. Brumby would be pleased to see how his […]

We were delighted to learn that cumulative ratings indicated more people watched the last AKC/Eukanuba National Championship on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel than any other televised dog show.  Therefore our televised event is one of the most important vehicles we have to positively showcase AKC programs and the sport. One group that deserves special […]