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 […]

  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to welcome the ten students who have been chosen to participate in the AKC Internship Program. The program--open to college students with a background and interest in purebred dogs--is designed to further their professional development as well as help the AKC identify potential employees with experience in […]

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 […]

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 […]

  At the AKC Delegate Meeting on March 8, Dr. Thomas M. Davies, Walter F. Goodman and Ronald H. Menaker were re-elected to the AKC Board of Directors, Class of 2008. Ronald H. Menaker was re-elected Chairman of the Board and David C. Merriam was re-elected Vice-Chairman at a meeting of the AKC Board of […]

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 […]

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 […]

  New York, NY - The American Kennel Club is pleased to welcome the seven students who have been chosen to participate in the AKC Internship Program. The program--open to college students with a background and interest in purebred dogs--is designed to further their professional development as well as help the AKC identify potential employees […]

  Just like our immigrant ancestors, most of the dog breeds we know and enjoy today originated in other countries and came to the United States later on. However, there are a number of AKC registered breeds which were developed on American soil, and each has its own unique history and heritage: Alaskan Malamute - […]

AKC was honored to host Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, at a luncheon at our Corporate Headquarters in New York City on Wednesday, April 30. Princess Anne was the guest of honor at an event to celebrate the launch of AKC's Pet Healthcare Program. As the president of the Animal Health Trust […]

AKC was honored to host Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, at a luncheon at our Corporate Headquarters in New York City on Wednesday, April 30. Princess Anne was the guest of honor at an event to celebrate the launch of AKC's Pet Healthcare Program. As the president of the Animal Health Trust […]

After months of negotiations, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has learned that American Airlines is reversing its ban on Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, and any mixed breeds containing one or more of those breeds. Effective May 17th, 2003, all dog breeds will once again be accepted for […]

After months of negotiations, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has learned that American Airlines is reversing its ban on Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, and any mixed breeds containing one or more of those breeds. Effective May 17th, 2003, all dog breeds will once again be accepted for […]

Faced with strong opposition from New Jersey dog owners, Assemblyman John Burzichelli has vowed to withdraw his breed-specific bill (A2906) when the legislature reconvenes in May. In a statement made on March 21st, Asm. Burzichelli said he plans to introduce new, generic legislation that will strengthen the state's dangerous dog law without targeting specific breeds. […]

  At the AKC Delegate Meeting on March 11, Dr. Patricia H. Haines was elected to the AKC Board of Directors, Class of 2007, and Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia and Mrs. Patti L. Strand were re-elected. Ronald H. Menaker was re-elected Chairman of the Board and David C. Merriam was re-elected Vice-Chairman.   Dr. Patricia […]

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day on Monday, March 17th, 2003 the American Kennel Club celebrates seven purebred dogs of Irish heritage. Additional information including the full breed standards, links to Parent Club web sites and video clips of each breed, is available on this site.   The Glen of Imaal Terrier - "There is […]

Immediate help from New Jersey dog owners is needed to defeat legislation that would severely restrict ownership of "pit bulls" and possibly Rottweilers. A2906 was introduced in October 2002 and fanciers immediately rallied to educate lawmakers about the ineffectiveness of breed-specific legislation. An identical Senate bill, S2381, was introduced in late February. We must act […]

The Honorable David C. Merriam will receive the 9th annual Skarda award at the Pedigree banquet tomorrow night, February 8th, in the Grand Ballroom of New Yorks famed Plaza Hotel. Making the presentation, at the black tie affair that honors the years top dog in each breed, will be Merriams nominator, longtime friend and editor […]

  The recipients of the AKC 2003 Lifetime Achievement Awards were announced at the December 10 Delegates meeting in Orlando, FL. The Lifetime Achievement Awards honor those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. The recipients were selected by votes cast by AKC member clubs for […]

  --AKC Releases Registration Statistics for 2002-- For the 13th consecutive year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America, according to registration figures released today by the American Kennel Club. Nearly three times as many Labs were registered in 2002 as any other breed. Golden Retrievers were a distant second, with […]

  The American Kennel Club has announced that as of January 1, 2003 two new breeds - the Toy Fox Terrier and the German Pinscher - have been granted regular status as AKC-recognized breeds and are eligible for competition in the Toy and the Working Groups, respectively. The Toy Fox Terrier The Toy Fox Terrier […]