Federal - USDA APHIS has proposed new rules to establish requirements regarding the importation of live dogs for resale, whether through retail or wholesale channels or fee-based adoption, from regions where African Swine Fever (ASF) exists or is reasonably believed to exist.  The proposed rules would formalize requirements that have been in place since August […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog! AGILITY Congratulations to these dogs on earning the Agility Grand Champion title: AGCH MACH3 PACH Resq's Dopamine Rush BN RN MXG PAD MJC PJD […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce that Frank Murphy has been hired as an AKC Executive Field Representative. He will start January 2nd, 2024. Murphy has over forty years of experience in handling various breeds. He has handled top winning dogs in almost every group, such as the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2023 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees.   “We are proud to honor these knowledgeable and responsible breeders,” said Dennis B. Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “Each of these individuals are […]

Federal - USDA APHIS has proposed new rules to establish requirements regarding the importation of live dogs for resale, whether through retail or wholesale channels or fee-based adoption, from regions where African Swine Fever (ASF) exists or is reasonably believed to exist.  The proposed rules would formalize requirements that have been in place since August […]

On Friday, October 20, the Los Angeles City Council directed that an ordinance be drafted to suspend the issuance of breeding permits in the city as a way to address shelter overpopulation concerns.  Public comments from key officials indicate that this could also curtail the ability to own intact animals in the city.  Should this […]

Despite opposition from responsible pet owners, on October 10, 2023, the Floyd County, Georgia, County Commission enacted changes to the county animal ordinance that make it “unlawful for any person to own, keep, or be in possession of a sexually mature dog or cat which has not been spayed or neutered, unless otherwise exempt from […]

Centers for Disease Control – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced an extension of current requirements for the import of live dogs from countries at high risk for rabies. Under current requirements established in June 2022 all categories of importers are eligible to import dogs from high-risk counties.   Commercially imported […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories Alabama, Gadsden – Despite strong objections by residents and the current lack of subsidized spay/neuter services, a mandatory spay/neuter law enacted by the Gadsden City Council in July 2023 remains on the books. An additional proposal was tabled September 19, 2023, City Council […]

Updated October 6, 2023 with email addresses for Floyd County Commissioners. Please scroll down to view this new contact information. URGENT:  Please share this information with dog owners, breeders, conformation and event participants, sportsmen, and hunters in Floyd County, Georgia. A brief public hearing and vote to enact mandatory spay/neuter of dogs 6 months of […]

URGENT:  Please share this information with dog owners, breeders, conformation and event participants, sportsmen, and hunters in Floyd County, Georgia. A brief public hearing and vote to enact mandatory spay/neuter of dogs 6 months of age and older is scheduled for next Tuesday morning, October 10, 2023, at 9:30am by the Floyd County, GA, Board […]

Late last week, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) proposed new regulations for dog and cat breeders that must be licensed by the state.  The proposed regulations implement amendments to Texas’ breeders law that were enacted earlier this year.  Texas dog breeders licensed by TDLR are encouraged to review the proposed rules and […]

The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (JCMRG) has scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, September 26, 2023, from 1pm to 5pm, and will accept comments until October 3, on multiple animal bills, including two opposed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). TO INCREASE KENNEL SAFETY, AKA “OLLIE’S LAW” In the wake of […]

Meeting your new puppy for the first time is always a memorable experience and the start of an incredible journey together. For Nina Cosgriff, the start of this journey meant traveling more than 4000 miles to her home country of Sweden, where her dog "Leia," an Australian Kelpie, was born.

You may not have heard of a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, but when you see Senna zipping around the AKC Agility Premier Cup, you'll be surprised at her talent.

Originally bred as hunting companions, pointing breeds excel at tracking upland game for their owners. So which dogs are pointers, and what did they originally do?

Water and soil outside can contain bacteria that can be dangerous to your dog, even causing a leptospirosis infection. What is leptospirosis in dogs?

Beth Kirven of West Columbia, South Carolina, has always had Sporting dogs — her first dog as an adult was an English Cocker. But once she married and had children, she decided to ditch the grooming and go for some smooth operators: namely, Pointers, acquiring her first from the late Susan Thompson of Solivia Pointers […]

If your dog's tail is limp, it could be a sign of a sprained tail, known as swimmer's tail or limber tail. What should you do if you suspect swimmer's tail?

Jolanta Schubert is at the beginning of her breeding journey. She has, however, been preparing and learning for years by interfacing with many breeders, completing vet tech training, becoming a dog trainer, and learning puppy raising skills. In 2022, Schubert, a resident of Lake Barrington, IL, became the first person in North America to naturally […]

Will small-but-mighty Boston Terrier Delilah hold her crown as the fastest of her breed at this year's AKC Fastest Dogs USA?

It’s June, which means it is officially summer! That means more events, club meetings, and opportunities to promote responsible dog ownership and the good things the American Kennel Club and affiliate clubs do. The American Kennel Club prides itself on being the champion for all dogs – and for dog-friendly communities too! That is why […]

After nearly two full days of competition between more than 100 dogs, one Golden Retriever came out on top: "Baker" handled by Korin Bevis.

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles and honors in Agility, Coursing Ability, Fast CAT, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! Agility Congratulations to these dogs who have added more MACH titles to their […]

A bill moving in the New York Senate makes certain hunting competitions illegal.  As written, however, Senate Bill 4099 contains important amendments requested by the AKC to protect training and performance events. Summary: Senate Bill 4099 is similar to bills introduced in previous sessions that would make it unlawful to organize, sponsor, or participate in […]

You may not have heard of the Carolina Dog, but that doesn't mean you can count them out of dog sports like Fast CAT. Bones, a Carolina Dog, is participating in AKC Fastest Dogs USA on his second birthday, showing just how fast he is.

The Washington Legislature has concluded its 2023 legislative session. AKC actively monitored and participated in numerous bills before the legislature this year. While the session is adjourned, we are seeing many local governments across the country considering proposals that would impact dog owners in their community.  We encourage Washington residents to watch local media and […]

In each of the seven groups, one dog from one breed is chosen to represent their group going into Best in Show at the 147th Westminster Kennel Club Show.

AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in Washington state. Below are the latest updates, along with contact information if you wish to comment on any of these measures. AKC GR will continue to provide individual updates and alerts when necessary. Bills in Washington State Legislature: House Bill 1012 – Addressing the response […]

They're adorable. Those small, sturdy dogs with their regal bearing and long, gorgeous coats. But which breed are you admiring? The Shih Tzu (pronounced “sheed-zoo" or “sheet-su") or the Lhasa Apso? To the untrained eye, it can be hard to tell these two dogs apart, especially in full coat. But in fact, although these breeds […]