Senate Bill 204 seeks to designate the Treeing Walker Coonhound as the official state dog of Kentucky. The bill recognizes that the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a native Kentucky dog breed developed in the 1800s by two Kentucky breeders. Kentucky dog lovers are urged to contact their state senators and representatives and ask them to […]

Forty-four state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors.  It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”.  For dogs that primarily […]

Tomorrow, February 13, is the last day in the State of Washington for bills introduced to be voted out of their original chamber. 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 […]

Pododermatitis in dogs describes inflammation of the paws. We spoke with a veterinary dermatologist to understand the causes and treatment options.

On Tuesday, February 13, a Kansas committee will consider House Bill 2542, which make numerous changes to the Kansas Pet Animal Act.  The most concerning provision of the legislation will allow the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture to enter contracts with any licensed animal shelter or rescue to seize animals and provide care for […]

Rotten dog teeth or cavities have the same cause in dogs as in humans. Although they're rare in dogs, it's important to know the signs and treatment.

Liver cancer in dogs can seriously impact your dog's lifespan. Learn more about the types, signs, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease.

In the words of Robert Frost, "Good fences make good neighbors." But when it comes to dogs, fences make safe outdoor spaces to run, play, sniff, and...

It's easy to panic when you see something on your dog's eye, especially if it's a large pink or reddish bump, which could be cherry eye in dogs.

The Missouri Agriculture Policy Committee is considering a bill on Thursday, January 25, that would make several changes to protect dogs and the rights of dog owners when animals are seized on suspicion of neglect or abuse.  The purpose of the bill is to protect the rights of the accused and ensure they are treated […]

Canine degenerative myelopathy (also known as DM) is a spinal cord disease. DM can result in gradual paralysis in dogs, starting in the hind legs.

If your dog suddenly develops aggressive, bloody diarrhea, they could have hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (also known as acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome).

Nominees in Conformation Michael Canalizo Michael Canalizo has spent many years in the Dog Show World as a Breeder/Owner, Professional Handler, turned Judge. His first exposure to his primary breed: the Afghan Hound came in 1961 as a member of “the typical Hobby Breeder family” with their purchase of “Babu Bamn of Grandeur”. He showed […]

English Toy Spaniel Bam Bam (Barri Please Klear the Ice Favorite Dog) has already assumed the persona of a show-stopper.

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session, and two state legislatures are in special session. AKC Government Relations is currently tracking more than 1,500 local, state, and federal issues. The following are highlights of current legislation around the […]

Periodontal disease in dogs is a very common health concern. Learn how to spot it and prevent it to protect your dog from potentially serious consequences.

The American Kennel Club's newly recognized breed, the Lancashire Heeler, is the 201st recognized breed, part of the Herding Group.

GCHP CH Hallmark Jolei Out Of This World, a Shih Tzu known as “Comet” triumphed over more than 5,700 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC® National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held December 16-17, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. […]

Antifreeze is a life-threatening danger to dogs if ingested. Learn to recognize the signs and how to protect your dog from antifreeze poisoning.

The National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals Best in Show winners were crowned on December 16 in Orlando Florida.

The AKC® National Owner-Handled Series (NOHS) Finals Best in Show honors went to GCHB CH Kinloch So There!, an Irish Setter known affectionately as “Stryker” owned and handled by 14-year-old Adam Kucera and bred by Patty Fanelli and Mike Fanelli. Adam and Stryker beat out 874 other dogs to take highest honor. Additionally, 15-year-old Savanna […]

THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB PRIVACY NOTICE   Last Updated: 5/6/2022 Welcome! We are American Kennel Club, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the study, breeding, exhibiting, running and maintenance of purebred dogs. This Privacy Notice explains how The American Kennel Club, Inc. (“AKC”, “we”, “us” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and otherwise processes personal information […]

If you go to a home football game at New Mexico State University, you'll likely see Wave the Wonder Dog running to grab the football tee. This Border Collie has become a local celebrity on- and off-campus, and his talents don't stop at the football field.

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session, and two state legislatures are in special session. AKC Government Relations is currently tracking more than 1,500 local, state, and federal issues. The following are highlights of current legislation around the […]

As we close in on the end of the year, the American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) extends our sincerest thanks for all the hard work you demonstrated this past year to protect the dogs we all love so much. We could not do what we do without you showing up at hearings, […]

A special Master Hunter Excellent (MHX) Test, hosted by the Westminster Kennel Club and the AKC Performance Events Department took place on November 4-5, 2023 in Oxford, NC.  This event was the first Master Hunter Excellent test to be held and consisted of two series, one each day. The purpose of this MHX test is […]

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 […]

Life can be challenging for anxious dogs. These 10 tips from the GoodDog Helpline will help you manage and treat your dog's anxiety.

Energy from canine diets is derived from three dietary components: protein, fat and carbohydrates. When it comes to dietary composition, we typically focus on protein and fat, featured in the guaranteed analysis statement on pet food to describe the minimum percentage of crude protein and fat that a diet contains — e.g., “26-16” (26% protein […]

Sonoran Desert toads, also called Colorado River Toads, are dangerous to dogs. They are often found near bodies of water in the southwest United States.