Amended LD 1771, which requires “hobby kennels” to obtain a state license under the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s (DACF) authority to regulate commercial “animal care facilities”, has become law without Governor Mills’ signature. Public Law Chapter 414 becomes effective Wednesday, September 24, 2025. The American Kennel Club (AKC) strongly endorses the right to […]

Amended LD 1771, which would categorize “hobby kennels” as commercial “animal care facilities”, was further amended last week and passed the Maine House. The House changes were minor and clarify that humane agents could conduct inspections without a municipal animal control officer present. The Senate quickly agreed to those minor changes and adopted the bill. […]

The Ohio House Public Safety Committee is holding public hearings on a significant rewrite of the state’s dangerous dog laws. House Bill 247 was introduced in response to several tragic incidents in the state and a demand from the public as well as animal control and law enforcement to strengthen Ohio’s dangerous dog laws.  Concerns […]

Amended LD 1771, which would categorize “hobby kennels” as commercial “animal care facilities”, was fast tracked and passed the Maine Senate yesterday. Last month, the Maine Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Committee) accepted testimony on LD 1771. Thanks to the Maine dog owners who expressed opposition to the bill, the committee adopted an […]

As the 89th Texas Regular Session draws to a close, the legislative landscape for dog owners has shifted dramatically in recent weeks. With several crucial deadlines now behind us, the majority of pending bills, including many impacting dogs and their owners, are officially off the table for this session. Yesterday marked the last opportunity for […]

A bill that exempts individual participants in squirrel or furbearing animal field trials from the Texas hunting license requirement is scheduled for consideration by the full Texas House of Representatives today, May 22. If signed into law, the bill will only require a field trial organizer to purchase a field trial permit to cover all […]

There are 27 days remaining in the 89th Texas Legislative Regular Session, and there are several dog bills under consideration. Below are status updates for bills that received consideration last week or will receive consideration this week: House Bill 2806 and SB 155 - Dangerous Dogs- Previous Alert Status: HB 2806 had a hearing on […]

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Maine Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Committee) is scheduled to accept public testimony on LD 1771, “An Act to Strengthen Oversight of Kennels by Changing the Licensing Authority from Municipalities to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry”. The bill would require a hobby kennel owner to: […]

Seventeen legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: California – SB 221 expands the definition of stalking to include threats against a person's animals. This would bring California into alignment with federal law. The bill has advanced out of the state […]

Twenty-six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: California – SB 221 expands the definition of stalking to include threats against a person's animals. This would bring California into alignment with federal law. The bill has advanced out of the […]

When you mention the "Siberian Husky," many envision sled dogs racing across vast ice fields. But these dogs have grown to be great pets and performance event dogs.

Raising a paw and pointing is a canine instinct. Hunting dogs purpose-bred for generations used the tactic to help owners hunt, find, and capture game.

LGBTQIA+ dog owners have always been part of AKC dog sports. For some, the dog world has been a supportive haven, while for others, it has been more challenging.

The Gordon Setter is the largest member of the setter breeds. Learn more about this breed with these Gordon Setter fun facts.

Elizabeth Hodkowski grew up in a Texas home with two Havanese. Now, 15, she was always been drawn to the nobility of a much different dog breed: the Borzoi.

Getting a dog should be a well-planned decision to ensure a lifelong commitment. Dogs are not objects that are returned if you change your mind because they have become too big, too energetic, or too time-consuming to care for properly. For the greatest chance for success, put forth the effort to find the best match […]

Dogs were domesticated from wolves starting around 30,000 years ago. But how did it happen and did humans play a role or did dogs domesticate themselves?

Why do dogs bury bones? You can thank your pet's ancestors, including wild dogs and the gray wolf, and their feast or famine diet.

Purebred dogs are symbols of the people and places that brought them into being. Every year, they're celebrated on National Purebred Dog Day.

Here are fun facts you may not know about the Black and Tan Coonhound including their breed history, notable and famous owners, and more.

Loyal, courageous, and always up for a good game, Boxers never shy away from showing off their silly side. Learn more about Boxer history.

Below Are Links To The AKC Rules And Regulations That Are Available. [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Board Policy Manual"] AKC Board Policy Manual [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Clubs"] Charter and Bylaws of the AKC (PDF) Const and Bylaws: All-Breed; Specialty (PDF) Const and Bylaws: Performance Clubs (PDF) Formation of Dog Clubs (PDF) Working it Out -- AKC® Guidelines for Resolving Dog Club Issues […]

The AKC works with non-AKC service and sports organizations to recognize the titles that AKC-registered dogs earn in their programs. This includes the AKC Therapy Dog program and the AKC Search & Rescue program. AKC also recognizes titles of the Barn Hunt Association (BHA); North American Diving Dogs (NADD); the North American Flyball Association (NAFA); […]

Each of the AKC registered breeds are assigned to one of seven groups representing characteristics and functions the breeds were originally bred for. Current as of June 17, 2025 [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Herding Group"] HERDING GROUP The Herding Group, created in 1983, is the newest AKC classification; its members were formerly members of the Working Group. […]

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 AGCH (Agility Grand Champion) AGCH MACH6 PACH3 Patterday's Rocky Raccoon MXS2 PAD MJG2 PJD MXP8 MXPG PADP MJP9 MJPG PJDP PAX3 MFB MFPS […]

Tim Baird Director of Bomb Dog Operations, Arete Canine 30 years’ experience in working dogs 36 years of raising and training dogs Patent holder on Vapor Wake K9s Trained the first IDD detection dogs for USMC Supplied canines to federal agencies and law enforcement around the world. Exceptionally diverse canine team trainer with a successful […]

Use the following resources as a guide to responsible dog breeding. You may also want to watch the AKC webinar on Planning Breedings: Are you ready to breed a litter of puppies? Prepare Yourself for Breeding a Litter of Puppies Breed to Improve Understand the Commitment Choose A Suitable Mate Know Your Genetics Finalize Stud […]

Articles October 2024 - Patriotic Puppy Program Heads to the Midwest  August 2024 - Op Ed: Detection Dog Shortage Still Devils Security Experts April 2024 - The Unsung Heroes Of FEMA December 2023 – Different Roads Can Lead to Success: How One Litter Is Taking Many Different Paths to Certification December 2023 – AKC Takes Patriotic Puppy Program to The […]

Click below to see titles and abbreviations for: Prefix Titles Suffix Titles Parent Club Titles Working Dog Titles Other Recognized Titles Other Title Lists: Titles Sorted by Sport Titles Sorted in Alphabetic Order   Prefix Titles Title Title Name AFC An Amateur Field Trial Champion title can be earned in either Beagle Field Trials, Pointing […]

Amateur Handler Limit / Handler and Judge Relation (May 2025) MNRC Entry Size and Resources (Jan 2025) Six Various Clarifications (Oct 2024) Talking to Dog in Junior (Jul 2023) English Springer Spaniels Eligible (Nov 2022) Clarifications -Amateurs / Blind Retrieves (Oct 2022) Wirehaired Vizsla Eligible / Two Hunt Tests Per Yr. for Parent Clubs (May 2022) Clubs Allowed to Use Waiting […]