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Clubs & Delegates
Local Issues February 2025
Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories CT, Meriden – In December, AKC and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners met with legal counsel for the city to request practical changes to recently released breeder and litter permit application forms. The city’s ordinance is likely to […]
https://www.akc.org/clubs-delegates/government-relations/newsletters/taking-command/local-issues-february-2025/
| February 25, 2025
Clubs & Delegates
State Issues February 2025
Forty-seven legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – Senate Bill 1457 would establish a new Office of Domestic Companion Animal Health within the Office of the State Veterinarian. It would, in part require “all backyard breeders and hobby breeders […]
https://www.akc.org/clubs-delegates/government-relations/newsletters/taking-command/state-issues-february-2025/
| February 25, 2025

Expert Advice: Responsible Breeding
Signs of a Responsible Breeder
How do you find a responsible dog breeder? Once you decide to look for a puppy of your own, it's important to do plenty of research to figure out not only which breed is the best fit for you, but also which breeder you'd like to work with. Here are some considerations to help you as […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/signs-of-a-responsible-breeder/
| April 15, 2021

Expert Advice: Conformation
How to Attend a Dog Show as a Spectator
Never been to a dog show? Here is everything you need to know about how to go to a dog show, how to behave as a spectator, and how to learn.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/attend-a-dog-show/
| August 2, 2022
Legislative Alerts
Texas: Abilene City Council Considering Mandatory Spay and Neuter Ordinance, Hearing Feb 27
On February 27, the Abilene City Council is holding its second hearing on an animal ordinance that would significantly impact pet owners in the city. The ordinance includes two key problematic provisions: Mandatory spay/neuter for all dogs and cats over six months old. An exemption only for those who obtain a commercial breeder permit – even […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/texas-abilene-city-council-considering-mandatory-spay-neuter-ordinance-hearing-feb-27/
| February 19, 2025

Pages
AKC DNA + Health Kit – Included Tests
Order AKC DNA + Health Kit Activate AKC DNA Kit DNA Resource Center All AKC DNA + Health Kits include: The AKC DNA Profile of 201 markers for genetic identity and parentage verification purposes 328 genetic variants for health and traits, including coat color Results are delivered by our trusted service provider (Neogen) with the […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/dna/dna-resource-center/akc-dna-health/akc-dna-health-kit-included-tests/
| March 12, 2024

Expert Advice: Feature
Meet Mudi Breeder Kellie Verrelli of Akekal Mudis and Shepherds
Kellie Verrelli co-breeds Mudis with Beth Bochardt at Akekal Mudis and Shepherds. But Verrelli actually got her start with another breed: Scottish Terriers.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/breeder-spotlight-kellie-verrelli/
| February 13, 2025
Legislative Alerts
CT Alert: Hearing Tuesday on Creating Taskforce to Study Provision of Emergency Treatment and Transportation to Injured Police Canines
On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security will accept public testimony on HB 6964, which would create a taskforce to study what provisions could be made in certain circumstances to allow emergency medical services personnel to provide emergency treatment and transportation to an injured police K-9. […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/ct-alert-hearing-tuesday-creating-taskforce-study-provision-emergency-treatment-transportation-injured-police-canines/
| February 14, 2025
Legislative Alerts
Hawai’i: Commercial Breeder Bill Advancing, AKC Amendment Included
Yesterday, a bill regulating commercial dog breeders advanced from committee that included an amendment requested by the AKC to further clarify how a commercial breeder should be defined in the state. The AKC thanks the Pacific Pet Alliance and other passionate Hawaiians for their efforts to protect responsible dog owners and hobbyists in the state. […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/hawaii-commercial-breeder-bill-advancing-akc-amendment-included/
| February 11, 2025

Expert Advice: Breed History
Shih Tzu History: From Royal Dogs to Beloved Companions
Although their precise origins are unknown, the Shih Tzu undoubtedly descended from lion-like Tibetan holy dogs and has existed for centuries.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/shih-tzu-history/
| March 23, 2022