ASK AKC  Dear AKC: My question regards breeding. I have a young male Beagle, about a year and a half, and I'd like to breed him with another beagle. I am told by my veterinarian, who has bred beagles extensively in the past that it is next to impossible for a breeder to accept my dog […]

Assemblyman Neil Cohen and Assemblywoman Joan Voss have introduced Assembly Bill 1591, a bill which threatens the rights of responsible breeders in New Jersey.  This bill is a reintroduction of 2006’s AB 3401.  Fanciers, concerned dog owners, and responsible breeders should immediately contact their representatives in the New Jersey State Legislature, and the members of […]

By Jennifer Clark, Manager, Canine Legislation  By Jennifer Clark, Manager, Canine Legislation The images are enough to break anyone’s heart – stray dogs roaming the street without proper food, water and basic needs; shelters overflowing with unwanted animals.  There is no question that something needs to be done.  The dogs – and the people of […]

Urgent help is needed from Massachusetts dog owners regarding a proposed budget amendment that will negatively affect responsible breeders. The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs reports that having been unsuccessful at pushing through an onerous commercial breeder licensing bill (H4537), Rep. Paul Kujawski plans to introduce an amendment to the House budget bill on April […]

A small, Washington, DC-based news organization published an article yesterday that parroted claims by animal rights organizations that the American Kennel Club puts profits over the care and well-being of animals. Nothing could be further from the truth. The AKC is a private not-for-profit organization. We are a club of clubs, the world’s largest all-breed […]

By Jennifer Clark, Manager, Canine Legislation The images are enough to break anyone’s heart – stray dogs roaming the street without proper food, water and basic needs; shelters overflowing with unwanted animals.  There is no question that something needs to be done.  The dogs – and the people of Puerto Rico – deserve better. But […]

There are times when it makes sense for a breeder to stamp more than just a "thumbprint" of influence on a breed. Dogs are generally thought to have descended from wolves. Kim Campbell Thornton's recent article "Looking Back to the Beginning" (AKC GAZETTE, September 1999) describes research that has determined, through DNA sequences, that the […]

A bill has been introduced in the Washington State Legislature to limit dog ownership and impose numerous regulations on responsible breeders and dog owners.  All Washington responsible dog owners and breeders are encouraged to contact their State Senator and express their opposition to Senate Bill 5651. The American Kennel Club (AKC) rejects the unsubstantiated legislative […]

Early this morning, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee approved a House Farm Bill (H.R. 8467) that supports important priorities for dog enthusiasts and responsible breeders, including canine health, welfare and the rights of responsible dog owners. The bill was also approved without problematic potential amendments outlined in the May 17 alert.    We thank everyone […]

For more than 30 years, I have served as a veterinarian at one of the largest veterinary emergency hospitals in the country. Each year, our hospital treats more than 11,000 cats and dogs in our emergency room. Thousands more see our veterinary specialists. As you might guess, I’ve taken care of a lot of dogs […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced today the launch of the brand new “I Am a Breeder” video series.  The series is aimed at promoting responsible breeders and the love they have for their dogs to the general public. “Responsible dog breeders have a depth of knowledge and a level of commitment to purebred dogs […]

The AKC congratulates Maryland dog owners and breeders on a major victory on March 2, when the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee gave an unfavorable report to a bill that would have placed numerous restrictions on dog owners and breeders. Senate Bill 318 would have mandated the implementation of rigid engineering requirements for anyone owning 10 […]

The AKC is extremely concerned about provisions in Oklahoma House Bill 1332, as written, and urges all Oklahoma dog fanciers, owners and breeders to contact their representatives to express their concerns. The AKC promotes responsible dog ownership, responsible breeding practices,  enforcement of cruelty laws, reasonable inspection programs and nuisance regulations.  However, HB 1332 does not […]

AKC understands that local animal rights groups are putting increased pressure on local cities in Arizona (particularly Phoenix) to enact breeder regulations in an effort to address shelter population concerns.  This is a trend we are increasingly  seeing in cities throughout the United States. While nothing has been formally introduced, now is the time for […]

The Indiana House of Representatives has passed House Bill 1468, which imposes limits on dog ownership and labels anyone who sells five dogs a year a "pet dealer".  This bill is being advertised as a solution to "puppy mills" in the state.  The AKC agrees that kennels with deplorable conditions must never be tolerated; however, […]

Dog Experts Say Researching Breeds and Finding a Responsible Breeder Puts Your Pet in a Leading Role in Your Family New York, NY — In anticipation of the April 4, 2007 release of the family comedy Firehouse Dog, the American Kennel Club® reminds moviegoers about the importance of making careful, educated decisions when considering adding […]

-- The True Essence of AKC Breeders -- Eleven years ago, Ron Menaker, Dennis Sprung, and the good folks at Eukanuba created the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship and made celebrating our breeders an integral part of the event. In 2003, they added the Best Bred-By-Exhibitor competition and every year since then, many of our sport's top […]

On Tuesday, February 17, at 1:30 pm, the Arizona Senate Natural Resources Committee will consider Senate Bill 1539 and Senate Bill 1675, both of which impact dog breeders. Those who wish to comment may do so by using the contact information listed below. SB 1539 -- Animal Breeders; Dogs; Cats; Taxes This bill imposes arbitrary, […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce the launch of AKC Marketplace with enhanced form and functionality to better serve responsible breeders with the opportunity to promote themselves directly to potential dog owners. Through interactive profile pages, unlimited listings and a user-friendly experience, AKC Marketplace helps breeders get in front of more dog owners, showcase all […]

The Maryland House Economic Matters Committee is scheduled to consider a bill tomorrow (Tuesday, March 3) that contains some very troubling legislative findings (including implying that breeders are the reason dogs end up in shelters) and also restricts certain pet sales in the state. AKC encourages Maryland residents to contact the committee and respectfully educate […]