This Wednesday, the public hearing agenda for the Rhode Island (RI) Senate Committee on Environment and Agriculture includes S. 325, “Animal Care”, which seeks to significantly limit the scope of the state’s definition of “hobby breeder”.  It is imperative that all fanciers and enthusiasts in Rhode Island contact the members of the committee and urge […]

Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 18), a bill that establishes a licensing framework for all breeders who sell even one dog as a pet, will be heard by an Oregon state Senate committee.  Oregon breeders should express their opposition immediately and, if possible, speak at the hearing in opposition to Senate Bill 1076. What You Can Do: […]

A West Virginia House subcommittee has advanced two pieces of legislation regarding the care of dogs.  The first would provide increased protections for the welfare of domestic animals in the care of animal shelters and private individuals.  The second would specify minimum levels of care to be provided by commercial dog breeders and consumer protection […]

Next week is the deadline for House bills in Illinois to get an initial committee hearing, and there are several critical bills for dog owners still pending.  It is important for dog owners and clubs to register your opposition online today on key measures pending in two committees: House Agriculture and Conservation Committee: HB 1902 […]

Overreaching breeder regulation legislation has again been introduced in the Florida Legislature.  SB 1830  and HB 1481 seek to impose registration and inspections requirements on any dog owner of an intact female dog more than six months of age.  Similar to legislation first introduced in 2023, these bills are also part of an extensive anti-breeder […]

A bill seeking to address concerns in animal shelters and to regulate hobbyist dog breeders, was recently introduced. The proposal, sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation, insinuates that people who breed as few as ONE litter are contributing to animal shelter population concerns, and, therefore, should incur significant regulations. What You Can Do: Although the […]

By Claire Wiley, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM) Hip dysplasia is one of the most common orthopedic conditions affecting dogs, particularly in larger breeds. As a breeder, understanding the genetic basis of hip dysplasia is essential for making informed breeding decisions and working toward reducing its prevalence in future generations. What is Hip Dysplasia? Hip dysplasia is […]

PetAg Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer Powder is a must in your whelping supply kit. It provides all the nutritional elements necessary for puppies, newborn to 6 weeks old. With complete, balanced nutrition it is closest to mother's milk in protein, fat, and carbohydrates. The added vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients plus prebiotics and probiotics support […]

Kellie Verrelli co-breeds Mudis with Beth Bochardt at Akekal Mudis and Shepherds. But Verrelli actually got her start with another breed: Scottish Terriers.

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. […]

Hawai’i Senate Bill 593, a bill that seeks to regulate commercial dog breeders by establishing a definition for what constitutes as a dog breeder in Hawai’i, sets a statewide limit law for intact dogs, and establishes standards of care has been scheduled for its first committee hearing on Monday, February 10. Hawai’i club members and […]

The Spot Mirror Finish Stainless Steel Dog Bowl is a must for the dogs in your kennel, and it will be a welcome item to include in the kit that goes home with your puppies. These bowls are made of stainless steel for easy cleanup and are available in assorted sizes – 1, 2, 3, […]

A problematic proposed dog ordinance in DeKalb County, Georgia—which, as currently worded, includes litter permits, litter limits, sales restrictions, and incomplete consumer protections—has been added to the Tuesday, January 28, 2025, agenda for the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners meeting.  As previously noted, County staff have reported that the ordinance is expected to be returned […]

After my 2024 article, someone asked me to do the next New Year’s Resolution article from our dogs’ perspectives. So, I am going to put my best foot forward in an open and honest attempt to tell you what I think our dogs may want us to resolve to do in 2025! First, we must […]

In early December 2024, the DeKalb County, Georgia, Board of Commissioners deferred consideration of changes to its animal ordinance that AKC views as problematic for responsible dog breeders and owners.  As currently worded, it seeks to impose restrictions on breeders and anyone who transfers, gives away, or sells pets.  County staff have reported that the […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world's largest purebred dog registry and a leading advocate for dogs, wishes to acknowledge those individuals who have excelled at breeding dogs that have proven to be outstanding in AKC sports over an extended period. The commitment to preserve, protect, and improve a breed represents the very essence of […]

A good tool for keeping a puppy’s mind off grooming, bathing, or a possibly undesirable behavior is a lick mat. The Pet Naturals Busy Butter Lick Mat and Treat Combo has suction cups on the back so it will stick to any smooth surface. The Busy Butter Calming Supplement included has four effective ingredients, including […]

Sandi Lyon was presented with the 2024 AKC Breeder of the Year award for Margaux Bouviers at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Saturday, December 14, 2024.  The annual award honors those breeders who have made an impact on their breed and dedicate their lives to improving the health, temperament and quality […]

An overreaching proposed ordinance that seeks to place restrictions on pet breeders and on individuals who transfer/give away/sell pets will be deferred until January 2025. Per county staff: At the December 3 County Operations Committee meeting, the ordinance was recommended for deferral to the Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners next meets tomorrow, December […]

An overreaching proposed ordinance that seeks to place restrictions on pet breeders and on individuals who transfer/give away/sell pets is on the tentative agenda of the DeKalb County Committee of the Whole, for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 9:00am. Click here for meeting information. It is unclear if this item will receive action on that […]

Summary: On Thursday, November 21, the City of Seaside, CA, unanimously adopted an ordinance that will require city residents to purchase a breeding permit before their dog or cat is bred and will require residents to spay or neuter their dog or cat if an unaltered license is not purchased or a veterinarian approved health […]

Last week, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the state agency charged with administering the state’s Dog or Cat Breeders Act, announced that it will begin its periodic review of the Act’s current administrative rules. The Dog or Cat Breeders Act requires anyone that both owns 5 or more intact female animals and […]

Congress is back in Washington for the lame-duck session and working to quickly move major legislation, such as the Farm Bill, not completed before the election. Yesterday, the Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Stabenow (D-MI) released the Senate version of the federal farm bill, The Rural Prosperity and Security Act of 2024, for immediate consideration. Unlike […]

Consideration of an overreaching proposed animal ordinance in DeKalb County that seeks to place restrictions on pet breeders and on individuals who transfer/give away/sell pets has been rescheduled for Tuesday, November 19, 2024. The County Operations Committee (OPS Committee) will meet to discuss the proposed ordinance at 1:00pm at 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA 30030.  […]

As a dog breeder, understanding the genetic underpinnings of the traits and health conditions in your breed is essential. One concept that often causes confusion is incomplete penetrance. This genetic principle can complicate breeding decisions and the interpretation of DNA test results. Let’s break it down with an example and explore how it might affect […]

Elizabeth Williams of Wilhaven Lagotto Romagnolo has been involved with AKC dog shows and performance events since 1988. She is originally from Alaska, having relocated to Oregon 11 years ago. Her Wilhaven breeding program began with Shiba Inu in 1994 and the Lagotto Romagnolo beginning in 2011. Liz is an AKC Breeder of Merit of […]

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 2024 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees. “It is our pleasure to honor this array of esteemed breeders,” said Dennis Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “These individuals have made important […]

Congress is returning to Washington this week for the brief lame-duck session. Major legislation, including House and Senate versions of a Farm Bill that contain new regulations for dog breeders, could be passed very quickly before the end of the year.  Already, lobbyists for animal rights groups are actively pushing to add language from the […]

Summary: On Thursday, November 21, the Seaside City Council (Monterey County) will consider the adoption of multiple changes to the animal control laws – including unaltered dog licenses and permits to breed one dog in the city. This will be the only opportunity to oppose these measures, so it is critical to voice your opposition […]

On October 22, the Ojai City Council voted 4-1 to adopt a first-in-the-nation law that prohibits the breeding of dogs and cats with “congenital anatomical features” that are likely to cause the animal or its offspring to suffer pain, deformity, or difficult expressing natural behaviors, difficulty breathing, difficultly with physical exertion or exercise, or difficulty […]