The Delaware House Health and Human Development Committee approved bills seeking to regulate barking dogs and granting immunity for animal cruelty reporting after a recent hearing.  Delaware residents are strongly encouraged to contact their State Representatives (see below for more information). House Bill 124 – Regulating Barking Dogs House Bill 124 would prohibit dogs from […]

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Here's what questions to ask before sending your dog out in a dog hiking group and how to know if your dog is a good fit for dog hiking groups.

This Wednesday, May 3, the Delaware House Health and Human Development Committee will be considering bills seeking to regulate barking dogs and granting immunity for animal cruelty reporting. Delaware residents are encouraged to contact the committee and express your concerns with House Bill 124 regulating barking dogs and express comments and concerns you may have […]

The Texas Legislature is entering the final month of session and several dog-related bills continue to move, including some with hearings this week. The final weeks of the 88th Regular Session will see a rapid uptick in bills moving through the legislative process. Please be prepared to take immediate action on legislation because bills can […]

AKC is monitoring several bills impacting dog owners in California. Below are a few highlights, including three bills with upcoming hearings, and three pending bills that could use comments of support. To see the complete list visit the AKC legislative action center at www.akcgr.org  and/or the AKC legislative tracker.  AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will […]

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 GR will continue to provide individual updates and alerts when necessary. Bills in Washington State Legislature: House Bill 1012 – Addressing the response […]

This week, Delaware legislative committees are considering bills regarding animal cruelty reporting and naming the rescue dog as the official state dog. In addition, while the hearing has not been rescheduled, legislators are still deliberating a bill that would regulate dog barking statewide.  Below are the latest updates, along with information on how to comment: […]

In the ring, Addict the Portuguese Podengo is the center of attention. The 36-pound dog displays both substance and splash while...

Friday, March 3, was the crossover deadline in the Montana Legislature for policy focused legislation, meaning bills that do not have a revenue component must have advanced out of their house of origin to remain eligible for advancement. Below is list of bills the AKC has been monitoring and their statuses. Bills in Montana State […]

Wednesday, March 15, 2023, the Maine Committee on the Judiciary will accept public testimony on LD 888, to Allow Use of Courthouse Facility Dogs by Criminal Justice Agencies for Criminal Justice Purposes. The bill would (1) adopt definitions; (2) establish training requirements; and (3) authorize trained dogs to accompany a witness in courtroom appearances and […]

The deadline has passed for bills to be introduced in the California state Legislature. AKC is monitoring several bills impacting dog owners in California. Below are a few highlights. To see the complete list visit the AKC legislative action center at www.akcgr.org  and/or the AKC legislative tracker.  AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) will continue to […]

To borrow a popular phrase, Eli isn’t a one-trick Poodle, nor does he hide a thing. Right now, the Miniature Poodle and his 68-year-old owner, Leslie Gelesh, of Akron, Ohio, are at the top of their game after winning the 2021 American Kennel Club Trick Dog Competition with a dazzling six-minute routine called “Batman Furever.” […]

We pay homage to some of history's most indomitable female dogs. They went above and beyond (in one case, literally) in service to humankind. Strelka and Belka Years before Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman cosmonaut in space, two other females blazed a trail. On August 19, 1960, the two mixed-breed dogs were aboard the […]

It's a fact. Every dog pees. Most males lift their legs to do it, and many females squat to get the job done. A potty is a hormonal response for both sexes

Bills in Montana state Legislature: Senate Bill 280- Revise bird dog training laws. Status: Hearing was held on February 14 in Fish and Game Committee; awaiting further action. Summary: Montana Senate Bill 280 would expand the types of bird training available to game birds not raised in captivity through a low-cost licensing system. A Class […]

Showing dogs—the formal term for it is “Conformation”—is a sport. Like any football game or tennis match, dog shows have rules, too. But folks who sit on the sidelines can easily become bewildered if they don’t understand how guidelines apply to the game at hand. Whether you’re taking aim at a fastball or trotting with […]

Next week, two Connecticut General Assembly Joint Committees will accept public testimony on the following bills impacting dog owners: SUPPORT ACCESS TO SERVICE DOGS: SB 976, “Concerning health insurance coverage for individual and group health insurance policies,” would, among other provisions, mandate  health insurance coverage for the cost to purchase a trained service animal that […]

Ivy the Chihuahua may be tiny, but she is a survivor. Rescued from a dumpster as a puppy, the eight-and-a-half-year-old dog is a true Renaissance pup. Owned by Rockford, Illinois, resident Jennifer Walker, Ivy has earned over 40 titles as an AKC Therapy Dog and canine athlete. Bringing Ivy Home In 2014, Walker and her […]

To celebrate the dogs who do extraordinary things in the service of humankind, the AKC Humane FundSM is seeking YOUR nominations for its AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). Nominations are open now through July 1st and winners will be announced in late 2023. Winners will be highlighted in a made-for-tv special created […]

When it comes to love, dogs offer all of the devotion with none of the guile. They won't sign up for a secret dating profile or see another owner behind your back. And that flirtation with the pet sitter … well, it's harmless. After all, there's a reason dogs have a reputation for being faithful […]

On Valentine’s Day, humans give chocolate, teddy bears, and roses to our loved ones to show appreciation and affection. But what about our favorite canine companions? Here are some tips on how you can show your four-legged Valentine some love. Take a Long Walk What better way to spend Valentine’s Day with your dog than […]

Winter can be hard on dogs. Follow our tips for winter dog care, including products to protect dogs from the cold, keep them safe, and mentally stimulated.

Wonder what your dog's New Year's resolutions are? Take a look at some behavior changes that may be on your dog's mind.

Here are ways to set dog training goals for the new year and how to go about keeping these resolutions and achieving these attainable goals.

On Tuesday, Congressional lawmakers released the final version of a must-pass $1.7 trillion fiscal year 2023 federal spending bill that provides funding for the U.S. Government. The agreement between House and Senate appropriators contains spending for several key areas impacting dogs. It also includes report language impacting canine policy, including legislative proposals AKC has tracked […]

Holidays with fireworks cause lots of loud noises, which can cause dog anxiety. Learn how to keep your dog calm during fireworks.

The AKC® Humane Fund is proud to announce the winners of the 23rd annual AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). These awards celebrate five loyal, hard-working dogs that have significantly improved the lives of their owners and communities. The five winners were carefully chosen from a pool of over 600 impressive nominations. The […]

I looked up and it is already mid-December! Where did the year 2022 go? All my friends seem to be asking the same question… I have always heard that time marches on, but this year it is in a full out sprint to the end! As I look back at 2022 and forward into 2023, […]

Participating in dog shows can undoubtedly feel daunting for newcomers. Follow these tips to help you and your dog to feel comfortable in the ring.