The Delaware General Assembly has adjourned its 2026 legislative session after approving several bills that impact dog owners, breeders, pet sellers, shelters, rescue organizations, and veterinarians. AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) monitored these measures throughout session and worked to ensure that legislation affecting dogs and dog owners is reasonable, enforceable, and protects responsible dog ownership. […]

The following list highlights some of the AKC Government Relations’ (AKC GR) legislative successes through June 30, 2026.  These and other victories have been won in cooperation with AKC federations, clubs, and responsible dog owners and breeders around the country who continue to work tirelessly to promote positive canine legislation in their state and community. […]

The AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Award Program was established in 2006 to provide each AKC Member Club with an embossed AKC medallion to award on a yearly basis as an ongoing effort to celebrate its volunteer club members. This award honors those individuals who deserve special recognition that have made a difference in the Sport of […]

8 legislatures and the District of Columbia are in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: California – AB 1382 prohibits the sale and importation of genetically modified pets with cosmetic traits in California, except for modifications that benefit animal health or human interaction, and imposes civil penalties for violations. After passing […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories Palm Beach County, FL – Palm Beach County Government is introducing a comprehensive animal care ordinance that has far reaching impacts for breeders. Among the 75 pages of changes, here are some of the highlights: (1) Expand the Definition of Commercial Breeder The […]

Spring/Summer Season Enrollment Has Closed Enrollment for the AKC Agility League Fall 2026 Season will open in mid-August. Check back for dates and more information.   Current Rankings The AKC Agility LeagueTM adds a fun and exciting way for agility enthusiasts to train and compete on teams, giving a new aspect to what is an […]

Can all dogs swim? With a life vest and some dog swimming lessons from you, here's how to teach a dog to swim in a pool or lake.

Of all the odd habits our dogs have—drinking toilet water, rolling in dead things, licking their butts— nothing disgusts most dog owners more than knowing that dogs eat poop sometimes. A dog's motivation for eating poop isn't to gross us humans out, but the act of eating poop certainly disgusts us. So much so, in […]

Cheza the All-American Dog is a Trick Dog star and search and rescue dog now, but she had a difficult start before owner Laura Jackson.

To view other Pee Wee photos click here. If you have a Pee Wee photo you would like to share, please send to: juniors@akc.org [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Procedures and Guidelines"] A Club must submit a Special Attractions Form to conduct the Pee Wee Class Special Attraction. The request must be approved by the Event Operations department. The […]