In a letter to Secretary Ann Veneman, the American Kennel Club is urging the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make important and needed improvements to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The AWA requires that minimum standards of care and treatment be provided for certain animals sold at wholesale, used in research, and transported commercially. […]

The American Kennel Club is in the process of transitioning to a new registration system. This new system uses digital imaging technology to capture and preserve digital images of every document processed by the AKC. These digital images never degrade, are of much higher quality than our previous microfilmed images, and are available for use […]

The American Kennel Club today announced that 48 Junior Scholarships have been awarded to students from 25 states. The scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 and winners include students from high school to graduate school. "The AKC recognizes the important role our young fanciers play in the future of the sport of purebred dogs", said […]

Washington would become the 10th state to preclude breed-specific laws if pending legislation passes. HB2043 amends the state dangerous dog law to include "the breed of dog shall not be a determining factor when declaring a dog potentially dangerous or dangerous." This important amendment supports the position of the American Kennel Club and numerous other […]

Ensuring that the AKC has a solid financial foundation in order to achieve our mission and fund important new programs--both now and in the future--is integral to the continuation of our organization and sport. This is a fundamental responsibility of the Board of Directors.  The Board has adopted a policy that it will evaluate all […]

Faced with strong opposition from New Jersey dog owners, Assemblyman John Burzichelli has vowed to withdraw his breed-specific bill (A2906) when the legislature reconvenes in May. In a statement made on March 21st, Asm. Burzichelli said he plans to introduce new, generic legislation that will strengthen the state's dangerous dog law without targeting specific breeds. […]

UPDATE (March 21, 2003)—Rhode Island dog fanciers had a productive meeting with House Leader Gordon Fox this week regarding the “animal protection” bill (HB5817) that contains many troublesome provisions. Fox, who is a sponsor of HB5817, listened to the concerns expressed by the fancy and appears committed to addressing their many concerns. He will take […]

  At the AKC Delegate Meeting on March 11, Dr. Patricia H. Haines was elected to the AKC Board of Directors, Class of 2007, and Dr. Carmen L. Battaglia and Mrs. Patti L. Strand were re-elected. Ronald H. Menaker was re-elected Chairman of the Board and David C. Merriam was re-elected Vice-Chairman.   Dr. Patricia […]

In an ongoing effort to improve customer service, the American Kennel Club has launched the new AKC Registration System. This state-of-the-art system will significantly expand our data processing capability and result in much improved customer service. Some of the key features of the new system are:   Integration of registration records with competition records Previously, […]

Ensuring that the AKC has a solid financial foundation in order to achieve our mission and fund important new programs--both now and in the future--is integral to the continuation of our organization and sport. This is a fundamental responsibility of the Board of Directors.  The Board has adopted a policy that it will evaluate all […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is urging the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make important enhancements to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) that will improve the enforcement of the AWA and the overall welfare of purebred dogs. In a letter to USDA Secretary Ann Veneman the AKC urged the USDA to: Close a loophole […]

  On Thursday, February 27, 2003, The Appellate Division, New York Supreme Court published its decision in the case of Jon Hammer vs. The American Kennel Club, finding in favor of the AKC. Mr. Hammer filed suit against AKC and the American Brittany Club alleging that the official Brittany standard calling for dogs to be […]

Help is needed immediately to defeat legislation that has been introduced in Maryland to severely restrict debarking of dogs. The bill (H355) is currently awaiting a vote by the House Committee on Environmental Matters. Debarking of dogs is a commonly misunderstood practice. When performed by a veterinarian, debarking is an acceptable medical procedure that is […]

  The Board of Directors is considering some changes to the procedures and policies for approval of judges. It requests your comments on them. Your written comments should be addressed to: Mr. James P. Crowley Executive Secretary American Kennel Club 260 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10016. All comments must be received by Mr. […]

  The American Kennel Club (AKC) was disturbed to learn that Nike, Inc., a major competitive sports and fitness company, has recently begun airing a national television ad promoting a new basketball shoe, which depicts a dog fight-like scene between a Rottweiler and a mixed breed. The dogs are leashed but are clearly seen baring […]

Basic obedience training is the foundation upon which all canine activities are based, whether it be competition in conformation, conquering the obstacles on the agility course, sniffing out a suspect in law enforcement work or a service dog guiding a visually impaired person safely across the street. In 1933, when AKC Obedience competition began, the […]

JUDGES INSTITUTE This year’s judges Institute will take place in Portland, Oregon from July 31 through August 4, 2003. Since 1991, the AKC has been at the forefront by offering courses of instruction that are of particular and practical value to those who wish to become better judges. The AKC is committed to offering challenging […]

  The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) have agreed to relocate the seven-year-old AKC Canine Health Foundation to Raleigh, North Carolina with the Foundation offices to be located in the American Kennel Club building. "This is a major step forward and the American Kennel Club is pleased […]

Immediate help from New Jersey dog owners is needed to defeat legislation that would severely restrict ownership of "pit bulls" and possibly Rottweilers. A2906 was introduced in October 2002 and fanciers immediately rallied to educate lawmakers about the ineffectiveness of breed-specific legislation. An identical Senate bill, S2381, was introduced in late February. We must act […]

  The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce enhanced features for pet owners. Visitors to the web site can now easily find an AKC club that holds classes in their area as well as other information on training their puppy or adult dog. Located on the home page under the drop down menu "Life […]

Basic obedience training is the foundation upon which all canine activities are based, whether it be competition in conformation, conquering the obstacles on the agility course, sniffing out a suspect in law enforcement work or a service dog guiding a visually impaired person safely across the street. In 1933, when AKC Obedience competition began, the […]

The Honorable David C. Merriam will receive the 9th annual Skarda award at the Pedigree banquet tomorrow night, February 8th, in the Grand Ballroom of New Yorks famed Plaza Hotel. Making the presentation, at the black tie affair that honors the years top dog in each breed, will be Merriams nominator, longtime friend and editor […]

  The American Kennel Club was disappointed to learn about the mistrial in the animal cruelty case against defendants Jon Harman and Athena Lethcoe-Harman in Shelby, MT, involving more than 150 Collies. Along with dog lovers across the country, we hope the case will be resolved and that justice will be served in the impending […]

The American Kennel Club announced today that the prestigious AKC National Agility Championship, sponsored by The Iams Company and Advantage flea control, will air on Animal Planet Sunday, February 9, 2003 from 8:00PM - 9:00PM. Additional Airings on Animal Planet include: Sunday, February 9 11:00PM -12:00AM Monday, February 10 10:00PM - 11:00PM; 1:00AM -2:00AM Saturday, […]

  The recipients of the AKC 2003 Lifetime Achievement Awards were announced at the December 10 Delegates meeting in Orlando, FL. The Lifetime Achievement Awards honor those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. The recipients were selected by votes cast by AKC member clubs for […]

  The Langdon Skarda Award Committee is pleased to announce the nominees for the ninth annual award. The nominees represent many aspects of the wonderful world of dogs, including breeding, exhibiting, philanthropy, obedience, handling and judging. The nominees are: Jean Atthowe Damara Bolte Tom Bradley Ted Browning Don K. Combee Judith Cooper Merrily Duncan Muriel […]

  AKC Agility Director Sharon Anderson and two talented canines claimed their 15 minutes of fame on The Caroline Rhea Show, a nationally syndicated variety and talk show, on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003. On hand to perform agility demonstrations were two members of the 2002 AKC/USA World Agility Team, Erin Schaefer (with her Shetland Sheepdog, […]

The US Court of Appeals sided with the USDA and AKC Tuesday in a case that would have made all residential breeders of dogs and cats subject to federal licensing and inspection. The ruling, which reversed a lower court's decision, rejects arguments by Doris Day Animal League and other animal rights groups that wanted to […]

Despite dog owners' efforts, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors gave final approval to the proposed "guardian" ordinance on January 13th. The measure adds the term "guardian" wherever "owner" appears in San Francisco's municipal code. The ordinance will now be sent to the mayor, who has ten days to act on it. Residents should contact […]

While we are all eagerly looking forward to seeing the 2002 AKC/Eukanuba National Invitational Championship air on Animal Planet later this month, there are some other AKC events being televised this month that deserve our attention.  For the past six years, the Outdoor Life Network (OLN) has been airing AKC Performance Event Championships with much […]