It is generally acknowledged that the first Basset Hounds came to America from France. George Washington's friend Lafayette sent him hounds for pack hunting in America, and these hounds were probably the so-called Old Virginia Bench-Legged Beagles. Other imports in the early nineteenth century were obtained from France, but some also came from British packs, […]

  Barn Hunt events may be held in conjunction with AKC events provided they are held "separate and apart". Separate and apart means there must be a clear demarcation between the two events. The clear demarcation can be achieved in a number of ways --- Different times -- Starting the Barn Hunt event after the […]

The variety of the Dachshund breed is mirrored in the vast differences we see in the Dachshund field trials across the country. From the level, open terrain at the Lone Star Dachshund Conservancy Grounds in Ladonia, TX to the olive groves in Chino, CA to the steep hills in Vacaville, CA to the rolling hills […]

All dogs have skills and instincts that come naturally, whether it’s running, hunting, or chasing. If you’ve ever wondered how good your dog’s natural abilities are, you might consider a low-stress, non-competitive test where each dog runs individually to measure performance. Lure Coursing In this event, Sighthounds chase a mechanized, white plastic lure around a […]

Saturday, April 30, 2011 and Sunday, May 1, 2011 By Bonnie Hidalgo, AKC Executive Field Representative Saturday April 30 The Running was postponed until Sunday due to wet and dangerous riding conditions. Sunday May 1 FC/AFC MNL Rimrock's Desert Sand (Mac) GSP M Casten Pigman owner & handler DC/AFC Megasmoke Limited Edition (Ted) B M […]

THE FOLLOWING DOGS HAVE EARNED VCD TITLES ON THE DATES LISTED BELOW: VCD1 1/5/2013.  Eastern Waters' Makai Wind VCD1 BN RN, RET-CHES. Owned by: Doreen W Palmer/Gary W Palmer of COLUMBIA, CT. VCD1 1/6/2013.  Rogue Gaia Kuymal VCD2 HSAs MX MXJ MJB MXF, BEL SHP. Owned by: David Vesely/Joan Hagar of CORVALLIS, OR. VCD1 1/6/2013.  K-Tai Sey What? […]

THE FOLLOWING DOGS HAVE EARNED VCD TITLES ON THE DATES LISTED BELOW FOR 2012: VCCH 3/25/2012. TC OTCH CT Outburst Chasing Butterflies UDX RAE HSAds HSBds HIAds HIBd HXAds MXB MJB NAP OJP, BRDR COLLS. Owned by: Gerianne F Darnell of COUNCIL BLFS, IA. VCCH 6/2/2012. VCCH MACH3 Redwoods Sea Fox UDX3 OM3 RE MXC MJB2 MXF THD, […]

THE FOLLOWING DOGS HAVE EARNED VCD TITLES ON THE DATES LISTED BELOW: Versatile Companion Dog 1 (VCD1) 1/10/2010. GCH CH Gebeba Clancy Poetic Justice VCD1 RAE OA AXJ, PBGV Owned by: Megan Esherick/David Esherick/Betty Barth/George Barth of LEESPORT, PA. 1/16/2010. CH Sunbreak's Rainman Of Hapines VCD1 RN MX MXJ NF, SPAN-ENGCKR Owned by: Cathy Dutra of NEWARK, […]

July 1, 2013 Pre-Open and Pre-Utility Classes *The jump height is to be set at ½ the height of the dog at the withers, rounded to the nearest multiple of 2 inches. The Broad Jump will cover a distance equal to twice the height of the High Jump setting for each dog. For example: In […]

At all Beagle Field Trial Rules Judges Seminars for the Small Pack Option/Gundog Brace formats and regularly at beagle field trials we have a lengthy discussion on the "Deer Rule". What we are really talking about is the American Kennel Club BEAGLE FIELD TRIAL RULES AND STANDARD PROCEDURES FOR BRACE, SMALL PACK AND SMALL PACK […]

By Karla Deithorn, Executive Field Representative When a terrier or a Dachshund does not progress through the levels of Earthdog tests to the owner's expectations, a common question asked is whether or not you need to train the dog for the tests. There are a wide variety of opinions on this subject and that is […]

  The Sussex Spaniel is a True Original: Among the First AKC Registered Breeds in History "Stump" and owner-handler Scott Sommer won Best in Show at the 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Show. The American Kennel Club®, a non-profit organization whose rules govern more than 20,000 canine competitions each year including the famed Westminster Kennel Club […]

AKC and California dog owners are outraged by legislation that prohibits hunting with dogs or training for that purpose. This bill (AB342) was intended to restrict the hunting of fur-bearing animals with dogs but is extremely poorly worded. As written, AB342 makes it illegal for any dog to hunt, pursue, catch, capture, or kill, or […]

The dangerous dog bill in Iowa has a new number, SF446 (formerly SSB1195), and the breed-specific aspects of the bill have been dropped. Unfortunately, the bill is so poorly written that it now puts all dogs in jeopardy. SF446 declares all unleashed or unmuzzled dogs dangerous and never addresses the behavior of the dog itself […]

AKC and California fanciers scored a major victory when AB342, which would have prohibited hunting with dogs or training for that purpose, was soundly rejected in committee by a vote of 19-0. The bill was granted reconsideration as a courtesy to the author, meaning it could possibly come before the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee […]

Field trialers and hunt test enthusiasts in Indiana who have been frustrated by their state's recent restrictions on performance events have an opportunity to share their thoughts with state officials in June. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a series of open houses around the state June 3-11th. […]

Wisconsin breeders and rescue groups are concerned about a bill that could significantly affect them. Sponsored by Rep. Larry Balow, AB536 would require licensing and inspection of pet dealers and breeders, defined as those who sell, exchange or offer for adoption 25 or more pets per year. The bill authorizes the state's Department of Agriculture, […]

In light of overwhelming opposition from purebred dog fanciers and other concerned animal owners, Sen. Sam Helton has withdrawn his support from SB1130. Staff members for the Senator have confirmed that the bill, which would have required mandatory spay/neuter for all animals unless one purchased an expensive license, will not be introduced next week when […]

The Virginia Federation of Dog Clubs and Breeders reports that the Senate Rules Committee decisively voted 15-1 to oppose SJR37 at Friday's public hearing. Only Senator Potts, sponsor of the resolution, voted in favor of it. The vote sends a strong message that legislators will not tolerate proposals for studies with a predetermined outcome, which […]

For well over a year, Indiana field trialers and hunt test enthusiasts have been frustrated by the Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife's efforts to limit access to state lands for dog training, exercise, and other canine events. Concerned dog owners will soon have an opportunity to impact this policy. IDNR has […]

California legislators are once again attempting to regulate hobby breeders. Introduced by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, AB2513 establishes the "Humane Control of Dog and Cat Overpopulation Act of 2004."   The bill will: Prohibit the sale of unaltered dogs and cats unless the seller has obtained a permit. Create two types of permits. The first will […]

The Massachusetts Federation of Dog Clubs reports that late-night budget talks in the House last week resulted in yet another change to Rep. Kujawksi's proposed breeder amendment. The final budget bill that was sent to the Senate for consideration now requires regulation for those who breed and sell more than five litters of puppies or […]

Hunters and dog fanciers in Texas are extremely concerned about HB326 and its companion, SB172. The identical bills would amend the state's cruelty law in several ways. First, the measures make it a crime to cause bodily injury to an animal, with "animal" being defined as any "nonhuman mammal, bird or captive amphibian or reptile." […]

Purebred dog owners in Austin—we need your help! The city's Animal Advisory Committee recently approved a proposal that could have a devastating impact on our sport. The measure, which now goes to the City Council for consideration, includes a mandatory spay/neuter provision for all dogs and cats over 6 months of age unless one purchases […]

-- Click here for more information about PAWS -- The following is an interview with AKC's federal government relations consultant Jim Holt in response to dog owners' questions about PAWS. The article originally appeared in Dog News June 10th, 2005. Who is regulated under current law and how would PAWS change that? In simple terms, […]

-- Click here for more information about PAWS -- To help dog owners better understand the recently introduced PAWS legislation, please see the bill analysis below as prepared by Dr. James Holt, AKC's federal government relations consultant. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS OF S. 1139/H.R. 2669, THE "PET ANIMAL WELFARE STATUTE" (PAWS) INTRODUCED MAY 26, 2005. […]

-- Click here for more information about PAWS -- --Monday June, 13 AKC Delegate Meeting, Chicago IL Remarks from Dr. James Holt, AKC's Legislative Liaison Regarding the Pet Animal Welfare Statute of 2005-- The Chair now calls on Dr. James Holt, AKC's Legislative Liaison to address this body. Dr. Holt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and […]

Immediate help is needed to stop two poorly written bills that would hurt responsible dog owners in Illinois ! HB4213 Background: Introduced by Rep. Michael Tryon on December 1st, 2005, HB4213 automatically deems American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, "pit bulls," Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers and Staffordshire Terriers vicious and requires owners of these […]

Senator Santorum's staff and Senate legislative counsel have completed a draft of the revised PAWS bill. The draft was provided to the US Department of Agriculture and the 26 Senate co-sponsors of PAWS at a briefing last week for their review and comment. The Discussion Draft of PAWS will be made public after input from […]

Assembly Bill 2110 was recently amended and the new language will affect certain AKC sanctioned events. The bill will prohibit "live field coursing," which is now defined as "a competition in which dogs are, by the use of rabbits, hares, or foxes, assessed as to skill in hunting live rabbits, hares, or foxes." AB 2110 […]