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 […]

The Retriever Grooming Glove Set will ensure that dogs get as clean as possible at bath time. Made with TPR material for strength and longevity, these pet grooming gloves are great for any dog’s hair type, breed, size and age. The adjustable strap provides a good fit while bathing and the gloves are backed by […]

by Claire Wiley, VMD, DACVIM (SAIM) In the world of canine genetics, understanding the principles of inheritance is crucial for breeders aiming to enhance desirable traits and manage hereditary conditions. One important aspect of inheritance that breeders should be aware of is sex-linked inheritance. This article will explain the basic concepts of sex-linked inheritance in […]

Leslie Butler lives in northern Virginia where she breeds rough Collies. She started her kennel, Whitemoor Collies, in 2000. The kennel name is taken from her maiden name and the Celtic word for promontory, which is a moor (her family lives on one). The name honors her Celtic heritage as well as that of her […]

The Longview Animal Shelter Advisory Committee has approved an ordinance mandating spaying/neutering, creating intact animal permits, and establishing an animal breeder license. The Longview City Council will consider this ordinance package in the coming weeks. Local news reports indicate the ordinance is intended to address shelter overpopulation issues. How to Help The City Council needs […]

Melanie Bereckis, of Jolanie Schnauzers in Washington, made the decision to get a Standard Schnauzer while living in Germany with her family. They wanted a dog with a natural protection instinct that is good with children and is no- to low-shedding. A Miniature Schnauzer was her longtime dog growing up, so she was intrigued by […]

The Retriever Reversible Double-Sided Crate Mat is available in a range of sizes to fit most any metal or plastic crate. It’s affordable, so you can keep several so that there can always be a clean one in each dog’s crate. This mat is made from soft sherpa and faux suede for a plush feel […]

AKC understands that local animal rights groups are putting increased pressure on local cities in Arizona (particularly Phoenix) to enact breeder regulations in an effort to address shelter population concerns.  This is a trend we are increasingly  seeing in cities throughout the United States. While nothing has been formally introduced, now is the time for […]

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners deferred consideration of a proposed ordinance that would, among other provisions, enact litter permits and impose restrictions on breeders and individuals who sell/transfer dogs. Revisions to the proposal are in process, and it will be on the agenda October 8, 2024. It is important for DeKalb County commissioners to […]

The right grooming tools make all the difference! The Retriever Stainless Steel Undercoat Rake is an all-purpose grooming tool that effectively penetrates and removes loose hair from deep in a dog's coat, targeting the undercoat. Plus, this comb features a nonslip ergonomic handle for comfortable use. It's durably made and helps make grooming a breeze. […]

The Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health is updating the enforcement regulations of the Kansas Pet Animal Act, and is welcoming informal public comment on the proposed changes through Monday, September 9, 2024. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all hobby breeders, animal breeders, and retail breeders licensed under the Kansas Pet Animal […]

Dogs and puppies can need bathing any time of the year, but summer is when they may be enjoying more outdoor activities that result in getting dirty. Tractor Supply Company offers a wide selection of dog shampoos and conditioners. In addition to all-purpose shampoos suitable for any age or breed, there are good choices for […]

A good way to make sure your dogs have plenty of fresh water is always welcome, especially in the summer months. The PetSafe Drinkwell Everflow Pet Fountain allows dogs access to a constant supply of fresh water. Outdoors, the fountain connects to a standard garden hose and automatically refills to the desired water level preset […]

Laura Jane Stewart and her son, Noah Hines, are the owners of Three Oaks Farmdogs in Raleigh, North Carolina. They bought their first Danish-Swedish Farm Dog in December of 2017 and have raised two litters. Danish-Swedish Farmdogs are a rare breed and, though they are new to it, Laura Jane and Noah have had a […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce that AKC Eddy Award applications are now open through September 1, 2024. The AKC Eddy Award is designed to encourage and reward Parent Clubs that demonstrate a breeder education effort (website, workshop, […]

On May 15, House Bill 539 was introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives.  This bill seeks to expand the number of dog breeders subject to state licensing as “high volume breeders” by redefining that group to include breeders with six or more breeding dogs who sell directly to the public. Ohio law defines a […]

Mary-Kay Schroeder of Bayswater Portuguese Water Dogs is an AKC Breeder of Merit who has been breeding PWDs since 1993. She lives in Cicero, Indiana, which is about 30 miles north of Indianapolis and on Morse Lake. Mary-Kay shows her dogs in conformation, agility, water, obedience, and scent work.   AKC: How did you get […]

Keeping your dog food convenient, fresh, and pest-free is not as easy as you might think - especially if, like most breeders, you need different formulas for various dogs. This Airtight Pet Food Storage Container is a perfect solution. Its airtight seal keeps the food dry and pests out, a wide opening lets you scoop […]

On Tuesday, April 16, the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee held a hearing for AB 2425, a bill seeking to address concerns in animal shelters and change the definition of a dog breeder in California code to encompass hobbyists. No vote was taken during the hearing and at this time AKC believes the Business […]

Lacey and Luisma Benítez, of LBK American Staffordshire Terriers, are the first and only Platinum Breeders of Merit of the American Staffordshire Terrier. They are a married couple, navigating life between Spain and St. Augustine, Florida, and have been deeply involved in this breed for 20 years. Luisma, who is from Spain, is a software […]

The Retriever 36 in. Step-Thru Exercise Pen for Dogs is the perfect next step for your puppies when they have outgrown the whelping box. This affordable pen has eight 24-inch panels (one of which has a double-latch door) and more than one can be combined to make a larger play area for bigger litters with […]

On Tuesday, April 16, a California Assembly committee will be considering a bill seeking to address concerns in animal shelters and change the definition of breeder in California code to encompass hobbyists. The proposal, as currently written, insinuates that people who breed as few as ONE litter are contributing to animal shelter population concerns. California […]

On Tuesday, April 9, the Los Angeles City Council voted to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits until city animal shelters are below 75 percent of capacity. AKC continues to strenuously oppose this measure as responsible dog breeders are not the reason why city animal shelters are in distress. AKC will continue to advocate […]

On Tuesday, April 9, the Los Angeles City Council voted to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits until city animal shelters are below 75 percent of capacity. AKC continues to strenuously oppose this measure as responsible dog breeders are not the reason why city animal shelters are in distress. AKC will continue to advocate […]

Summary: On Wednesday, April 3, the Los Angeles Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee voted to send a proposal to the full Los Angeles City Council that would suspend the issuance of new breeding permits. The full city council will consider the proposal on Tuesday, April 9. See below for more info! Reminder: this proposal would […]

Summary: On Wednesday, April 3, the Los Angeles Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee voted to send a proposal to the full Los Angeles City Council that would suspend the issuance of new breeding permits. There is not a date set for the city council to consider this proposal, but AKC will provide updates as they […]

The City of Springfield has decided to table a proposal at least temporarily that would require anyone who breeds in city limits to first obtain a $100 annual breeder permit. AKC thanks local club members and hobbyists who took the time to reach out to the council to express your concerns with the proposal.  We […]