Fall is a busy time with many shows, national specialties, and other events scheduled around the country.  It’s important to remember that all those expenses – from facility rentals to last-minute Wal-Mart runs – can translate to a significant economic impact for those local communities. Reminding community leaders about the local benefits of dog events […]

The following are highlights of the numerous bills in Congress that could impact dog owners and the wellbeing of dogs. Visit our 2025 Legislation Tracking map click on the arrow on the Region column to filter for US Federal legislation and get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues […]

Six legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: California – SB 221 expands the definition of stalking to include threats against a person's animals. This would bring California into alignment with federal law. The bill has advanced out of the state […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories CT, Meriden –AKC and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners met with legal counsel for the city to request practical changes to recently released breeder and litter permit application forms. The city’s ordinance is likely to be updated to […]

U.S. Federal –The United States Department of Justice has issued a Request For Information on state laws that have “significant adverse impact on the national economy or significant adverse effects on interstate commerce”. Comments should be submitted on or before September 15, 2025.  AKC believes that state laws that restrict the sale of purpose bred […]

AKC Group Standards Download AKC approved breed standards by complete group for use on any portable electronic device. Sporting Hound Working Terrier Toy Non-Sporting Herding Misc. Judges Study Guide No single written guide is ever comprehensive enough to be the only learning tool utilized in preparation for judging a new breed. We urge you to […]

Shelters have many dogs with sad stories. But Roger was the one of the most heartbreaking cases Vicki Brown had ever seen.

September is AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Month so we’re taking a closer look at how breeders can place puppies with responsible, loving owners—and provide those new puppy parents with the tools they need to get off to the right start. Placing puppies with their new families is one of the most challenging responsibilities a breeder […]

The AKC Code of Sportsmanship and Civility aims to promote responsible and respectful behavior at in-person events, as well as online.

Last year the Los Angeles Times published a multi-year investigation into fraudulent business practices regarding the importation of dogs into the state for resale. In response, three bills were introduced in the State Legislature that seek to address the issues addressed in the article. All three bills have passed the Legislature and are on their […]