On Friday, June 2nd, 2017, Delaware Governor John Carney (D) signed House Bill 13, which is intended to protect the rights of responsible Delaware dog owners by prohibiting any dog from being declared “potentially dangerous” or “dangerous” under state law simply based on the dog’s breed. The bill would also prohibit municipalities from enacting laws […]

Approximately 40 legislative liaisons, federation leaders, and dog owners and advocates from across the country travelled to Alexandria, Virginia, and Washington DC this past weekend to attend the AKC Government Relations team’s second regional legislative conference of the year. The purpose of these conferences is to empower club members, dog fanciers, and leaders with the […]

  On a very busy and stressful day at the State Capitol, North Carolina legislators and staff, were thrilled to once again welcome the American Kennel Club for the annual AKC Canines at the Capitol event.  The AKC invited them to “come hug a dog on your lunch break” and they did just that – […]

  For over 130 years, the American Kennel Club has been dedicated to protecting and promoting the health and well-being of dogs. This is reflected in AKC events, public education initiatives, inspections, and many programs that celebrate and encourage responsible dog breeding and the preservation of purebred dogs. At its April meeting, the AKC Board […]

  We have all heard the heartbreaking stories: A child brutally attacked by a dog. A beloved family pet or a farmer’s livestock killed or injured by a stray dog. Such stories are far too common, and everyone agrees our communities must be protected from dangerous animals. When faced with this dilemma, many public officials […]

  Purebred dogs are purpose-bred dogs and come in all shapes and sizes. The characteristics that make each of these dogs unique also help them perform the function for which they were bred. The physical appearance of the dogs illustrates this, and is also an important part of the breed’s history. For example, the thick […]

  Frankfort, KY –The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to announce that Kentucky State Senator Robin Webb and State Representative Tommy Turner are recipients of the AKC Legislator of the Year Award for 2016. “The American Kennel Club is pleased to honor Senator Webb and Representative Turner with our Legislator of the Year Award,” […]

  A groundbreaking shelter study released today by the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) reveals that U.S. animal shelters are reporting an all-time low in the number of purebred dogs available. The study finds that only about five percent of the dogs available in U.S. shelters are purebred; a significant departure from the 25% figure […]

  2016 was another busy year for AKC Government Relations, its state federations, and responsible dog owners and breeders advocating for dogs. Over 2,200 bills impacting animals were monitored by AKC GR. Several new laws impacting dog owners and breeders were enacted over the past year. It is imperative for responsible owners to ensure they […]

  From Akitas to Xoloitzcuintlis and everything in between, the Westminster Kennel Club presented for the first time AKC Meet the Breeds® brought to you by Purina® Pro Plan® on Saturday, February 14th at Pier 92 in New York City. Dog lovers had the opportunity to interact with hundreds of cuddly canines at the 6th […]

  The Orlando Dog Training Club (ODTC) hosted a successful AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day event at the downtown Orlando public library last month. The club kicked off the seminar with an introduction to selecting a breeder and the right puppy to the more than 145 people in attendance. ODTC also spoke about AKC’s Canine […]

  By Mike Macbeth, International Coordinator, Dandie 200 and President, Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of Canada February 24th, 2015 marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of Sir Walter Scott's novel Guy Mannering, which (as all Dandie enthusiasts know) was responsible for the naming of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. To celebrate, Dandies and Dandie owners from […]

Clinic by Lori Herbel "My dog has become really pushy lately. We seem to be in constant battle all the time. I can't figure out why!" "I've never started a dog in herding before. I have no clue what to do. Help!!" "Why does my dog quit when I try to teach him new things? […]

by Joy Sebastian-Hall A factor that influences every facet of our daily lives is attitude. How well a thing is accomplished, how quickly it gets done, how a person feels about it, all boils down to attitude. Herding is a dog sport that can have radically different results depending on the attitude of a handler, […]

by Lori Herbel Judging a herding trial is a tremendous responsibility. Consistency and fairness are the top priorities of the day, and the ability to comfortably make sensible split second decisions under pressure is a necessity. In order to help carry out this responsibility, a judge needs a trustworthy assistant by his side that he […]

by Lori Herbel We've all had those great moments in herding when our own outstanding handling expertise and our dog's natural, God-given talents have put us in awe and made our hearts swell, and given us cause to be proud to be herders. But why, oh why do those moments seem to be much fewer […]

by Lacey Herbel "Don't chew on that!" "Bad puppy! We don't potty inside!" "No! No! No! Stop barking!" When buying a new puppy, many people find that they don't come already trained. There are plenty of things that need to be tweaked before beginning training for a herding dog. Many times a new or even […]

There is often a difference between the show-type of herding breed dog and the non-show type. In my breed, the Cardigan Welsh Corgi, the big winners in the conformation ring are often extreme examples of the breed and their exaggerated features lead me to believe they wouldn't be capable of doing a day's work. This […]

One of the most important elements of a trial revolves around the quality of the livestock. The AKC rulebook is very specific as to the suitability of stock and provides an in-depth description of the proper type of livestock for tests and trials. Livestock should be comfortable in the presence of both dogs and people, […]

By Joyce Hughes -- Event Secretary and PKC Treasurer The Coursing Ability Test (CAT) is a new AKC coursing event for all dogs -- purebreds and mixed breeds. It's an event filled with amusement, entertainment and comical antics from our beloved canines. Pocatello Kennel Club, Inc. in Southeast Idaho, held its first CAT Event in […]