The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to announce that applications for the AKC Eddy Award are now open through September 1, 2026. The AKC Eddy Award is designed to encourage […]

The AKC Detection Dog Task Force has launched its AKC Patriotic Puppy Program – an opportunity for breeders and owners to work closely with experts on raising candidates for explosives detection work. The United States has a serious shortage of qualified dogs to perform the much-needed role of explosives detection dogs. As the number of […]

Thanks to the strong response from AKC advocates and sportsmen’s groups—and the strong leadership of House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson—the House Farm bill, H.R. 7567, the “Farm, Food, and National Security Act,” passed by the U.S. House contained positive provisions that support responsible breeding and dog ownership and no provisions that will cause harm. […]

Summer is fast approaching. And like schools, many legislatures are winding down for the year, or at least preparing for summer recess. As lawmakers reach the end of sessions, it’s common to see a plethora of bills and amendments moving very quickly.  AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) is working hard to keep you up to […]

The Missouri Legislature has adjourned for the year, with all bills of concern to dog owners and breeders being tabled or significantly amended. AKC thanks all who took the time to contact leadership and their lawmakers regarding two bills that would have had a detrimental effect on hobby and show breeders.  We also extend special […]

21 legislatures and the District of Columbia are in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: California – AB 1382 prohibits the sale and importation of genetically modified pets with cosmetic traits in California, except for modifications that benefit animal health or human interaction, and imposes civil penalties for violations. The bill has […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry, and a leading advocate for dogs, and the New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC), are pleased to announce that they have entered into a mutual cooperation agreement. This partnership strengthens global collaboration around both organizations shared priorities, expanding and enhancing canine events […]

  [accordion] [accordion_panel title="2026"] Inside the Discussion: Comparing Multiple Approaches to Detection Dog Breeding and Training May 19, 2026 The AKC Detection Dog Task Force recently hosted a lively webinar featuring Tim Baird, Bart Rogers, and Stacey West, moderated by Sheila Goffe, on the many approaches to breeding, raising, and training future detection dogs. One […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="American Field Irish Setters (October 1975 Board meeting)"]  Based upon a request from the Irish Setter Club of America, AKC discontinued the registration of Irish Setters based upon pedigrees from the American Field Dog Stud Book. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="Auction Policy (July 2003 Board meeting)"]  The Board reviewed its policy on Auctions, considering the […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="Adjunct Approval (April 1994 Board meeting)"] When a new breed becomes eligible for championship competition, there is one six-month window of opportunity for judges to submit applications under the adjunct system. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="AKC Board Household Judges (July 2000 Board meeting)"] A household member of a Board member may submit a judging application […]