Dogs rely on their owners for everything from food and veterinary care to grooming and exercise. When you see a friend or family member falling short in caring for their dog, it's only natural to have concerns. If someone is dealing with depression, they might be neglecting their dog's needs and their own. Even basic […]

First-generation dog show handler Quinn Duncan, a sixteen-year-old from Gulf Shores, Alabama, has already made a name for herself in the dog world.

Loyal, alert, and willing to please, the Miniature Schnauzer is the most popular dog in the Terrier Group. They're well suited for a variety of households.

There's no doubt dog sports are beneficial, but scientists think they may delay cognitive aging in dogs. Participants are needed for a new survey study.

Joint committees of the Massachusetts legislature will soon consider legislation about veterans’ service dogs, prohibiting animal cruelty violators from owning animals, establishing an animal cruelty registry, allowing non-economic damages, animal neglect cases, and animal tethering practices. Massachusetts residents are encouraged to review the information below, and contact legislators. TUESDAY, JULY 22: The Massachusetts Joint Committee […]

The end of June brought with it the closure of New Hampshire’s busy 2025 legislative session. The American Kennel Club (AKC) worked with the New Hampshire Dog Owners of the Granite State (NH DOGS) to closely track numerous bills impacting dogs and advocate on behalf of their owners. AKC extends deep appreciation to all who […]

U.S. Federal – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Inspector General issued a report on an audit it conducted of the Animal Care unit’s dog breeder inspection practices.  Animal Care is the unit of USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) that conducts inspections of breeders licensed under the federal Animal […]

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 […]

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 and click on “Federal Bills” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing on the […]

As concerns around shelter populations, at-large dogs, and humane care for animals gain momentum nationwide, lawmakers are under increasing pressure to take action. The GR team is seeing an increase in problematic proposals such as mandatory spay/neuter and intact dog registries emerging as proposed solutions. The American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) team is […]