Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories: Philadelphia, PA – Councilmember Cindy Bass has proposed Bill No. 250989 would impose a 36-month moratorium on the breeding and the sale or transfer of any dog under 7 months of age within the city to address overcrowding at the city’s shelters.  The […]

Twenty legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Delaware – HB 131 This Act prohibits retail pet stores from selling dogs or cats. It further authorizes retail pet stores to collaborate with animal shelters and animal rescue organizations to offer space […]

Happy New Year! The holidays are behind us and many state legislatures are already in full swing, with bills being filed and hearings being scheduled. As we note in our 2025 Year in Review, the most positive outcomes came directly from local involvement – clubs, breeders, and dog owners who took the time to get […]

“Try not to have a good time... this is supposed to be educational.” - Charles Schulz, famous cartoonist and creator of Peanuts (Snoopy is our favorite, of course!) You’ll probably be tempted to quote Charles Schulz when you introduce your child to Junior Showmanship. These events are packed with learning opportunities -- but they’re super […]

Some breeds at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan® seem destined for stardom — and prove it by winning Best in Show repeatedly. Since the very first Westminster Best in Show in 1907, many of the winners have all come from the same breed groups, if not the same breed. […]

The following breeders have met the requirements for the Breed and Levels recorded at the time of the application. The American Kennel Club is pleased to recognize these breeders for their contribution to the sport and maintaining the tenets of the Breeder of Merit program. (current as of  1/14/26, last updated 1/15/26) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

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 thrilled to announce that the Dog Writer’s Association of America has honored AKC Publications and AKC Digital Content with over 20 nominations across multiple categories.   “We are incredibly proud of the work we do,” says Kate McCroary, […]

Elizabeth Jennings and her 14-month-old Bracco Italiano prove the breed is capable of being a part of the Pennsylvania Wilderness Search and Rescue Unit.

Yesterday, both chambers of the New Jersey General Assembly failed to act on bills   banning retail pet stores that could have impacted home-based breeders. AKC thanks our partner, the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs, and the many individuals who took the time to contact members of the General Assembly in defeating these bills. Your […]

Discover if the Yorkshire Terrier is the right breed for you, considering their grooming needs, temperament, and socialization requirements.