California Senate Bill 250 has been amended and set for a hearing in the Senate Local Government Committee for April 15th. We need all California fanciers, responsible dog owners and breeders, and clubs to write and oppose this legislation. Letters must be received by April 8 to be reflected on the committee analysis. SB 250's […]

  $1,000 Presented to AKC Affiliated Clubs Hosting Exceptional AKC RDO Day Events The fourth quarter Community Achievement Awards will solely honor AKC clubs holding exceptional AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day (AKC RDO Day) events in September 2009. AKC RDO Day aims to educate first-time dog owners about the responsibilities of dog ownership and help […]

On Thursday, March 19, the Montana House Judiciary Committee will hear a bill to expand the definition of animal cruelty.  The American Kennel Club urges all responsible dog owners, fanciers, and breeders to contact the Montana Senate and express their opposition to Senate Bill 221, which would expand the definition of animal cruelty to include […]

California State Senator Dean Florez has introduced Senate Bill 250, a measure that purports to reduce shelter populations, but would in reality make it easier to revoke licenses for intact dogs and cats in California. This legislation will not improve the lives of cats and dogs, will negatively impact responsible owners and breeders, and by […]

The AKC is extremely concerned about provisions in Oklahoma House Bill 1332, as written, and urges all Oklahoma dog fanciers, owners and breeders to contact their representatives to express their concerns. The AKC promotes responsible dog ownership, responsible breeding practices,  enforcement of cruelty laws, reasonable inspection programs and nuisance regulations.  However, HB 1332 does not […]

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors will hold a hearing tomorrow morning at 9 am to discuss an ordinance that would require the spaying/neutering of any dog or cat for even a minor violation of the animal control ordinance and would force pet owners to microchip all their animals and register the microchips with the […]

  This notice is being sent out to provide up-to-date and accurate information about the Canine Influenza Virus to help prevent the spread of the virus to healthy (unexposed) dogs. The information provided is not intended to alarm dog owners and handlers. There are recently confirmed cases of the Canine Influenza Virus (H3N2 strain) that […]

You’re getting a new puppy! So exciting. Good for you!Being a good, conscientious person, you’ve probably gotten everything ready—crate, vet, food, a spot in puppy kindergarten. You’ve read every word of puppy-rearing advice you could find.Now, you have nothing left to do but sit back, take a deep breath, and …Let the worrying begin.Think about […]

If you happen to have a Sheltie for a family member, you know these ten things to be true... 1. They are famous for their Sheltie smile.   2. They are so smart. They are always learning new tricks and trying to outsmart you (and sometimes they succeed).   3. They are the best watchdogs. […]

Scenario: You’ve hit it off with a smart, attractive guy you’ve met online, but when you introduce him to your dog, he recoils. Red flag? Pretty much, according to a survey conducted by PetSmart Charities and Match.com. The survey found that 70% of singles believe their date’s reaction to their pet matters to them. So, […]

Ah, it's the debate that never ends—dogs vs. cats. You probably already have a preference but take this quiz to see where you stand. You might be surprised.  Which movie do you like the most?A. Toy StoryB. Gone With the WindC. I’m not home enough to watch movies. Friday night is best spent:A. Out with a group of friends.B. […]

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and our corporate alliance, Zoetis, are pleased to bring you the fifth installment in a podcast series devoted to canine reproduction education for pet owners, breeders, and veterinarians. In this podcast we are discussing infertility in the bitch, with reproductive specialist Dr. Cheryl Lopate of Wilsonville Veterinary Clinic in […]

September marks the middle of hurricane season—as well as the one-year anniversary of the AKC Pet Disaster Relief program. Your dog’s survival in a natural disaster, as well as your own, depends largely on whether or not you are prepared. Use the following tips to prepare for an evacuation in the event of a hurricane […]

Around the world, culture and languages change, but one thing remains the same: People everywhere love their dogs. Photographer Andrew Fladeboe discovered the unique bonds between people and their dogs, as well as the animals' strong desire to work, while traveling the globe photographing working dogs in their element. For his series, The Shepherd's Realm, Fladeboe traveled to the […]

Woofipedia recently ran an article on old dogs, and some readers responded that one of the biggest age-related challenges is dealing with a dog who has gone blind. There are many reasons why dogs lose vision—infections, retinal detachment, accidents, genetic conditions, and disease. In the elderly, glaucoma and cataracts are among the most common causes. Blindness is […]

Whether you’re hoping to enroll your pet in a sporting event or are just trying to teach your new puppy basic house rules, a well-executed training routine is key to meeting your goals. We talked to some of the best trainers for dog sports and got their top tips on training your puppy or dog. […]

You're constantly forcing a smile when someone says, “Wow, she must be ferocious!” while out on a walk.   Forget to wipe his eye boogers off for a day or two? Be prepared for Stinky Face. That high-pitched yap that pierces through into your ear drum, through your brain, and into your soul.   Bath time […]

Dogs lick their owners for a number of reasons, and each situation requires individual interpretation. In your case, the most likely explanation is that your dog is displaying an affectionate behavior that signals his close bond with you. Wild dogs often greet each other with affectionate displays of face-licking. Other reasons put forward as to why […]

'Tis the season for holiday gatherings! But before decking those halls, make sure you have a plan for your pet. To decide if your dog should be around for dinner parties and gift-giving events, first ask yourself the following: Is she well-socialized and fully trained? If you have a fearful, shy, or cranked-up puppy or dog, […]

While her daughter took a tennis lesson, jogger Vicky Kaseorg of Charlotte, N.C., put her wait time to good use with a run around the neighborhood. A lifelong animal lover, Vicky forced herself to look away when she spotted a skinny mud-covered dog lying in a parking lot. Surely some kind-hearted person would help, she thought. […]

Your dog unquestionably trusts you—unless you’re something of a Cruella de Vil of 101 Dalmatians infamy.  Your dog unquestionably trusts you—unless you’re something of a Cruella de Vil of 101 Dalmatians infamy. You’ve earned that trust. You’ve provided a safe home, taught him how to behave around other dogs and people, and most importantly, always fill […]

​To see him now, whippy tail wagging as he greets a group of children or takes a treat from his old pals at the waterfront, it’s hard to believe that he once cowered at the sight of a human hand. To see him now, as he zips from weaves to jump, to tunnel, to tire, […]

  Long before Jane Lynch rose to fame for her role as the loud-mouthed, plotting cheerleading coach in the hit TV series, Glee, she proved herself as an all-out dog lover in the film Best in Show. Recently, she sat down with the team at The Honest Kitchen to talk about her Lhasa Apso, Olivia, […]

By LeAnn Miller You just got home with your gorgeous fluff of a pup, and you have grand visions of competing in one or more of the many canine events available. Or maybe you’d like a wonderful housepet who has great manners. How to get started? Following are some strategies to help you build your […]

Five years ago, after a difficult (and expensive) week at the specialty/emergency clinic, my veterinarian determined what was causing my Yorkie’s frequent stomach upset, weight loss, and seizures. He was diagnosed with a chronic condition that, fortunately, is completely manageable by medication and diet. I’ve had to tweak his care over the years, but please show […]

Three Breeds Gain Full AKC Recognition The American Kennel Club® is pleased to welcome the Irish Red and White Setter, the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Norwegian Buhund as the 159th, 160th, and the 161st AKC® registered breeds. The Irish Red and White Setter will join the Sporting Group while both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the […]

  Current Economic Woes No Competition For Americans’ Dedication to Their Dogs A survey conducted this month by the American Kennel Club® shows that despite a tough economy, pet owners are willing to sacrifice many daily luxuries to provide for the needs of their canine companions. The survey of over 1,000 people on www.akc.org found […]

  The American Kennel Club® is pleased to announce that Nestle Purina PetCare Company is to become the official dog food sponsor of the AKC Registered Handlers Program (AKC RHP). The AKC RHP establishes criteria and standards for responsible, knowledgeable professional handlers and their apprentices. All handlers and apprentices enrolled in the AKC RHP have […]

American Kennel Club  and AKC Canine Health Foundation Release Podcast about Canine Nutrition   The American Kennel Club and the AKC Canine Health Foundation are pleased to debut the next podcast in the Genome Barks series. This week on Genome Barks, we welcome Dr. Joe Wakshlag, a faculty member at Cornell University with a specialty […]

$20,000 Donation to Animal Control That Helped Displaced Animals NEW YORK, NY – The American Kennel Club® and AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) are pleased to announce that the AKC CAR Canine Support and Relief Fund has donated $10,000 to the Kirkwood Foundation for the Friends of the Animal Shelter Fund, the non-profit group […]