[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 […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Visit the 2018 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. California – Assembly Bill 1762 would allow visitors to all California state parks to bring animals when […]

In addition to tracking and responding to legislative proposals, AKC Government Relations addresses dog-related regulatory proposals from the U.S. federal government, all 50 states, and the District of Columbia.  AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) is currently tracking approximately 750 regulatory proposals, most which concern land use/hunting regulations and those governing the practice of veterinary medicine.  […]

Fourteen state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors. It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”.  As introduced, the bill […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. California – HR 61 is a resolution that declares the Assembly’s intention to only support “sensible and humane therapeutic veterinary procedures for companion animals.”  As defined, this could mean the Assembly opposes such procedures as ear cropping, tail […]

Giving your dog access to sports, activities, and jobs around the house can provide outlets for dogs' physical and mental energy. 

There are so many reasons to fall in love with a Boxer. Consider that powerful body, expressive face, clownish sense of humor, innate intelligence, and intense attachment to their owners. If you haven’t fallen in love yet, some of these interesting Boxer facts may do the trick. Even seasoned Boxer owners may learn a few […]

We love sharing heartwarming stories like this one about a cop that went searching for a hurt German Shepherd, Mya, who escaped a car accident scene. Officer Nick Ague from South Londonderry, Pennsylvania, who has a German Shepherd of his own, came to the limping dog's rescue, being the 'huge animal lover' that he is; […]

Here are the AKC's top 10 most popular dog breeds in the 1940s. They range in size, form, function, and groups, among other categories.

The search for an apartment rental can be time-consuming and stressful on its own, but add a large dog into the mix, and the hunt for the perfect place just became 10 times harder. While it’s not impossible to find a landlord who is pet friendly, it is important to know upfront if there are […]

Has your English Setter been getting a few too many treats lately? If so, maybe he’s gained a couple of pounds. Like humans, our canine friends benefit from a periodic assessment of their weight. Most English Setters love to eat. They will eat anything, anywhere, anytime, even if they just had a meal. Food pushed […]

On Wednesday, September 10, Elizabeth II surpassed her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria to become the longest-reigning monarch in British history—and that’s a ton of history! The 89-year-old Elizabeth set the record at 5:30 p.m. (BST) by having reigned for 23,226 days, 16 hours, and approximately 30 minutes. Around here, Elizabeth is best known as a true-blue […]

How do Juniors who don't own dogs show? The AKC Junior Pilot Program allows Junior Handlers to show dogs they or their immediate family members don't own.

Golden Retriever "Syd" is the 2025 winner of the AKC Humane Fund Award for Canine excellence in the Exemplary Companion category.

Getting involved in AKC Virtual Sports and Titling opportunities is an easy and exciting way to get started in dog sports! Whether you and your dog are looking to get active in AKC Agility, earn a training title in home manners, or plot a crowd pleasing AKC Trick Dog routine, the opportunities to get started virtually are endless. Virtual programs act as a great steppingstone to further in-person AKC Sports and Events, and participation allows […]

The Spotlight shines on a representative of a rare breed excelling in League. Mai Tai is a Kromfohrlander – a medium-sized breed that originated in Germany. The breed, which comes in wire and smooth coats, is in the AKC Foundation Stock Service (FSS) moving towards full breed recognition. Mai Tai is an accomplished agility dog, […]

On Wednesday, February 24, the Rhode Island House Health, Education, and Welfare Committee will consider several dog-related bills, including House Bill 7062, which seeks to further restrict the practice of humane tethering of dogs.  Current Rhode Island law provides specific exemptions from the state’s restrictions on the practice of tethering animals.  Exempted parties include licensed […]

This week’s enactment of “Joker’s Law” wrapped up Tennessee’s 2021-2022 legislative session with several significant wins for dogs and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks AKC club members, dog owners, sportsmen, allied organizations, and every individual who contacted lawmakers about legislation that affects our dogs. A special thank you […]

Yesterday, the New York Assembly Agriculture Committee considered two bills relating to the tethering of dogs outdoors.  While one did pass committee, another was held, and AKC thanks the many dog owners who responded to our alert and expressed your concerns with the bills. As a result of these efforts, Assembly Bill 6145, which mandated […]

The Broward County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote tomorrow, June 5, on a measure that would reduce the number of seats on the county Animal Care Advisory Committee from 18 to 11 members, thereby reducing the number of seats available to animal owners, breeders, and pet professionals in the community. Concerned citizens are […]