Some people live by the motto "bigger is better," and it extends to their dogs too. There are many large dog breeds, each with different care and training needs. Exercise Most large dog breeds were bred for a purpose or function. Some breeds were meant to be hunters, others guard dogs. Dogs with great endurance […]

The California State Legislature has adjourned for the year, and the deadline has passed for the Governor to take action on legislation sent to his desk.   Overall, AKC is pleased with the outcome of the 2023 legislative session. AKC is proud to have supported a bill that will make Californians safer by providing access to […]

 South Carolina’s two-year legislative session adjourned on May 9, 2024, and this week Governor Henry McMaster signed into law two bills that affect dogs and dog owners: House Bill 4611 makes it an offense for a person to intentionally remove or destroy an electronic collar or other electronic device that was placed on a dog […]

This week, Texas Governor Abbot took action on three additional bills of interest to AKC: House Bill 2063- Informed Consent for Kennel Facilities Status: Filed into law without the Governor’s Signature, effective date September 1, 2023 HB 2063 requires kennel facility operators (those who are providing boarding services for breeding, sheltering, training, hunting, “or similar […]

The Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on Friday, January 15, 2021, on House Bill 81, and the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, on Senate Bill 122.  These identical bills place limitations on dogs being outdoors and unattended when […]

Animal rights activists continue gathering signatures in Oregon to put an extreme measure on the November 2026 ballot that would criminalize the killing and breeding of animals. This initiative has been attempted in previous election cycles, although it has never qualified for the ballot. The campaign in favor of the initiative reports having collected 87,776 […]

May 16, 2019 Four bills have been introduced in New York which will prohibit retail pet stores from selling any dogs or cats.  Instead, they would only be allowed to “showcase” animals available for adoption from a shelter, rescue, or adoption agency. Current law requires that pet dealers (defined in part as anyone who sells […]

Recently, I was a guest on the History Channel's weekly series "History's Business" where I was asked to discuss AKC and the sport of purebred dogs.  In preparation, I did a great deal of reading about AKC’s 120-year history and the individuals who contributed to making the organization and the sport what it is today. […]

-- Happy 125th Birthday AKC -- New York, NY– This Thursday, September 17, 2009, marks AKC’s 125th anniversary. Since 1884, we have maintained the definitive registry of purebred dogs and governed thousands of annual canine competitions. We have always remained true to our original mission of promoting the sport and breeding for type and function […]

Good morning, everybody. It certainly is the dawn of a new day when our meeting of the AKC Delegate Body takes place over the Internet via Zoom. Although it’s a depressing set of circumstances that has brought us together in this way, I'm grateful that we have been able to convene safely and efficiently. I'd […]