Though we often don’t think about them in this way, dogs are really about people — those long-ago (or, sometimes, not so long-ago) figures who developed particular breeds for particular tasks. Some breeds — like the Doberman Pinscher, Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, and Cesky Terrier — owe their existence to just one visionary person. Other breeds were brought into being […]

There just seems to be no stopping the Labrador Retriever! For a record 29th year (2019), the versatile sporting breed reigns supreme on the American Kennel Club registry list, a run like no other breed has seen in the record books. Changes in the top ten Little changed in the top ten standings from 2018. Following […]

The Golden Retriever may be America's third most popular dog breed, but Tammy Tomlinson is not your average Golden owner. From her Ligonier, Pennsylvania-based Hillock Goldens kennel, Tomlinson has bred, owned, and handled the adored Sporting Group breed for over 40 years, and produced scores of conformation champions and dog sport athletes across the spectrum. […]

Many of us originally selected our breeds based on general appearance, compatible temperament, and acceptable grooming and exercise requirements. While we each remain staunchly faithful to our breeds of choice, the time may come when downsizing, for whatever reason, becomes a desired option. Perhaps it’s a move to smaller living space or the inability to […]

For dogs, hydrotherapy usually consists of either swimming or walking in water, whether in shallow water along the beach or on an underwater treadmill.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has proposed new regulations that, among other provisions, seek to provide operational standards and facility requirements for animal shelters.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) supports the proposal and encourages all Connecticut stakeholders to contact the Department of Agriculture to express support and request strengthening the provisions of PR2017-060 before the […]

In response to public health concerns associated with COVID-19, the Maryland Legislature has ended the 2020 session and will not reconvene until January 13, 2021. As a result of the House and Senate working hurriedly to move numerous bills and pass a budget, many bills did not make it to final passage.  Three of those […]

The Maryland Legislature has announced that it will go into an extended recess (and possible adjournment) on Wednesday in response to public health concerns. As a result, the House and Senate are expediting their work, and moving numerous bills very quickly, including the following: Senate Bill 625 – As introduced, this bill sought to regulate […]

The Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee held a hearing on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, on House Bill 406, which seeks to define “extreme weather conditions” to mean temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or an active weather warning issued by the National Weather Service.  Under such conditions, the bill bans […]

State Issues: News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Visit the 2020 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. Alabama – HB 209 seeks to authorize food service establishments to allow pet dogs in […]