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 […]

The results of a retrospective study recently published in Canine Genetics and Epidemiology provides additional evidence of a link between sterilization status and certain health risks.  Correlation of Neuter Status and Expression of Heritable Disorders, by Belanger, et al., concludes that several conditions showed an increased risk associated with neutering.  The authors emphasize that, “the […]

Thousands of dogs will start 2019 off by traveling to the Kennel Club of Palm Springs Dog Show at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California. Whether you’re attending in person (it’s free!) or watching from your home, here are three competitors on why they started showing dogs. Make sure to tune in to the […]

Big, brave, and beautiful, Great Danes hold a special place in our hearts. But despite their larger-than-life persona, this giant breed has a relatively short life span. Why Are Great Dane Life Spans So Short? For such big dogs, Great Danes sure get the short end of the stick when it comes to longevity. Great […]

Steve and Maggie Chen share their journey of discovering Whippets including their dog "Bobo" who has performed dock diving at Nationals.

USDA APHIS/ Regulatory – AKC submitted comments to the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) regarding a draft five-year strategic plan for the agency.  Comments will assist APHIS in finalizing the plan, of which a final version is expected in the fall.  AKC’s comment highlights three main needs:  (1) […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session, and two state legislatures are in special session. AKC Government Relations is currently tracking more than 1,500 local, state, and federal issues. The following are highlights of current legislation around the […]

Seven legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: California – SB 221 expands the definition of stalking to include threats against a person's animals. This would bring California into alignment with federal law. The bill has advanced out of the state […]

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 […]

As we prepare for the 2021 sessions, we’re also looking back on 2020.  2020 was a memorable year for many reasons. With fewer public events and more Americans working from home, dog lovers increasingly relied on their four-footed friends for comfort and the opportunity to participate in a whole new, fun world of AKC virtual […]