What’s New from AKC Government Relations It’s safe to say this summer has turned out to be different than any other before. Whether you turn on the news, social media, or talk to your friends and family, COVID-19 continues to be top of mind. While you may assume that this has caused a hiatus on […]

Summer is fast approaching. And like schools, many legislatures are winding down for the year, or at least preparing for summer recess. As lawmakers reach the end of sessions, it’s common to see a plethora of bills and amendments moving very quickly.  AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) is working hard to keep you up to […]

This month we celebrated Independence Day, a time to pause and reflect on the freedoms we enjoy.  We want to take a moment to thank each of you who have taken a stand with us to protect our rights to own, breed, and exhibit our purebred dogs. In this issue, we recognize three individuals who […]

When speaking to state legislators around the country, the American Kennel Club Government Relations department (AKC GR) often hears this: “We don’t hear from your people. We hear from the animal rights lobbyists, but we don’t hear from you. We want your input.”  Your right to breed, exhibit, and own a dog are constantly under […]

The AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2018 Legislation Tracking page and click on “US Fed” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing on the federal level include: U.S. […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. California – AB 2257 addresses California’s new law regarding independent contractors being given the same benefits as employees.  While it was unclear whether this would apply to judges for events, an amendment in the bill requested by AKC GR and others clearly exempts […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Twelve state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session, and three state legislatures are in special session. AKC Government Relations is currently tracking more than 1,429 local, state, and federal issues. The following are highlights […]

The sassy Chihuahua packs a lot of personality into that tiny body. Learn more about the breed's history with these fun facts.

Mom, Elizabeth Hoettels, and her best girl, Rio, are inseparable after work and on weekends. Photo courtesy Sweet Ventures by Nichole DuPont. Picture this for a moment. You're a military critical-care nurse, with a surgical team stationed in East Africa for several months, away from family, friends, and everything familiar. But the wonderful world of […]

A relatively rare breed, the Chinook is an all-purpose sled dog developed for drafting and sled dog racing. This is an athletic breed that is equally at home on the trail or cuddling on the couch with his human family. Here are seven interesting facts about this dignified and affectionate dog. 1. The official state […]