Florida lawmakers will consider two dog-related bills this week that could significantly affect dog breeding, pet sales, dog breeding, and animal regulations statewide.  Senate Bill 1004 is a consumer protection bill that seeks to add new requirements for Florida pet dealers and when financing agreements are used to purchase a pet.  Senate Bill 1356 would […]

Yesterday, both chambers of the New Jersey General Assembly failed to act on bills   banning retail pet stores that could have impacted home-based breeders. AKC thanks our partner, the New Jersey Federation of Dog Clubs, and the many individuals who took the time to contact members of the General Assembly in defeating these bills. Your […]

The New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee has added amendments to a bill banning retail pet stores that could impact home-based breeders. The amendments are now identical to those added to Senate Bill 2511 in late December (Read AKC’s previous alert for more information) With the last voting day of the session scheduled for Monday, January […]

A bill has been pre-filed in the Missouri House of Representatives to require licensure and inspection of all breeders – including hobbyists. The bill was filed in response to media reports of a hobbyist in the state being charged with animal cruelty.  The AKC absolutely agrees that all animals deserve life in a safe, humane […]

The New Jersey Senate and Assembly decided today to hold the bills banning retail pet stores and potentially impacting home-based breeders, meaning there will not be a vote before the end of the year. AKC thanks all who have taken the time to contact their lawmakers regarding Assembly Bill 4051 and Senate Bill 2511. Neither […]

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently expressed support for 2026 legislation that will seek to “crack down on abusive ‘puppy mills’ and strengthen animal welfare standards” in Florida.  The governor made the announcement from the grounds of a well-funded animal rescue, which championed extreme anti-breeder legislation filed in the Florida legislature earlier in 2025. The Governor’s […]

The New Jersey Senate is seeking to amend bills banning retail pet stores, and recently added text that could impact home-based breeders. Senate Bill 2511 and Assembly Bill 4051 are scheduled for a vote by the Senate on Monday, December 22.  Club members, hobby breeders and anyone who seeks to obtain a pet from a […]

Susan Giles, a breeder of Lhasa Apsos under Ta Sen Lhasa Apsos, was awarded Breeder of the Year for her breeding program.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is proud to announce the AKC Breeder of the Year by Sport honorees. Consistent with its mission of promoting the breeding of purebred dogs for type and function, […]

Susan S. Giles was presented with the 2025 AKC Breeder of the Year award for Ta Sen Lhasa Apsos at the 25th AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Saturday, December 13, 2025.  The annual award honors those breeders who have made an impact on their breed and dedicate their lives to improving the […]