House Bill 551 seeks to establish requirements and restrictions for tethering a dog. As introduced, HB 551 includes certain problematic provisions. The bill’s sponsor has indicated willingness to amend the bill to address concerns while maintaining sections that provide protections for dogs. HB 551 is on the agenda of the House Committee on Agriculture and […]

Yesterday, the Oregon Secretary of State certified that a measure regulating firearms collected enough petition signatures to appear on the ballot for November 2022. Those who participate in certain hunt tests, field trials, and other humane animal events that use firearms should review Oregon Ballot Measure 114 to understand the impact and new requirements it […]

The 2021-2022 South Carolina legislative session and special sessions concluded with victories for dogs and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks club members, sportsmen, dog owners, allied organizations, and every individual who contacted their state lawmakers about legislation that affects dogs.  Highlights from the two-year legislative session:  House Bill […]

On Monday, March 21, 2022, the Maryland Senate will give third and final consideration to the passage of Senate Bill 44 which regulates dogs outdoors and unattended in certain weather conditions and temperatures.  Its companion bill, House Bill 16, had previously passed the House and is now in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. The AKC […]

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Maine Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Committee) is scheduled to accept public testimony on LD 1771, “An Act to Strengthen Oversight of Kennels by Changing the Licensing Authority from Municipalities to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry”. The bill would require a hobby kennel owner to: […]

Animal Rights activists are again circulating petitions in Oregon to put an extreme measure on the 2024 ballot that, in their own words “is the first ballot initiative in history that would criminalize the killing and breeding of animals.” Recently, the campaign received a large contribution from a private donor.  The campaign has stated they […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world's largest dog registry and leading authority and advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 American Kennel Club Performance Events Junior Scholarship. A total of $10,000 has been awarded to five exceptional students. They reflect a diverse representation of AKC Performance sports and have […]

  Just like our immigrant ancestors, most of the dog breeds we know and enjoy today originated in other countries and came to the United States later on. However, there are a number of AKC registered breeds which were developed on American soil, and each has its own unique history and heritage: Alaskan Malamute - […]

The Coton de Tulear and Wirehaired Vizsla Gain Full AKC Recognition New York, NY — The pack has expanded!   The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) announced today the Coton de Tulear and Wirehaired Vizsla will be welcomed to its litter of recognized breeds this year, growing AKC’s family to 180. “The AKC is excited to […]

The AKC® Humane Fund is proud to announce the winners of the 20th annual AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE). These awards celebrate five loyal, hard-working dogs that have significantly improved the lives of their owners and communities. One award is presented in each of the following five categories: Uniformed Service K-9, Therapy, […]