The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world's largest dog registry and leading industry authority and advocate for dogs, is pleased to announce that eleven exceptional students from 10 states have been awarded the American Kennel Club (AKC®) Junior Scholarship for 2021.  The scholarships are offered to high school and college students, ranging from $500 - […]

AKC Sets Criteria for Rare Breeds to Compete in Companion Events 18 FSS Breeds Eligible for Competition as of January 1 The American Kennel Club announced that Foundation Stock Service (FSS) breeds meeting certain criteria are eligible to compete in AKC all-breed Companion Events including Obedience, Agility and Tracking, effective January 1, 2004. Inclusion in […]

  -- Gina Weiser, Rosalind Kraus and John Leininger Join Executive Field Staff; Walter Bebout Named Director of Canine Legislation; Penny Leigh and Phil Guidry to Internal Consulting Group; Michael Shea to Retire -- American Kennel Club Chief Operating Officer John Lyons today announced the appointments of six longtime fanciers to key positions at AKC. […]

SB 876 and HB 2238 regulating hobbyists were passed out of committees this week with some favorable amendments, but questions remain. The amendments exempt hobbyists that breed dogs for participation in conformation shows.  Performance events were already exempt from current law. AKC is also reviewing additional amendments to determine the impact on hobbyists and dog […]

The Arizona House of Representatives is expected to soon consider a bill that amends the state’s cruelty laws, including providing new, reasonable provisions regarding shelters for dogs kept primarily outdoors. Those who wish to comment may reach out to their Arizona State Representative.  Visit www.akcgr.org/officials and type your address to get your state representative’s name […]

The Iredell County Board of Commissioners is having a public hearing on October 6 regarding numerous proposed changes to the county’s animal control laws.  Several of the concerns originally mentioned by the AKC and local clubs have been addressed; however, there remains an unclear definition of “household pet”. The proposal defines a “household pet” in […]

Please share this information with dog owners in Decatur, AL. The Decatur (AL) City Council is scheduled to vote Monday, October 21, 2019, on amendments to the city’s animal ordinance that include restrictions on tethering, the establishment of minimum enclosure sizes for dogs, a requirement to use specified water receptacles, and other potentially problematic provisions. […]

On Tuesday, June 16, a North Carolina House committee will consider a bill regarding tethering and shelters for dogs.  Some provisions in these bills are reasonable and do protect dogs from being harmed while tethered or kept outside.  However, other provisions fail to take into account responsible practices that meet the needs of various dog […]

Last week, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the state agency charged with administering the state’s Dog or Cat Breeders Act, announced that it will begin its periodic review of the Act’s current administrative rules. The Dog or Cat Breeders Act requires anyone that both owns 5 or more intact female animals and […]

Today, the Texas House of Representatives passed SB 876. The bill will now go to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk. The bill will require anyone that both owns 5 or more intact females and is engaged in the business of breeding those dogs for sale to secure a state license. It is vitally important that Governor […]