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 […]

At 7 months old, Weimaraner “Gauge,” a Weimaraner, launched herself off the front of a pontoon boat into the water below. She jumped without hesitation, much to the delight of her owners, Anna and Chris Brown. “My husband always wanted a dog so he could jump off the boat and have the dog follow, and she did,” Anna says.   It wasn’t long before they started taking Gauge to dock diving events in […]

Finding the right dog for you and your lifestyle is a choice that takes plenty of research and careful consideration. The decision to bring a dog into your home shouldn't be made overnight, regardless of whether you're a first-time or experienced dog owner. With so many wonderful breeds of different sizes and dispositions, you may […]

Why does my dog eat leaves? It's not harmful to eat leaves occasionally, but if they're eating leaves all the time, it could be an issue.

It's well known that dogs increase happiness, reduce stress levels, and improve overall health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, dogs have been a source of relief: whether they're cuddling on the couch beside us, in cute online videos, or in refreshingly positive news headlines. We've rounded up the most positive dog-related stories from the week of […]

This larger-than-life breed was developed in the mid-1800s by Heinrich Essig, an exotic-animal dealer and alderman from the German town of Leonberg, who, legend has it, was trying to create a dog to resemble the lion on the town’s crest. Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Great Pyrenees, are among the breeds went into this intelligent, all-around working […]

AKC Government Relations continues to monitor the US Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2021 Legislation Tracking map and click on “Federal Bills” 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. […]

The following are highlights of the numerous bills in Congress that could impact dog owners and the wellbeing of dogs. Visit our 2026 Legislation Tracking map click on the arrow on the Region column to filter for US Federal legislation and get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues […]

The following are highlights of the numerous bills in Congress that could impact dog owners and the wellbeing of dogs. Visit our 2025 Legislation Tracking map click on the arrow on the Region column to filter for US Federal legislation and get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories CT, New Haven – In 2018, the city proposed and adopted new dangerous dog, breeding license and litter permit regulations. AKC submitted requested changes and met with the Mayor and General Counsel to discuss the changes. The election of a new mayor and […]