Now that Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has chosen his vice president, it's time for him to concentrate on another important selection: family dog. The American Kennel Club® (AKC) announced today that the public has elected a Poodle as their breed of choice for the Obama family. The AKC launched its poll to find a […]

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club® (AKC) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2014 AKC® Lifetime Achievement Awards: Pat Hastings (Conformation), Lynn Eggers (Companion Events) and Dr. Ray Calkins (Performance). The AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions on a national level. This year’s recipients have contributed […]

By John Osborne Collier Citizen Angel, a recent addition at the Shelter for Abused Women and Children in Naples, sit in the lap of a staff member. The facility is one of very few that allows domestic violence victims to bring their pets along with them. Laura Torres/Citizen Correspondent Oftentimes, dogs are a woman’s best […]

The Indiana House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee is considering a positive bill tomorrow (Tuesday, February 25) that will hold those accountable who sell dogs in Indiana, and also provide protections for Indiana residents buying a dog in the state. Senate Bill 185 includes many provisions, including: Prohibiting the sale of dogs or cats under […]

New Jersey Assembly Bill 2338 is scheduled for a vote by the full New Jersey Assembly tomorrow, March 16, 2017. This measure defines as a 'pet dealer' every person in New Jersey who breeds and sells/transfers more than 10 dogs and/or cats.

The North Carolina Senate passed SB 460 this evening by a vote of 23-22. While the AKC appreciates the many changes that were made to the bill yesterday we remain concerned that the bill has been too rushed to allow time for legislators and the public to adequately review the bill and fully understand its […]

The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department has learned that Louisiana House Bill 163, a bill which further threatens the rights of responsible dog owners and breeders with ownership limits and vague care and conditions standards, will be considered on Thursday, April 12, 2012, by the Louisiana House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture, and Rural […]

Last week, a bill was introduced in the California Assembly to regulate all who breed a dog in the state. Assembly Bill 702 can be scheduled for a committee hearing beginning March 19.  No hearing is currently scheduled; however, this is an opportunity for all who breed dogs in the state to join the AKC […]

The Maryland bill which required annual registration for all dog breeders, and $50 birth certificates for every puppy whelped is highly unlikely to advance this session.  Thanks to the many club members and breeders joining AKC in making your voice heard, the House Economic Matters Committee held House Bill 1551 and did not advance it […]

Hobby breeders could soon be considered "dealers" in Tennessee if H148 or its companion S1686 are enacted. Both bills would require anyone who breeds and sells more than one litter of puppies per year to be licensed as a "dealer." In Tennessee, dealers must be inspected by the state and pay anywhere from $125-$1000 annually […]