Responsible purebred breeders help ensure their puppies will grow into happy, healthy dogs. Here are just 10 of the reasons why I'll be buying a purebred puppy. Once I begin looking for a puppy of my own, AKC Marketplace will connect me with a responsible dog breeder who loves their dogs like family. The breeder […]

The Lhasa Apso is a small, intelligent breed from Tibet, with watchdog instincts and a beautiful hypoallergenic coat.

In early February, the U.S Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), which oversees implementation of federal Animal Welfare Act regulations and pet breeder/dealer licensing announced it was removing certain documents from its online databases for review appending litigation and to ensure full compliance with privacy requirements. Almost immediately, the statement created […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) DNA Profile Program technology allows breeders, dog owners, and the AKC to ensure that the AKC Registry is the most accurate in the world. AKC DNA profiling is required for: Frequently Used Sires (dogs having the greatest impact on the AKC Stud Book); imported breeding stock; dogs that have semen collected for fresh-extended or […]

News from our Nation's Capitol The AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2019 Legislation Tracking page and click on “US Fed” 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 […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories CT, Meriden – In December, AKC and the Connecticut Federation of Dog Clubs and Responsible Dog Owners met with legal counsel for the city to request practical changes to recently released breeder and litter permit application forms. The city’s ordinance is likely to […]

In May 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced new regulations regarding the importation of dogs and cats, causing considerable concern among breeders and pet owners. The changes, particularly the increase in the minimum import age for puppies, have raised questions about their impact on low-risk imports, especially for those participating […]

The elections may be over, but our work as responsible dog owners, exhibitors, and breeders is just beginning. Many states elected a large number of new lawmakers on the federal, state, and local levels – most of whom likely know very little about canine legislation. Most state legislatures will reconvene in early 2019, and many […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in U.S. Territories The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can't help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or introduced […]

Traditional Media Ways to Increase the Chance of Coverage for Your National Specialty Encouraging local media to cover your National Specialty is a great way to promote your breed and educate potential owners about the type of lifestyle that is suitable for your breed. Aside from inviting the local news station or newspaper reporters to […]