By Jennifer Clark, Manager, Canine Legislation  By Jennifer Clark, Manager, Canine Legislation The images are enough to break anyone’s heart – stray dogs roaming the street without proper food, water and basic needs; shelters overflowing with unwanted animals.  There is no question that something needs to be done.  The dogs – and the people of […]

A small, Washington, DC-based news organization published an article yesterday that parroted claims by animal rights organizations that the American Kennel Club puts profits over the care and well-being of animals. Nothing could be further from the truth. The AKC is a private not-for-profit organization. We are a club of clubs, the world’s largest all-breed […]

It can be tricky to know how to find a responsible breeder. Here are some considerations to guide you in your search for your next puppy.

For more than 30 years, I have served as a veterinarian at one of the largest veterinary emergency hospitals in the country. Each year, our hospital treats more than 11,000 cats and dogs in our emergency room. Thousands more see our veterinary specialists. As you might guess, I’ve taken care of a lot of dogs […]

What makes a dog lash out in aggression? It's one of the most critical questions dog lovers face — and failure to find answers can bring heartbreaking consequences, including behavioral euthanasia and even the banning of certain breeds. While it's important to know the difference between aggressive and reactive behavior, recent research out of the […]

  You want to add a new dog to the family and have decided on the breed. You are excited about bringing a puppy home, but now a different search begins — for the right breeder. Adding a puppy to the family is a big decision to be made carefully, not impulsively. Selecting a responsible […]

By Jennifer Clark, Manager, Canine Legislation The images are enough to break anyone’s heart – stray dogs roaming the street without proper food, water and basic needs; shelters overflowing with unwanted animals.  There is no question that something needs to be done.  The dogs – and the people of Puerto Rico – deserve better. But […]

An October 2010 list published by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) called “Missouri’s Dirty Dozen” included the kennel of Mary Ann Smith.  The list, which purportedly listed, “some of the worst licensed kennels in the state,” was part of a public relations campaign designed in some measure to urge voter support of […]

As summer is winding down, many are beginning to focus on a return to school.  It’s also a great time for clubs, fanciers and breeders to reach out to lawmakers and educate them on the benefits of purebred dogs, responsible breeders, and AKC events in their communities. This month, a city in New Jersey passed […]

Thank you to Izzy, Blair, and Jack for sharing their experiences. Have your own story? Submit it to juniors@akc.org. [accordion]   [accordion_panel title="Izabelle Burg"] When I was 10 and Shiloh was 3 months old, she came to live with us. Mom said we needed to bond, so I slept with Shiloh so I had to […]