Melanie Bereckis, of Jolanie Schnauzers in Washington, made the decision to get a Standard Schnauzer while living in Germany with her family. They wanted a dog with a natural protection instinct that is good with children and is no- to low-shedding. A Miniature Schnauzer was her longtime dog growing up, so she was intrigued by […]

Victoria "Tori" Lee, the owner of Endachs, grew up with dogs of different ages and breeds. When she was 15 years old, she was determined to have a dog...

Mary-Kay Schroeder of Bayswater Portuguese Water Dogs is an AKC Breeder of Merit who has been breeding PWDs since 1993. She lives in Cicero, Indiana, which is about 30 miles north of Indianapolis and on Morse Lake. Mary-Kay shows her dogs in conformation, agility, water, obedience, and scent work.   AKC: How did you get […]

Lacey and Luisma Benítez, of LBK American Staffordshire Terriers, are the first and only Platinum Breeders of Merit of the American Staffordshire Terrier. They are a married couple, navigating life between Spain and St. Augustine, Florida, and have been deeply involved in this breed for 20 years. Luisma, who is from Spain, is a software […]

AKC understands that local animal rights groups are putting increased pressure on local cities in Arizona (particularly Phoenix) to enact breeder regulations in an effort to address shelter population concerns.  This is a trend we are increasingly  seeing in cities throughout the United States. While nothing has been formally introduced, now is the time for […]

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners deferred consideration of a proposed ordinance that would, among other provisions, enact litter permits and impose restrictions on breeders and individuals who sell/transfer dogs. Revisions to the proposal are in process, and it will be on the agenda October 8, 2024. It is important for DeKalb County commissioners to […]

On Tuesday, April 16, the California Assembly Business and Professions Committee held a hearing for AB 2425, a bill seeking to address concerns in animal shelters and change the definition of a dog breeder in California code to encompass hobbyists. No vote was taken during the hearing and at this time AKC believes the Business […]

On Tuesday, April 9, the Los Angeles City Council voted to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits until city animal shelters are below 75 percent of capacity. AKC continues to strenuously oppose this measure as responsible dog breeders are not the reason why city animal shelters are in distress. AKC will continue to advocate […]

On Tuesday, April 9, the Los Angeles City Council voted to suspend the issuance of new breeding permits until city animal shelters are below 75 percent of capacity. AKC continues to strenuously oppose this measure as responsible dog breeders are not the reason why city animal shelters are in distress. AKC will continue to advocate […]

Summary: On Wednesday, April 3, the Los Angeles Neighborhoods and Community Enrichment Committee voted to send a proposal to the full Los Angeles City Council that would suspend the issuance of new breeding permits. The full city council will consider the proposal on Tuesday, April 9. See below for more info! Reminder: this proposal would […]