Over a century ago in England, a man’s idea of relaxing on the weekend was rag racing. A specific dog was bred for these races, known today as the Whippet.

Labrador Retrievers are popular and versatile sporting dogs that make wonderful family companions and top athletes. Labrador Retrievers excel at retriever field trials, where they are tested on their retrieving skills and “learned abilities like steadiness, control, response to direction, and delivery of bird.” So, the retriever community was rattled when these high-drive athletes started […]

Golden Retrievers exist today thanks to one man — Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord Tweedmouth. In the 19th century, the preferred color was black.

Here are some highlights of state-level regulatory issues AKC GR has recently addressed.  Visit AKC’s Regulatory Resource Center for more information on these and other significant regulatory issues addressed by AKC Government Relations. ALABAMA – Proposed amendments to Department of Conversation and Natural Resources’ rules for Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), Community Hunting Areas, Public Hunting […]

- Entries Open August 3rd- The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to announce the judging panel for the second AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge. This virtual conformation competition is open to all AKC recognized breeds including Miscellaneous breeds. Entries close on August 10th at 12pm ET. Heading the panel as Best in Show and […]

Miniature Schnauzer Takes 'Best in Show'  The American Kennel Club is happy to announce the winner of the 1st ever AKC Virtual Top Dog Challenge. The inaugural event garnered 689 entries. GCHP CH Carmel Sky High Wish Upon a Star, a Miniature Schnauzer known as “Twink,” was awarded Best in Show by AKC Judge and […]

In a procedural move, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (Department) is proposing a rule that would allow it to evaluate whether to increase fee amounts, including license and reinspection fees, for dog sellers and dog facility operators. Currently, animal shelters and animal control facilities pay an annual $125 license fee to […]

Two Louisiana bills, enacted as Acts 336 and 362, grant certain liability protections for persons, businesses, and other entities from claims related to COVID-19 exposure. These protections are retroactive to March 11, 2020. This legislation may be of interest to AKC-affiliated clubs with concerns about conducting their events while under a higher-than-normal exposure to liability […]

The Iowa Legislature has passed a bill that will amend several of the state’s cruelty laws. A number of confusing and problematic provisions were removed from the bill, but some questions still remain.  House File 737 will soon be sent to the governor; those who reside or participate in dog events in Iowa are encouraged […]

According to a May 18, 2020, article, as Vermont begins to re-open from the COVID-19 pandemic, animal importers have asked Governor Phil Scott to authorize the resumption of interstate pet transports to supply Vermont shelters with dogs sourced from outside the state.  The article also details how some shelters are considering breeding dogs themselves to […]