Earlier this week, a conference committee of New Hampshire state senators and representatives failed to agree on a compromise version of Senate Bill 569.  This effectively ended consideration of the bill for the remainder of the legislative session. SB 569 was introduced in January as a response to a high-profile cruelty case in New Hampshire.  […]

The New Jersey Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee will consider several dog-related proposals when it meets this Thursday, May 17, 2018.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages all concerned New Jersey residents contact the members of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and respectfully share any concerns they have. BILLS OF CONCERN: Assembly Bill […]

The word kennel is believed to have originated in France to describe a pack of hounds and their housing. Today, it describes the most important environment in any breeder’s home. Once primitive man hooked up with dogs in a permanent ongoing relationship, the two learned to live together. Over the centuries, man began to construct […]

For more than 30 years, Mike Woodson has bred pure-bred dogs. He is an AKC Breeder of Merit, and his dogs have won many honors in conformation and performance events. Woodson often gives advice to people getting started in the dog fancy. An educator by profession, he could easily teach a course on breeding quality […]

At a recent dog show, several littermates of both sexes, handled by assorted novice owners, were entered in the 9-12 Month Puppy class. While none of the puppies exhibited disqualifying faults, they were generic in type and not what I would consider "show quality." The judge that day agreed. The puppies were not up to […]

Primary elections across the U.S. are narrowing the list of candidates who will be on the ballot on Election Day, November 6. To preserve the future of purebred dogs, it’s important to identify dog-friendly candidates and use your vote to elect those who will protect the rights of responsible dog owners, exhibitors, and breeders. Here […]

Every day, thousands of pets are imported into the continental United States for the purpose of sale or transfer in retail or retail rescue markets. According to the American Pet Product Distributors Association (APPA) annual survey, Americans currently own approximately 80 million dogs, and acquire approximately 8 million dogs per year.  Even if the per […]

The AKC Breeder of Merit program was introduced in October 2010. Since that time, more than 13,000 breeders have been enrolled. The program was developed to recognize those breeders that are the foundation of our sport through their participation in various AKC events and dedication to selective breeding of healthy purpose-bred purebred dogs. The Basic […]

The Maryland Legislature has approved a bill which will prohibit retail pet stores (defined as any “for profit establishment open to the public that sells or offers for sale domestic animals to be kept as pets”) from selling any dogs or cats.  Instead, they would only be allowed to “showcase” animals available for adoption from […]

Over the past year, the AKC and the purebred dog world have been the target of unprecedented threats. The prospects of unreasonable federal regulation and legislation are very real, and we continue to face similar challenges in state houses across the country. Biased and misleading media reporting influenced by radical animal rights groups are designed […]