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Expert Advice: Preparing for Puppy
How to Prepare for a Breeder Interview
Adding a puppy to your family is a big decision that comes with lots of preparation. One thing you may not be prepared for is an interview with your prospective puppy's breeder. Responsible breeders want to place puppies with families that are a great match for the dog, so these interviews help both breeders and […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/puppy-information/how-to-prepare-for-a-breeder-interview/
| December 11, 2019
![Bull Terrier puppy sitting in the yard looking up.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/03110917/Bull-Terrier-puppy-sitting-in-the-yard-looking-up-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Responsible Breeding
Everything You Need to Know About Breeder Contracts
Most of life's major acquisitions require a legal contract, from purchasing a house to leasing a car. Add to that list bringing home a purebred dog. Reputable breeders almost universally require anyone who provides a home to one of their dogs to sign a contract. But if you've never purchased a dog from a reputable […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/everything-you-need-to-know-about-breeder-contracts/
| November 27, 2019
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Nancy-Edmunds-photo-WV-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
Breeder of Merit: Nancy Edmunds of Vizcaya Vizslas
Life may be a box of chocolates, but after you’ve nibbled enough bonbons, you know which flavor you like best. Over the past four decades, Nancy Edmunds of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, has owned quite a Whitman’s Sampler of purebreds, including Cocker Spaniels, Manchester Terriers, Whippets, Brussels Griffons, Poodles, and Afghan Hounds. But in 1985, she finally came across her forever breed: the Vizsla. After almost 30 years breeding those Hungarian […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/vizsla-breeder-of-merit-nancy-edmunds-interview/
| September 27, 2019
Press Releases
The American Kennel Club Announces 2019 Breeder of the Year Group Honorees
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2019 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees. “The breeders honored with this award have made important contributions to the sport and future of purebred dogs,” said Dennis Sprung, AKC President and […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-announces-2019-breeder-year-group-honorees/
| September 19, 2019
Press Releases
Celebrate AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day in Raleigh this September
--Family-Friendly and Educational Event Returns for its 17th Year-- The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) invites you to celebrate the human-canine bond this September 28th in Raleigh, NC at the 17th annual flagship AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day, sponsored by AKC Pet Insurance. Owning a dog has endless pleasures and rewards, but it’s important to be […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/celebrate-akc-responsible-dog-ownership-day-raleigh-september-2/
| September 11, 2019
Legislative Alerts
Indiana: Hamilton County Considering New Hobby Breeder Restrictions on Monday (9/9)
September 5, 2019 The Hamilton County Commission has scheduled a public hearing for Monday, September 9, to obtain input on numerous proposed changes to the animal control code, including further regulations of hobby breeders and troublesome new definitions of “backyard breeder” and “puppy mill”. Those who reside or participate in events in Hamilton County are […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/indiana-hamilton-county-considering-new-hobby-breeder-restrictions-monday-9-9/
| September 5, 2019
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/rhodesian-ridgeback-puppies-running-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Common Conditions
Pet Insurance Discounts for Breeders: Providing a High-Value Benefit at a Low Cost
Breeders want their puppies to live the best lives possible, which is why they take great care to raise each puppy right. From infancy, breeders provide their puppies with high-quality nutrition, socialization techniques, and – eventually - the best home. Breeders choose to invest time, love and resources, so why not invest a little extra protection during the time in a puppy’s life in which he’ll find the most trouble? Breeders are discovering the advantages of enrolling their puppies in pet insurance before they even leave for their new […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/pet-insurance-discounts-breeders-providing-high-value-benefit-low-cost/
| June 10, 2019
![](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/spotlight_breeder_puppy-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Responsible Breeding
AKC Breeder Spotlight: Beth Lilly of Safari Schipperkes
AKC Breeder of Merit and Bred with H.E.A.R.T. breeder Beth Lilly, owner of Safari Schipperkes, fell in love with her first Schipperke, Smokey, more than 30 years ago. At first, she was “just your average pet owner.” But with encouragement from a friend, she became a dedicated fancier and in the past 23 years has produced 38 champions and had well over 100 health tests performed on them. Smokey passed away at 19 years of age, and Beth said she still misses him. […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/akc-breeder-spotlight-beth-lilly-safari-schipperkes/
| June 10, 2019
Legislative Alerts
Ask New York to Not Limit Responsible Pet Choice
May 16, 2019 Four bills have been introduced in New York which will prohibit retail pet stores from selling any dogs or cats. Instead, they would only be allowed to “showcase” animals available for adoption from a shelter, rescue, or adoption agency. Current law requires that pet dealers (defined in part as anyone who sells […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/ask-new-york-not-limit-responsible-pet-choice/
| May 16, 2019
Legislative Alerts
Discriminatory Maine Proposal Restricts Breeder Sales, Rescue Activities – TAKE ACTION NOW!
Thursday, March 28, 2019 On Thursday, April 4, the Maine Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry will hear LD 1311. The bill would strike “pet shop” from the definition of “seller” and prohibit any seller (i.e., owner or operator of a breeding kennel or animal dealer licensed by United States Department of Agriculture) from selling […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/discriminatory-maine-proposal-restricts-breeder-sales-rescue-activities-take-action-now/
| March 28, 2019