The holidays are just around the corner, and if you are going to be at the AKC National Championship in Orlando this year, we have just the gift for you! For a donation of $35 to the AKC PAC, you can get a custom drawn caricature of you and your dog on a special holiday […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session, and two state legislatures are in special session. AKC Government Relations is currently tracking more than 1,500 local, state, and federal issues. The following are highlights of current legislation around the […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has learned that the Barnstable, Massachusetts, Department of Animal Control held an October 18 public hearing on changes to its dog regulations.  The proposal would: Establish a new “multiple dog licenses” category for a private residence maintaining four to six dogs or for breeding dogs for show or sport which […]

Even if you haven’t heard of the Xolo (pronounced “show-low”), you’ve likely seen one of these unusual dogs at some point. The Aztecs considered the Xolo sacred, and invested them with mystical healing abilities. The breed’s full name, Xoloitzcuintli, derives from the name of the Aztec god of fire and lightning, Xolotl, as well as […]

An important aspect of being a responsible dog owner is being sure your dog is in shape. No matter how cute an overweight dog is, they could still be at risk for health problems. Certain breeds will be affected more than others by even the slightest weight gain, so it’s important to maintain your dog’s […]

Rolissa Nash has been fighting her whole life for equality in and out of the show ring. Rolissa Nash was born in 1950 — a premature baby wedged halfway between a century. At only four pounds, 11 ounces, her difficult birth was just the beginning of her lifelong health struggles, and only one of the […]

The California State Legislature has adjourned for the year, and the deadline has passed for the Governor to take action on legislation sent to his desk.   Overall, AKC is pleased with the outcome of the 2023 legislative session. AKC is proud to have supported a bill that will make Californians safer by providing access to […]

Last Modified: November 1, 2023 The American Kennel Club, Inc. (“AKC”) owns and operates this website (“Website”). These Terms of Use are an agreement entered into by and between you (“User,” "you," or "your") and AKC. By accessing and using this Website, you agree to each of the terms and conditions set forth herein, our Privacy […]

On Wednesday, November 8, one dozen animal bills impacting dogs and breeders are on the agenda for review by the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture (JENRA). The hybrid public hearing is scheduled to start at 1PM. The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has tracked most of these bills […]

This week, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 746 into law (Act No. 18 of 2023), which makes several changes to the Commonwealth’s Dog Law, including requirements for licensed kennels (including rescues).  The Act becomes effective on January 21, 2024, and includes several changes including removing the difference in license fees for intact and sterilized animals.  It also […]