It goes without saying that in your house, your dog is the most popular. But what do the statistics say? The American Kennel Club has used registration data to compile the list of 2021’s most popular breeds. As always, the Labrador Retriever tops the list — this time for the 31st year!  The Lab's temperament […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama –House Bill 485 as introduced would, among other provisions, allow a dog to be confiscated without court authorization if “suspected” of harassing, harming, or killing livestock. AKC is working with the bill sponsor on additional amendments to […]

No one can keep the Lab down! The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced at a virtual press conference today at the AKC Museum of the Dog that the ever-popular Labrador Retriever is the nation’s favorite dog for the 31st consecutive year. While the loveable Lab remains a constant at the top of the charts, the […]

Good morning. I lost my dear friend a few weeks ago. Dealing with Ron’s passing is a deeply personal experience for me. He was my mentor, a colleague, and above all, a special friend. He had an enormous capacity to give of himself. I am today, because I knew him. However, I can comfort myself […]

Natalia Backos, a 14-year-old from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, has never known a time when she didn't spend her weekends at dog shows. A proud third-generation breeder/owner/handler, Backos is following in the footsteps of her grandmother and mother, alongside her sister. Her dogs include her Parson Russell Terriers BISS GCH Panther Creek Stone Cold Sober "Boozer" and […]

Parasites in dogs take many forms, but they all have one thing in common: sooner or later their presence will almost always have an impact on your pet's health or comfort. Parasites can cause anything from mild irritation to serious illness. To cover all of the parasites in detail would (and does) take up a […]

Dog owners in Florida are urged to take action in support of a bill that would remove an exemption under current state law that allows local breed specific ordinances enacted prior to October 1, 1990 to remain in force. This provision is included in CS 1/HB 721 , a bill that seeks to allow a […]

In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were created and first awarded in 1999 to honor our best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our sport on a national […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Arizona – House Bill 2323 states that for the purposes of homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, the breed of dog may not be considered for underwriting or determining risk or loss, questionnaires or surveys regarding the presence of a […]

Florida House Bill CS1/HB 721 seeks to remove an exemption under current Florida state law that allows certain cities and counties to ban dog breeds.  If this legislation passes, remaining county and city laws in Florida that ban dog breeds would no longer be in effect.  For example, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, “pit […]