The Greater Clark County Kennel Club in Washington is leading the way in making dog sports more age-inclusive for Junior Handlers. The club is piloting the nation's first AKC Junior Club, a program in which Junior Handlers can organize events and occupy leadership positions.  The AKC Junior Club: Form and Function The AKC Junior Club […]

What are the common causes of dog limping, and when should you take your limping dog to the vet? Learn what to look for and what to do.

It’s June, which means summer events are in full swing! Did you know that the American Kennel Club is comprised of more than 5,000 dog clubs across the country that together host more than 20,000 events each year? This results in a huge impact on our local economies. The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. California – AB 1881 as introduced established a “Dog and Cat Bill of Rights”.  While the bill only required that the list be posted at shelters and rescues, AKC joined many organizations in expressing significant concerns about putting […]

AKC Government Relations continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2022 Legislation Tracking map and click on “Federal Bills” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing on the federal level include:  U.S. Congress – […]

Before dog shows were established, a terrier’s primary credential to earn a place to live and regular meals was its ability to dispatch a wide variety of small vermin for work and sport. While most terriers devel­ oped slowly, some were created at the behest of an individual and assumed their familiar form and function […]

Deciphering the registered names of show dogs can be a baffling process for the public. "Why are the names so long?" "Is that how they call their dogs?" "What do all those letters mean?" "What language is that?" Those are just some of the comments heard when commentators announce show dogs by their formal names. […]

After taking a training class three years ago, now 16-year-old Skylar Sowiecki swiftly got involved with dog shows. Sowiecki resides in sunny Florida and owns German Shepherd Dogs—but can also be seen showing Borzois and occasionally Beaucerons and Greyhounds. Sowiecki and her two GSDs compete in a variety of sports including Conformation, Rally, Dock Diving, Fast […]

Similar to how dogs have been shown to help their owners feel better, therapy dogs are able to bring comfort and support to the public. Therapy dogs are typically social, yet calm dogs who after training and certification can alongside their handler visit people in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings. There are also […]

Next week, the California Senate Judiciary Committee will be considering both the “Dog and Cat Welfare” and dog trainer disclosure bills.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is currently neutral on these bills, both of which contain some of AKC’s proposed amendments. Those who wish may contact the committee to express your opinion on these bills […]