It was a call that all breeders dread. The young couple, who had adored their puppy, reported they had a new baby, leaving no time for their dog. Teri NeSmith did not hesitate. “I gladly take any of my puppies back if the owner lets me know that they don’t want the dog. In fact, […]

Happy New Year! As we move into 2022, we are pausing to reflect on all that happened in canine legislation in 2021 and looking ahead to what that means for purebred dog owners and breeders in 2022. Things were not entirely back to pre-COVID times last year, but it didn’t stop the Government Relations department […]

Here are some highlights of state and federal regulatory issues AKC GR recently addressed.  Visit AKC’s Regulatory Resource Center for more information on these and other significant regulatory issues addressed by AKC Government Relations.  Federal – USDA APHIS has issued a new federal order that imposes restrictions on the importation of live dogs for resale from regions where […]

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 […]

AKC Government Relations continues to monitor the US 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. […]

AKC Government Relations continues to monitor the US 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. […]

California Assembly Bill 702, which originally sought to regulate all breeders and was then amended to become a “Dog and Cat Bill of Rights” has not met the deadline for committee consideration and is now officially dead. AKC GR strongly encourages California club and residents to take a minute to join AKC GR in thanking […]

For decades, Lassie has been the star of books, movies, and television shows. This brave and intelligent dog character is a rough-coated Collie, and her incredible personality mirrors the breed's typical characteristics. Thanks to Lassie, Collies are beloved and admired. They are also effortlessly recognizable. But did you know there's a similar breed often mistaken […]

As dog lovers, it can be difficult to ignore when we see someone doing something we think is bad, harmful, or ineffective with their dogs. Sometimes what someone is doing is abusive or at risk of causing immediate serious injury to a dog, in which case stepping in right away or calling the proper authorities […]

Your dog loves you unconditionally. It's one of the best parts of their companionship. But that doesn't mean your dog loves everything you do. In fact, a lot of dog owners irritate their pet every day without even realizing it. Do you think you might be guilty? Here are some ways you might be annoying […]