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![German Shepherd puppy standing stacked outdoors in the park.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/03092351/German-Shepherd-Dog-puppy-standing-stacked-outdoors-in-the-park-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Sports
Allan Unleashed: Learning When Not to Show a Dog
How to teach new owners excited to show the ins and outs of Conformation, when a dog is ready to show, and the many AKC dog sports they can enjoy
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/allan-unleashed-learning-when-not-to-show-a-dog/
| May 2, 2023
Legislative Alerts
USDA APHIS Issues New, Controversial Five-Year Strategic Plan
Today, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) published a new five-year strategic plan. The plan incorporates stakeholder feedback (click here to read AKC’s July 2022 feedback to APHIS), and includes six strategic goals, including promoting the welfare of animals. That goal features three objectives, including one that […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/usda-aphis-issues-new-controversial-five-year-strategic-plan/
| April 25, 2023
Clubs & Delegates
State Issues April 2023
News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – SB 2 seeks to prohibit inmates from participating in training of dogs for tracking humans. AKC is monitoring this legislation, which has not yet received a committee assignment. Arkansas – HB 1591, a bill supported by AKC that limits a local […]
https://www.akc.org/clubs-delegates/government-relations/newsletters/taking-command/state-issues-april-2023/
| April 21, 2023
![Czechoslovakian Vlcak standing outdoors in a forest at sunset.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/15112401/Czechoslovakian-Vlcak-standing-outdoors-in-a-forest-at-sunset-400x267.jpeg)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
What Makes an Animal a Canid?
It's no wonder we describe dogs as "man's best friend." As the oldest domesticated animals, dogs are smart and social, just like their wolf ancestors. Dogs and wolves are part of the diverse biological family of animals called Canidae. But what makes an animal a "canid," and more importantly, what specifically makes a domestic dog […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/what-makes-animal-canid/
| February 8, 2023
Legislative Alerts
Illinois: Ask Committee to Support Ban on Insurance Breed Discrimination
On Tuesday (April 18), an Illinois Senate committee will consider a bill that would prohibit homeowners and renters insurance providers from refusing or cancelling coverage or increasing premiums based solely on the breed of dog owned by the policy holder. All responsible dog owners and breeders in Illinois are encouraged to visit the Senate Insurance […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/illinois-ask-committee-support-ban-insurance-breed-discrimination-2/
| April 14, 2023
Legislative Alerts
New York: Weigh In On Canine Health and Welfare Priorities for Federal Farm Bill Tomorrow (4/14)
Tomorrow, April 14, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15), will host a Farm Bill listening session in Binghamton, New York. AKC GR urges all responsible NY dog owners to weigh in, using the link to the feedback form below. Scroll down for more information about the event. Background: Rep. Thompson will […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/new-york-weigh-canine-health-welfare-priorities-federal-farm-bill-tomorrow-4-14/
| April 13, 2023
Legislative Alerts
California: Kern County to Consider Mandatory Spay/Neuter on Wednesday (4/19)
On Wednesday, April 19, the Kern County Animal Services Commission are considering a proposed ordinance that seeks to institute mandatory spay/neuter in Kern County. If advanced, the proposal would go to the Kern County Board of Supervisors for review and possible passage into law. County residents are strongly encouraged to contact both the commission and […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/california-kern-county-consider-mandatory-spay-neuter-wednesday-4-19/
| April 13, 2023
![Siberian Husky head portrait outdoors.](https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Siberian-Husky-head-portrait-outdoors-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Genetics & Strategies
Why Do Siberian Huskies Have Blue Eyes?
Blue eyes in Siberian Huskies are caused by a different genetic mutation than other dog breeds.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/siberian-huskies-blue-eyes/
| April 11, 2023
Legislative Alerts
Your Member of Congress Sponsored Arbitrary Breeding Restrictions Last Year. Respectfully Ask Them to Stop.
We are reaching out to you because your representative in the U.S. Congress sponsored the Puppy Protection Act last year. This bill to restrict dog breeding has been re-introduced in Congress again this year. Your action is urgently needed to contact your member of Congress and respectfully ask them to not sponsor or support the […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/member-congress-sponsored-arbitrary-breeding-restrictions-last-year-respectfully-ask-stop/
| April 4, 2023
Legislative Alerts
US Congress: Proposed Breeder Restrictions Could Impact You. Tell Congress to Oppose
Arbitrary federal legislation to restrict the activities of dogs breeders has been re-introduced in Congress. Though labeled as commercial breeding regulations, the one-size-fits-all requirements can also apply to small hobby breeders. Your action is urgently needed to stop the animal-rights supported Puppy Protection Act (H.R. 1624) and to protect the rights of responsible dog breeders […]
https://www.akc.org/legislative-alerts/us-congress-proposed-breeder-restrictions-impact-tell-congress-oppose/
| April 4, 2023