Dog owners reap many benefits from their canine companions – love and affection, nonjudgmental friendship, social connections, exercise incentives, stress relievers, guardians – and the list goes on. But, dog ownership also comes with significant financial costs. When buying a house, car, or living room furniture, most people carefully consider and plan for the costs. […]

Tuxedos are usually reserved for formal affairs, but Brittany Cipriotti of Warrenton, Virginia, lives with that striking black-and-white pattern day in and day out. Under her Ellenni banner, she breeds mantle Great Danes with her mentor and co-breeder Kristi Allison of Blackstone Great Danes, as well as similarly patterned but more vertically understated Boston Terriers. That’s not to say this Silver Breeder of Merit is monochromatic: Cipriotti also breeds fawn and brindle Danes with Marion Clark of […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking.  Alabama – HB 235 would authorize food service establishments to allow pet dogs in outdoor restaurant seating areas and sets out access, sanitation, and other requirements. It also specifies that emotional support animals are not service animals within the meaning of the Americans […]

As the weather improves, the flowers bloom, more COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, and new legislative successes are reported, optimism is in the air. However, there’s still plenty of challenges ahead in canine legislation. As an “off-election”, or odd-numbered year, all 50 state legislatures are in session.  And, as is commonly the case after an election, […]

Here are some examples of the local issues currently being addressed by AKC GR:  CT, Stamford– The Board of Representatives is interested in adopting a tethering ordinance similar to the 2020 language adopted in the state of Virginia. The proposal would define “adequate shelter” and “adequate space.” Tethering a dog would be prohibited in weather below […]

Dog depression is a real and present concern for many owners. But how do you know if your dog is depressed? Learn more about signs of depression in dogs and causes, as well as what to do if you think your pet may be struggling.

How do you find a reputable dog breeder? Once you decide to look for a puppy of your own, AKC Marketplace can connect you with a responsible breeder. But you’re also going to have to do some research, mixed with a dollop of good, old-fashioned gut instinct. Here are some considerations to guide you in […]

Recently, the West Virginia General Assembly adjourned its 2021 session.  While very few bills relating to dogs and dog owners got much traction, AKC Government Relations did monitor a few bills of note. Those bills monitored by AKC Government Relations included: House Bill 2095 was comprehensive legislation seeking to enhance West Virginia’s animal welfare laws […]

House Bill 551 seeks to establish requirements and restrictions for tethering a dog. As introduced, HB 551 includes certain problematic provisions. The bill’s sponsor has indicated willingness to amend the bill to address concerns while maintaining sections that provide protections for dogs. HB 551 is on the agenda of the House Committee on Agriculture and […]

You no doubt you have a plan for recovering your lost dog. But what to do if you find someone else's dog? How can you help reunite them with their families?