Recently, a substitute version of Senate Bill 258 (known as Izzy the Cat’s Act) passed both chambers of the General Assembly.  It provides for the awarding of compensatory damages for injury or death of a companion animal as a result of a tortious act.  The legislation now goes to the Governor John Carney for signature. […]

The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that Amanda Ciaravino of Crete, IL has been hired as an Executive Field Representative. Ciaravino’s career in the sport of dogs spans 35 years, starting as a Junior Handler. Since 2005, she has worked as an All-Breed Professional Handler, responsible for the day-to-day training, conditioning, and showing […]

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 […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can’t help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or introduced […]

The first step in finding your perfect puppy is to find a breeder you trust and we make that easy: just look for breeders who are members of our AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program. Breeders that participate in the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program pledge to uphold the program values of health, education, accountability, responsibility, and […]

Shedding happens. It's a fact. You can always count on locks losing their grip when spring or early autumn rolls around and dogs shed their seasonal coats. Environmental factors like temperature, nutrition, and stress can also affect canine coat loss. But while some loose hair occurs routinely during a dog's hair growth cycles, thinning hair […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 AKC® Lifetime Achievement Awards: James (Jim) Crowley (Conformation), Linda Mecklenburg (Companion Events) and Pluis Davern (Performance). The Awards, created by AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung in 1999, are presented […]

Typically breeders plan their litters far in advance. However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that has gripped our world, there are issues to consider beyond the pedigrees and the physical compatibility of sire and dam. So, what should we as breeders be thinking about before we proceed with that spring breeding? Is now the […]

More people than ever before are opening their hearts and homes to puppies during the coronavirus pandemic. For those who are self-isolating, puppies provide welcome wagging tails and comforting cuddles. Plus, many puppy seekers are discovering they now have the crucial element needed to raise a good dog: time. So, is now the right time to […]

EDITOR'S NOTE: A big, blinking, red stop sign of warning: There is absolutely no connection between the COVID-19 virus and any canine coronavirus referenced in this article. Most importantly, even though dogs can get a mild respiratory form of the canine-specific coronavirus, that virus is totally unrelated to the current human pandemic. Bottom line: Your dog […]