Our Beginnings On September 17, 1884, a group of twelve dedicated sportsmen, responding to a "meeting call" from Messrs. J. M. Taylor and Elliot Smith, met in the rooms of the Philadelphia Kennel Club in that city. Each member of the group was a representative or "delegate" from a dog club that had, in the […]

The New York legislature has adjourned for the year.  Although the bill to prohibit the sale of purpose-bred pets at retail pet stores passed on the last day of session, there were also many victories this session for dog owners. AKC Government Relations thanks the Associated Dog Clubs of New York State and the many […]

This week’s enactment of “Joker’s Law” wrapped up Tennessee’s 2021-2022 legislative session with several significant wins for dogs and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks AKC club members, dog owners, sportsmen, allied organizations, and every individual who contacted lawmakers about legislation that affects our dogs. A special thank you […]

The New York General Assembly is heading into what is likely the last week of session for the year.  While most bills impacting dog owners are no longer moving this year, bills that would essentially ban the veterinary practice of bark softening (“debarking”) and significantly restrict pet choice and breed rescue are still moving. New […]

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 the sole consideration for underwriting or determining risk or loss, questionnaires or surveys regarding the presence of a dog on the […]

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 – […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to recognize its affiliated dog clubs which have been holding AKC events for over 100 years and are an essential part of the sport of dogs. Founded in 1884, AKC together with its affiliated organizations promote responsible dog ownership, conduct over 23,000 organized dog events per year, breed […]

The Mudi (pronounced "MOO-dee"), one of two newly-recognized American Kennel Club breeds gaining full recognition January 1, brings a little bit of everything to the table. But make no mistake about it, this herding breed with Hungarian origin comes with a few caveats. “If not mentally and physically challenged, the Mudi can be barky and […]

Recently at a show, I chatted with an exhibitor who was new to the sport. She had done a lovely job of grooming and showing her very promising puppy, a European import. Since she seemed really determined to learn all she could about showing her breed successfully, I couldn’t resist asking why she had felt […]

2022 | 2019 | 2018 The second AKC US Detection Dog Conference was a success with a capacity attendance. Internationally known subject matter experts delivered thought provoking presentations that covered the breeding, training and deployment of Explosives Detection Canines as well as discussions on the domestic shortage of these amazing dogs. Thank you to the […]