Animal rights groups that oppose the purposeful breeding of dogs have long sought to unfairly tarnish the reputation of responsible breeders and shut down regulated professionals by falsely claiming that breeders are cruel or negligent “puppy mills”. A common tactic of anti-breeder groups is to push for laws that prohibit pet retailers from selling purpose-bred […]

Lab lovers continue to make their voices heard! The American Kennel Club (AKC®) announced at a virtual press conference today at the AKC Museum of the Dog that the ever-popular Labrador Retriever is the nation’s favorite dog for the 30th consecutive year. While the loveable Lab holds firmly to the top spot, the French Bulldog […]

As mentioned in a previous alert, a bill has been introduced in the California Assembly that would regulate all breeders in the state. The bill has now been assigned to the Assembly Business and Professions Committee.  No hearing has been scheduled; however, it is important that the committee members hear from Californians who will be […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – House Bill 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 […]

What’s New from AKC Government Relations The AKC Government Relations team is off to a busy start for 2021. Currently, 47 state legislatures are in session and many dog-related bills have already been introduced. Congress has been busy with organizing with new leadership, the impeachment, COVID and budgetary issues.  So far this year, AKC GR […]

Growing up on a farm, Adrienne Hales developed a love of raising animals at an early age. Her passion turned to pets at the age of 8 when she began breeding Teddy Bear Hamsters for her friends. Her dedication to detail included designing their playgrounds and building them with paper towel rolls. At age 12, […]

When the going gets tough, the tough get dogs. That was the lesson of 2020, when global lockdowns saw dog breeders' waitlists multiply and rescues empty as everyone rushed out for a furry companion. But new findings reveal a stunning 73 percent of people who became first-time dog owners during the COVID-19 crisis have considered […]

News from the State Capitols  Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Connecticut – On January 8, 2021 the General Assembly issued a bulletin listing legislative leadership and a two-week schedule for remote committee meetings to determine organization rules governing procedures. Florida – Several bills of interest to dog owners […]

A good website can be an invaluable tool for a breeder, one that provides an excellent means to educating puppy seekers about your breeding philosophy and your breed. With demand for puppies very high, breeders don’t need to do much to attract buyers, but a well thought-out website is a good way to screen for […]

Thousands of dogs put their best paw forward for the title of National Champion The AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin® will air on its new network, ABC, as a three-hour special this Sunday January 17, 2021 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. The show features thousands of dogs from around the country and the […]