Is a German Shepherd Dog right for you? Experts who know the breed will tell you that it all depends. Perhaps a better answer to the question "Which dog is right for you?" lies in a few bigger questions. What do you want in a dog? Where do you plan to take your dog? Gow […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Connecticut – A Police Transparency and Accountability Taskforce has been gathering public input before issuing recommendations for law enforcement reforms.  AKC GR testified that standards of accountability for law enforcement misconduct should include municipal animal control officers since they are identified as law […]

Czarina Ellingson held her breath as she took the leash off her Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Gatsby, at an Agility trial. She had decided that if he didn't obey her, Czarina would pick him up and walk him out of the ring — therefore willingly disqualifying them from their favorite dog sport. Gatsby — named after […]

The North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board (NCVMB) is expected to have legislation filed in 2021 that would seek to amend the part of the state’s Veterinary Practice Act. Currently, North Carolina law (NC GS § 90-187.10) defines what parties are required to be licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state.  That law also provides […]

The results of several elections may still not be official, but our outreach as responsible dog owners, exhibitors, and breeders needs to begin now. Many states elected a large number of new lawmakers on the federal, state, and local levels – most of whom likely know very little about canine legislation. Most state legislatures will […]

When Maria B. Moya was growing up, she always wanted a dog, but it wasn’t possible where her family lived. Then she got out on her own and moved to Hoboken, New Jersey. In her new town, everyone, it seemed, had a dog. Many of them were the trendy mixed-breeds, known as "Goldendoodles." Moya, who […]

Preparing to welcome a French Bulldog puppy into your home for the first time? Plan on making time for puppy-proofing, training, playtime, and other key activities. We turned to Sharon Dykes, who is an AKC Breeder of Merit with 25 years of experience, an AKC judge, and a board member of the French Bulldog Club […]

California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed several bills impacting dog owners, exhibitors, and sellers in the state: Assembly Bill 2257 – This bill addresses concerns raised by a law passed in 2019 that requires certain independent contractors to be treated as employees. The concern was raised that this could require clubs to provide benefits, workers […]

There are many large, muscular dog breeds. And several have droopy flews (big, hanging upper lips). But can you tell them apart? For those unfamiliar with the breeds, the Mastiff and the Bullmastiff in particular can be tricky to distinguish. Read on to learn about these two formidable protectors. Mastiff Mix-Up When Diane Collings, two-time […]

When it comes to sports training, people oftentimes underestimate the drive and potential of giant dogs. I'm always thrilled when my three-and-half-year-old Newfoundland, Sirius, is able to break some stereotypes about what giant dogs can do, especially dogs that have a history of medical conditions. This March, just as the COVID-19 quarantine began, Sirius became […]