Renal dysplasia (RD), also known as renal malformation, refers to a type of congenital chronic kidney disease. Learn more about renal dysplasia in dogs.

Hello, my name is Christopher Plank, I was born and raised in Waterloo, Illinois. Throughout my childhood, I have had the opportunity to grow up with White German Shepherds whom my grandmother bred and raised. As part of this passion, participation in these events and interacting with others has provided the opportunity to explore new […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="Adjunct Approval (April 1994 Board meeting)"] When a new breed becomes eligible for championship competition, there is one three-month window of opportunity for judges to submit applications under the adjunct system. [/accordion_panel] [accordion_panel title="AKC Board Household Judges (July 2000 Board meeting)"] A household member of a Board member may submit a judging application […]

Walk down the dog food aisle of any large pet-supply store, or peruse the shelves at your local pet food shop, and you can quickly become overwhelmed. This is especially true for new puppy owners, and probably even more so for first-time puppy owners. When did it get so complicated? In years past, dog food […]

In May, two major federal issues dominated the canine legislation landscape. The U.S. House Agriculture Committee unveiled its draft for the 2024 Farm Bill, officially titled the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024. This essential legislation reauthorizes U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs for five years and includes significant provisions affecting canine health […]

Early this morning, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee approved a House Farm Bill (H.R. 8467) that supports important priorities for dog enthusiasts and responsible breeders, including canine health, welfare and the rights of responsible dog owners. The bill was also approved without problematic potential amendments outlined in the May 17 alert.    We thank everyone […]

Seventeen state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session. The following are highlights of current, active legislation around the country: Arizona – Senate Bill 1047 seeks to regulate dogs outdoors. It provides specific exemptions for police and working dogs, hunting, training, “sporting and competitive functions”, and “lawful competitions”.  As introduced, the bill […]

With their trailing ears and adorably drooping faces, Basset Hounds are beloved pups—but did you know the breed originated in sixth-century France, as hunting cousins to the longer-legged Bloodhound? Here’s everything else you need to know about these jowly jewels of dogs.

Owning a large breed dog comes with large responsibilities, especially when it comes to choosing the best large breed dog food. After all, you want your dog to live a long, healthy, active life, and that starts with good nutrition. Feeding a properly formulated, high-quality diet is one of the most important things you can […]

Here you can access a list of AKC Government Relations resources available to help you be effective advocates for responsible dog ownership and breeding! Be sure to check back often, as we are continuously adding new items.  If you have any questions about these materials, or are dealing with a canine legislation issue, please contact […]