Many times when talking to fanciers and club members they tell me how being involved “in dogs” has enriched their lives tremendously and that whenever they have the opportunity they look for ways “to give back to the sport of purebred dogs.” This spirit of volunteerism exists all around us in the fancy. Among those […]

While many in the fancy focused on federal legislation pertaining to canine welfare last year, a threat to our rights and privileges as dog lovers has been gaining momentum at an alarming rate across the country - breed-specific legislation. In 2005, the AKC tracked 106 breed-specific measures. This year, through March alone, 55 measures have […]

This year as we gear up for the fourth annual AKC ® Responsible Dog Ownership Day (AKC RDO Day) I am pleased to report about some new opportunities for clubs, state federations, and pet-related organizations as they plan their AKC RDO Day events in communities across the country.    Publicly promoting responsible dog ownership takes time, initiative […]

Fanciers this month commemorated a rich tradition in the sport of purebred dogs as well as opened their hearts to provide continued relief to those dogs left homeless by the hurricanes affecting the Gulf region. With more than 3,600 entries at the 2005 Morris & Essex Kennel Club dog show, this second revival of the […]

In honor of past and future AKC® award winners crowned and celebrated at the Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship dog show I am pleased to announce that the AKC has recently installed a “Wall of Fame” at the American Kennel Club Library in New York City. Joining the 18,000 volumes of canine works and rare books […]

Purebred dogs are poetry in motion. We love to watch them play, sleep, and perform the tasks for which they were bred. Over the centuries man continues to capture this beauty in various art mediums.  If we should find ourselves without our companions we therefore have something to feast our eyes on to rekindle that […]

Rally is AKC's newest dog sport and it is sweeping the nation. It was created to promote a positive relationship between the dog and its owner.  Rally is also the ultimate spectator sport. It is easy for spectators to understand and enjoy watching, even if they have never been to a dog show.  Every station […]

The AKC is committed to maintaining the freedoms we deserve and are fortunate to enjoy when it comes to owning, breeding and showing dogs. We are firmly opposed to any unreasonable infringement on the rights of hobby breeders who are dedicated to nurturing our beloved breeds and responsibly enjoying our sport. With this in mind, […]

In the fall of 2004, the Board embarked on a strategic planning initiative designed to establish a roadmap for accomplishing the very important mission of the AKC. Given the challenges we face from anti-dog legislation, animal rights extremists, and competing registries, we believe it is essential to develop a clear plan for the future.  To […]

Each March, Delegates representing the AKC Member Clubs elect individuals from among their own number to serve as voting members of the AKC Board of Directors. In order to understand the significance of this process, it is important to understand how the AKC is governed. There are three distinct, but interrelated, groups of individuals with […]