Have you ever seen a cuter gathering?! The Golden Retriever Club of Scotland celebrated the 150th anniversary of their breed’s founding with a huge celebration that brought together 361 Golden Retrievers and their owners. World record broken by myself and my best friend @golden_chewbacca ! 361 goldens celebrating 150 years since the very first litter!! […]

This issue of Taking Command reviews major issues and emerging trends in legislation.  Among other developments, an increasing number of proposed laws seek to establish arbitrary dog care requirements that are not based on scientific criteria or accepted animal husbandry practices. For example, some states and communities have proposed laws that would require owners to provide dogs with “constant […]

We dog fanciers know that there is nothing quite as wonderful and fulfilling as our Sport. We also know we are our own best advocate.  Since we launched consumer-targeted initiatives like AKC Canine Good Citizen and AKC Family Dog many years ago, we have pursued a continuous campaign to share the joy of purebred dogs […]

By Jessica Acito, AKC Government Relations The Delaware House of Representatives has unanimously approved a bill to make the Golden Retriever Delaware’s state dog.  Eleven states currently have official state dog breeds, often recognizing those that are indigenous to a state. Pending approval by the Delaware Senate, the Golden Retriever will join the ranks of […]

North Carolina legislators and staff were thrilled to once again welcome the American Kennel Club to the state capitol for the annual AKC Canines at the Capitol event.  The AKC invited them to “come hug a dog on your lunch break” and they did just that – posing for pictures with the dogs and cheering […]

AKC is pleased to announce that more than one hundred legislators from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are sharing their commitment to responsible dog ownership this month by serving as honorary chairs for the Meet the Breeds™ event hosted by the American Kennel Club and Westminster Kennel Club. The Meet the Breeds event celebrates […]

The devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey is horrible and heartbreaking. And for those of us who don't live in the area, our hearts go out to those affected. We see what's happening to our fellow Americans and we're compelled to do something. Some people donate, others volunteer, and if you're dog photographer Alex Hopes, you […]

Linda Facci (aka "The Dog Felterer") is a perfectionist — and it shows in her amazingly realistic felt dog replicas. A remark such as, "I love your work, but this is creepy!" is not unusual for the self-taught artist to hear. Based in Manhattan, Facci keeps a busy schedule, with her 9-to-5 job as creative […]

In the last 27 years, things have changed dramatically. Facebook launched, Apple took over the mobile world, the United States has gone through four different presidents, and the AKC launched agility, Scent Work, Trick Dog, and more. One thing, however, has remained the same. Since 1991, the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed in […]

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="Lesson Plan: Grades K-1"] Using Illustrations in Peyton Goes to the Dog Show Learning Objectives Students will use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters. Grade Levels K-1 Common Core Standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7 Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.7 Participate in shared […]