From Akitas to Xoloitzcuintlis and everything in between, the Westminster Kennel Club presented for the first time AKC Meet the Breeds® brought to you by Purina® Pro Plan® on Saturday, February 14th at Pier 92 in New York City. Dog lovers had the opportunity to interact with hundreds of cuddly canines at the 6th […]

  2016 was another busy year for AKC Government Relations, its state federations, and responsible dog owners and breeders advocating for dogs. Over 2,200 bills impacting animals were monitored by AKC GR. Several new laws impacting dog owners and breeders were enacted over the past year. It is imperative for responsible owners to ensure they […]

  A groundbreaking shelter study released today by the National Animal Interest Alliance (NAIA) reveals that U.S. animal shelters are reporting an all-time low in the number of purebred dogs available. The study finds that only about five percent of the dogs available in U.S. shelters are purebred; a significant departure from the 25% figure […]

  Frankfort, KY –The American Kennel Club (AKC) is pleased to announce that Kentucky State Senator Robin Webb and State Representative Tommy Turner are recipients of the AKC Legislator of the Year Award for 2016. “The American Kennel Club is pleased to honor Senator Webb and Representative Turner with our Legislator of the Year Award,” […]

  Purebred dogs are purpose-bred dogs and come in all shapes and sizes. The characteristics that make each of these dogs unique also help them perform the function for which they were bred. The physical appearance of the dogs illustrates this, and is also an important part of the breed’s history. For example, the thick […]

  Gracie, dog rescued from Michael Vick’s fighting ring, dies She was just a funny-looking little bow-legged black pit bull, but her legacy will be huge. Gracie, who died Monday in her home in Midlothian, Virginia, was one of the 51 dogs seized in the 2007 raid on NFL star Michael Vick’s Bad Newz dogfighting […]

  Lauren Watt was heartbroken when her best friend, Gizelle, was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer. She and the 8-year-old 160-pound Mastiff shared so many fond memories. So as a way to create many more in the few months they had left together and to help Gizelle enjoy her last little bit of time on Earth, Watt created a […]

  After a one-year hiatus, the Detroit Kennel Club dog show returns to the Motor City this weekend with events Saturday and Sunday, June 20–21, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in the Detroit suburb of Novi, Michigan. This year’s show features a number of special attractions, including obedience and rally trials, demonstrations, AKC National Owner-Handled […]

  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 […]

  More and more people are traveling with their pets and bringing dogs into the United States from overseas. Although a pet doesn’t need a passport to enter or re-enter the United States, you are required to provide certain documentation attesting to the health of your dog or cat. These rules serve to protect the […]