As a breeder, you know that a puppy can go from happily playing to feeling under the weather within a matter of hours. After several litters, you may know the symptoms that indicate a minor illness versus symptoms that could become an expensive medical emergency. Passing this knowledge on to your puppy owners can go a long way […]

When you bring a puppy home, you usually know their birthday and exact age. However, estimating the age of a dog rescued from a shelter can be difficult. Why does knowing your dog's age matter? "The reason it's important to estimate your dog's age is that age influences so many aspects of your dog's quality […]

AKC continues to monitor several bills impacting dog owners in Oregon. Below are the latest updates, along with contact information if you wish to comment on any of these measures. AKC GR will continue to provide individual updates and alerts when necessary.  Bills in Oregon Legislature: House Bill 2915 – Pet Choice Restrictions. Status: Passed […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – SB 2 seeks to prohibit inmates from participating in training of dogs for tracking humans. AKC is monitoring this legislation, which has not yet received a committee assignment. Arkansas – HB 1420, among other provisions, defines […]

Federal Regulatory Update  – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced in late January that it is extending current requirements for the import of live dogs from countries at high risk for rabies. These requirements had been due to expire January 31, 2023.  Under current requirements established in June 2022 all categories of […]

  Welcome to the AKC . We have put together definitions for dog words that you may not be familiar with. If you have additional questions regarding the glossary, please contact our Special Services Department. A Abdomen The belly or under surface between the chest and the hindquarters. Acetabulum The concave lateral portion of the […]

The New Jersey Assembly Agriculture and Food Safety is scheduled to consider two bills this week that raise constitutional concerns for dog owners.  Assembly Bill 2354 and Senate Bill 981 seek to establish court procedures for the seizure, care, and forfeiture of animals involved in animal cruelty violations.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) remains concerned […]

In recent years, the French Bulldog has blossomed in popularity, becoming America’s most sought-after breed in 2022. With their bat-like ears, flat faces, and compact frames, the Frenchie is instantly recognizable: and absolutely adorable. As with any pet, read up on their specific needs and traits to make sure that a French Bulldog is the […]

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 […]

Earlier this week, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) announced that it has extended the comment period for future proposed changes to the federal Animal Welfare Act’s (AWA) rules and standards, including adding regulatory requirements to address species-specific environmental enrichment for dogs and other regulated animals.  Originally […]