Breeding and showing dogs is a roller-coaster ride, with exhilarating highs and great disappointments in equal measure. You must make difficult decisions, and when they impact friends, saying "no" can be especially hard. If you own a stud dog, one of those difficult decisions will be turning down a bitch owner who wishes to breed […]

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When we bring a dog into our family, most of us imagine that we will have that dog for the rest of the dog's life. While this is the ideal, it isn't always the reality. If your life circumstances change and you're no longer able to care for your dog, there are ethical ways to […]

Owning a dog is one of the greatest pleasures and highlights of our life. But there is a downside to loving a dog, and that’s the huge difference between our life expectancy and theirs. “Everyone wants to live as long as possible, and we want the same for our family members and pets,” says Dr. […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – House Bill 485, among other provisions, would have allowed a dog to be confiscated without court authorization if suspected of harassing, harming, or killing livestock. Minor amendments were adopted in committee, and AKC GR advocated for […]

Here are some highlights of state and federal regulatory issues AKC GR recently addressed.  Visit AKC’s Regulatory Resource Center for more information on these and other significant regulatory issues addressed by AKC Government Relations. Federal – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it is soliciting comments from the public on the use […]

AKC Government Relations continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2022 Legislation Tracking map and click on “Federal Bills” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing on the federal level include: U.S. Congress – […]

The Maryland General Assembly has adjourned, and passed bills relating to keeping dogs outdoors and care of animals seized on suspicion of cruelty.  While some positive amendments were included to protect responsible dog owners, some concerns still remain. The governor could take action on these bills very soon.  Those who reside or participate in dog […]

Diabetes is a chronic disease that can affect dogs and cats and other animals (including apes, pigs, and horses) as well as humans. Although diabetes can’t be cured, it can be managed very successfully. Diabetes mellitus, or “sugar diabetes,” is the type of diabetes seen most often in dogs. It is a metabolism disorder. Metabolism […]

The Illinois Legislature adjourned this weekend without taking action on several bills that would have had a detrimental impact on dogs and Illinois dog owners. AKC thanks all those who took the time to contact the legislators during the 2021-2022 session.  Your voice made a difference!  We also want to recognize the tireless efforts and […]