As we approach Independence Day, we reflect back on the 18 breeds that call America home and we’re proud to celebrate each and every one of them, including the Rat Terrier, which gained full AKC recognition in June.  We’re very excited to have the Rat Terrier join the AKC family. In celebration of the Fourth […]

In an effort to honor the thousands of therapy dog teams that make a difference in the lives of others daily, the AKC has added four new titles to its popular AKC Therapy DogTM program. In addition to the AKC Therapy Dog (ThD) title (awarded after 50 visits), the AKC now offers: AKC Therapy Dog Novice (ThDN) […]

Our pack is getting bigger and bigger! The American Kennel Club has given four additional breeds AKC recognition, bringing the total number of recognized breeds to 184.Allow us to introduce you to:Cirneco dell’EtnaThe Cirneco dell’Etna hails from Italy and joins the Hound group. The Cirneco is a hunter that works by scent, sight, and hearing. The breed has […]

To the question Do dogs really know when we're upset?" most dog owners will answer, "Uh, duh! Of course!" But now they've got science on their side. Recent studies have proven what dog lovers have known all along: Dogs can, and do, pick up on very subtle clues in humans and express concern for our […]

Your dog unquestionably trusts you—unless you’re something of a Cruella de Vil of 101 Dalmatians infamy.  Your dog unquestionably trusts you—unless you’re something of a Cruella de Vil of 101 Dalmatians infamy. You’ve earned that trust. You’ve provided a safe home, taught him how to behave around other dogs and people, and most importantly, always fill […]

“Love me, love my dog,” is a time-honored saying, but a Japanese study suggests that the inverse—“Love me, love my human”—may be just as valid. That’s the case even when it came to that one offer dogs almost never refuse—food. Canine companions would turn down treats from people who were mean to their owners, said scientists […]

Most breeders don’t think of themselves as having much in common with retail pet stores. But many anti-breeder extremists already consider you one, and a slew of legislation now appearing in dozens of communities across the country defines just about  anyone who  breeds or sells a dog as a retail pet store.  Throughout the country, […]

As the name implies, breed-specific legislation (BSL, for short) is any legislative attempt to ban or place severe restrictions on owners of a particular breed of dog or dogs with certain physical characteristics, regardless of whether or not their particular dog is a problem in their community. Like racial profiling for dogs, BSL summarily penalizes […]

By Sarah Sprouse AKC Government Relations Legislative Analyst State legislators across the country are stepping up to recognize the canine heroes among us. This issue is near and dear to the American Kennel Club as AKC dog owners were instrumental in forming a civilian organization called Dogs for Defense in 1942 with the intent to […]

By: Sheila Goffe, Director, Government Relations Over the last year, AKC Government Relations has seen a rapid increase in the number of bills designed to restrict the sales of pets. Most are being introduced at the local level —and nearly all are packaged as “anti-puppy mill” or anti “pet shop” measures.     Sounds good, […]