Concerned dog owners who have long relied on Taking Command's print coverage of canine legislation issues across the country will now have the newsletter delivered to their e-mail boxes monthly. Taking Command will continue to feature a broad range of articles on local, state and federal issues as well as our "Around the Nation" legislative […]

The American Kennel Club this week issued a statement of thanks to Senator Liz Figueroa in appreciation of her recent removal of the ear cropping provision from SB1548. By amending the bill, the Senator was able to advance legislation that would enact beneficial regulatory changes to the veterinary community, without infringing on the rights of […]

  In its endless pursuit to recognize outstanding members of the fancy, The American Kennel Club Lifetime Achievement Awards were established in 1998 to honor our Fancy’s best. The purpose of the awards is to celebrate those individuals whose many years of dedication have led to significant contributions to our sport on a national level. […]

Dear Members of the Fancy: We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for all the wonderful work you did to defeat the proposed cropping ban in California. Your efforts, your voice, your commitment to fighting this battle made the difference, and we know we would not have won this challenge without you. There is […]

  Five Dogs From Around the Nation Demonstrate Unconditional Devotion and Awe-Inspiring Assistance to Mankind New York, NY – The American Kennel Club announced today the winners of the fifth annual Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE), which honor the extraordinary canine-human bond and the innumerable ways in which dogs meaningfully contribute to our lives. Awards […]

July saw the successful conclusion of two federal issues of importance to the dog fancy, both of which were supported by the AKC. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued its long-awaited final rule strengthening the federal Animal Care regulations applicable to commercial dog dealers. Also, Congress enacted the "Minor Use and Minor […]

Each March, Delegates representing the AKC Member Clubs elect individuals from among their own number to serve as voting members of the AKC Board of Directors. In order to understand the significance of this process, it is important to understand how the AKC is governed. There are three distinct, but interrelated, groups of individuals with […]

On the evening of July 27, 2004 the Raleigh Police Department lost one of their beloved K-9 dogs. Nero, a four year old Belgian Malinois, was tragically killed in a training accident. Nero's death has taken a toll on the department. This is the second dog the department has lost in the last three months. […]

What began in June with an amendment to an otherwise widely-supported veterinary medical bill ended Wednesday when sponsor Senator Liz Figueroa agreed to remove the ear cropping ban from California SB1548. This victory is significant on many levels. Most obviously, California dog owners will now continue to enjoy the right to make their own informed, […]

Albuquerque City Councilwoman Sally Mayer has proposed sweeping changes to the city's animal control ordinance that would drastically impact fanciers' rights to breed their dogs. To view the proposed changes click here: http://www.cabq.gov/council/animalord.pdf. The measure's restrictive provisions include: An annual $150 permit for each unaltered dog or cat over six months old.   A $150 […]