Scout is one of five 2022 AKC Awards for Canine Excellence recipients. She won the Exemplary Companion category. This category recognizes dogs without formal training or certification that have nonetheless distinguished themselves in some way and have made a meaningful contribution to their owners or communities. For almost a decade, Scout has been going to […]

USDA APHIS/ Regulatory – AKC submitted comments to the US Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) regarding a draft five-year strategic plan for the agency.  Comments will assist APHIS in finalizing the plan, of which a final version is expected in the fall.  AKC’s comment highlights three main needs:  (1) […]

Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in US Territories The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can’t help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or introduced […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Connecticut – Established in Public Act No. 22-54, the Department of Agriculture has convened a workgroup to explore a state-wide dog license portal.  In addition to the Conference of Municipalities, the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association and the Town […]

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 – H.R. 2840/S. […]

If you plan to be at the American Kennel Club National Championship, make sure to stop by the AKC Government Relations/PAC Booth to participate in AKC PAC promotions. We’re pleased to be bringing acclaimed caricature artist Rafael Diez back to the show this year! For a donation of $35, you can get a caricature of […]

Hummer is one of five 2022 AKC Awards for Canine Excellence recipients, winning the Uniformed Service K-9 category. This category recognizes certified therapy dogs working in hospitals, schools, disaster sites, war zones, and wherever else the affection of a good dog can provide comfort. It isn’t one of those online dating sites, but Custom Canine Unlimited […]

These champion show dogs took the top prize in conformation at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin.

Armed with keen knowledge and many years of hands-on experience, judges enter the dog show ring with the challenging task of selecting one winner. And when you're on one of the biggest dog show stages, the stakes are higher. A judge must select a single winner out of a great group of dogs, work within […]

Anti-breeder and animal rights groups are making a year-end push on Capitol Hill to advance arbitrary and harmful federal breeder regulations (H.R. 2840 /S. 1385)  called the “Puppy Protection Act”.  This bill would mandate arbitrary new requirements for certain hobby and professional dog breeders, and continues to gain support Congress.  We urge all responsible dog […]