The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS),  announced on June 24 that it is re-issuing a rule to require that breeder/dealers, research facilities, intermediate handlers, carriers and other animal enterprises subject to USDA licensing establish emergency/ contingency planning in the event of a natural or manmade disaster or […]

Arguably the world’s first “fad dog,” the Maltese was a persistent motif in Roman culture. Learn more about Maltese history.

Last evening, the city of Stamford’s Legislative and Rules Committee hosted a public hearing on a proposed tethering ordinance requiring an owner or keeper to remain outside with a tethered dog and keep it within view.  In a prior alert, American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) provided details on the proposal and urged resident […]

Regular veterinary visits are essential for your pet's health and wellness, but they can be stressful for dogs. And it's no wonder. They usually only go a few times a year, and when they do, they get poked, prodded, and stuck with a needle. But vet visits aren't optional, so try these simple at-home exercises and […]

Today, the New Jersey Assembly Appropriations Committee adopted amendments to Assembly Bill 2401, the “Responsible Dog Ownership Act”.  The bill is now scheduled for a voting session by the full Assembly on Thursday, June 24, at 1PM. The American Kennel Club (AKC) expressed strong concerns with earlier versions of A.2401, particularly with the bill’s disparate […]

The Floyd County, Georgia, Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to vote TONIGHT, June 22, 2021, on changes to the animal ordinance. Among other provisions, the proposed ordinance seeks to outlaw common and safe use of tethers and enact provisions regarding the payment of costs of care for an impounded animal that DO NOT conform […]

What's that? A few white hairs in your dog's muzzle? Come to think of it, your BCF (Best Canine Friend) catches more zzz's than usual, and unlike the puppy years, doesn't fly into a frenzy every time the doorbell rings. Your senior dog is slowing down. Now might be a good time to make a […]

Last week, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the temporary suspension of the importation of dogs from countries classified as high risk for canine rabies, or of those arriving from countries not considered a high risk if the dogs have been in a high risk country during the previous six […]

One of the more impressive dog tricks is the leg weave. Although it takes coordination, this remarkable move is easier to train than you might think.

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – HB 235, a bill supported by AKC GR, authorizes food service establishments to allow pet dogs in outdoor restaurant seating areas and sets out access, sanitation, and other requirements. It also specifies that emotional support animals […]