State Issues: News from the State Capitols  Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – HB 209 sought to authorize food service establishments to allow pet dogs in outdoor restaurant seating areas if the company wishes to do so.  It would have required that the dog be leashed or […]

The Iowa Legislature has passed a bill that will amend several of the state’s cruelty laws. A number of confusing and problematic provisions were removed from the bill, but some questions still remain.  House File 737 will soon be sent to the governor; those who reside or participate in dog events in Iowa are encouraged […]

The “Safer at Home” period is a great time to get started on your dogs’ health testing. All dogs should have health testing, as recommended by each breed’s parent club, prior to breeding. And now, while many events are canceled and you might have extra time on your hands, it is the perfect time to […]

The American Kennel Club is excited to announce the release of the AKC Breeder Toolkit. Working with and in support of our valued breeders, this toolkit incorporates Litter and Dog Management, Breeding Records, Online Reports, Dog & Litter Registration, Coupons, and much more into one convenient platform. The Breeder Toolkit will replace the current Online […]

Several of the pointing breeds have a heritage of retrieving from water. These breeds are required to pass the AKC Water Test in order to be awarded field trial or hunting test titles. An ongoing issue that owners have faced is the lack of water tests. To address this issue, the AKC Performance Events Department […]

Gilligan isn't your average dog. Just take a look at her long list of titles: Fishbay’s Merchant of Venice CD BN RE AX AXJ OF RATN DN CGCA TKA WWDX CWDX MAC-3 SROM. The versatile Portuguese Water Dog has earned an array of accolades, including winning multiple agility, Rally, and obedience classes at national specialties. Perhaps most impressive […]

A public hearing followed by a vote to enact a problematic new Aiken County animal ordinance is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2020.  Attendance at the public hearing will be limited.  Please scroll down to view meeting and contact information. Provisions of the Proposed Ordinance Include:  Does your dog bark or do your livestock animals […]

Many dog owners take their dogs with them wherever they can—whether it’s a day at the park or a week at the beach. No matter how long or short the drive is, though, it’s important to keep your dog safe in your car, just as you would any other passenger—and, of course, yourself. Unsafe Seats […]

Every three weeks, Maggie Kudirka’s Pomeranians—Momma Mia and Miss Vickie—get chicken. The treat is part of a ritual Maggie has maintained since 2014, when she learned that she had metastatic breast cancer. She was 23 years old. Chemotherapy infusions every 21 days keep her alive. She has endured more than 90 sessions. “I’ve gotten used […]

Puppies do the funniest things! Do they know they’re funny? Maybe not, but they are usually having fun. Dogs are especially playful animals; not every species actually engages in play. One thing is certain – dogs like to make their people happy. Here are a few things you may see that are perfectly normal and […]