What’s New from AKC Government Relations This issue of Taking Command highlights major issues and emerging trends in legislation over the past year.  In 2019, the Government Relations department tracked more bills than ever before. Success in protecting the rights of dog owners and ensuring the well-being of dogs is achieved through the hard work of […]

AKC Government Relations Reflects on Record 2019 Legislative Year 2019 was a record year for AKC Government Relations, with the team tracking over 2,300 bills on the federal, state and local levels across all 50 states. This marks a significant increase, with over 300 more bills than 2018, and the most bills ever tracked by […]

A bill has been introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives that would place further regulations on breeders, and restrict pet choice and consumer protections in the state. Colorado residents are strongly encouraged to contact your State Representative, as well as the House Rural Affairs, today and express your concerns with House Bill 20-1084. (Scroll […]

Do you have a disaster plan in place for your dog? When it comes to emergency preparedness, here's what every dog owner needs to know.

Fiber is an often-overlooked nutrient in dog foods, but it's surprisingly beneficial to our dogs. Although it comes only from plant-based ingredients, there are plenty of healthy ways it can be included in your dog's diet—through ingredients such as sweet potatoes or green beans. The quality of the fiber is important, as well, so make […]

Dogs can smell like many things, depending on what they have most recently rolled in, but one of the more unpleasant aromas dogs commonly develop is one of fish. If your dog smells like fish, it is probably not because he figured out how to spray himself with Eau de Sardine. A fishy odor is […]

We all want what we can't have, and topping that wish list is a simple – if improbable – ask: Immortality, please. As no one has yet managed to live forever, the next best thing is keeping your legacy flickering long after your mortal candle has sputtered. This goal is often best accomplished with money […]

A bill has been introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives that would place further regulations on breeders, and restrict pet choice and consumer protection in the state. Supporters of House Bill 20-1084, known as the “Humane Pet Act”, are claiming this bill will protect animals in Colorado.  However, there are numerous concerns, including: False […]

Responsible purebred breeders help ensure their puppies will grow into happy, healthy dogs. Here are just 10 of the reasons why I'll be buying a purebred puppy. Once I begin looking for a puppy of my own, AKC Marketplace will connect me with a responsible dog breeder who loves their dogs like family. The breeder […]

Dogs are incredibly diverse in size, appearance, energy levels, and temperament, and it's no accident. Dogs have been purpose-bred for generations to highlight this diversity. In times past, people relied on dogs to perform jobs and tasks. Different breeds were developed specifically to do for those working purposes. Today, most of our dogs spend a […]