The Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE) reaches out to the public in a compelling way like no other AKC awards program. It's about more than great dogs and dedicated people, it's about their relationship with each other. And it's more than an award, it's a celebration of that extraordinary canine-human bond that exists between no […]

The Canine Legislation Department is currently monitoring numerous state bills proposing laws that would ban, restrict, or limit the practice of tethering dogs. AKC recognizes that under certain circumstances, responsible tethering is an appropriate method of containing a dog. As many of these bills severely restrict a dog owner’s right to responsibly tether an animal, many […]

Dog Experts Say Researching Breeds and Finding a Responsible Breeder Puts Your Pet in a Leading Role in Your Family New York, NY — In anticipation of the April 4, 2007 release of the family comedy Firehouse Dog, the American Kennel Club® reminds moviegoers about the importance of making careful, educated decisions when considering adding […]

  --Both Breeds To Compete In Herding Group--   The Swedish Vallhund and Beauceron became eligible for American Kennel Club® registration on March 1, 2007 and will compete in the Herding Group at shows held on and after June 27, 2007. The Beauceron is an old, distinct breed closely related to the longhaired Briard. They […]

Please be advised that Minnesota HF 1046, the Dog and Cat Breeders Act, has been pulled from today's agenda for the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee. The bill was to be considered at 6:30PM today. The Canine Legislation Department will continue to monitor legislative activities in Minnesota, and will advise as developments warrant. […]

  -- Kenneth A. Marden Elected; Dr. Patricia H. Haines and Patti L. Strand Re-Elected; Ronald H. Menaker and David C. Merriam Re-Elected as Chairman and Vice Chairman Respectively -- The Annual Meeting of the AKC Delegates took place on March 13, 2007. Kenneth A. Marden, Delegate from the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America, […]

The American Kennel Club is the only purebred dog registry which mandates both registration as well as care and condition quality control standards enforced through ongoing rigorous inspections of AKC Breeders. In 1991, the AKC’s Compliance Department came into its own, going beyond the complaint-based system of investigations to mandatory inspection for certain AKC breeders.  […]

Representative Gutierrez’s office has confirmed that HB 1106, the Pet Owner Responsibility Act will not move forward this session. Congratulations to the fanciers and concerned dog owners who took the time to educate their legislators about this important issue.   New Mexico Bill to Make Spay and Neuter Mandatory [Wednesday, February 14, 2007 New Mexico […]

California Assemblyman Lloyd Levine introduced the "California Healthy Pets Act" (AB 1634) on Friday, February 23rd. This proposed legislation will require that all cats and dogs over the age of four months must be spayed or neutered unless the owner acquires an intact animal permit. Failure to comply with the provisions of the bill carries […]

- AKC Publications Garner 5 Additional Awards - The American Kennel Club® is proud to announce that the Dog Writer's Association of America (DWAA) honored AKC Family Dog with its "Best All-Breed Magazine" award. This year was the publication's first nomination for the award. In addition, the AKC Gazette won three awards at the DWAA […]