Monday, April 27, 2015 On Wednesday, April 29, the Rhode Island House’s Health, Education, and Welfare Committee will consider numerous bills that may impact dogs and their owners.  Of specific concern, House Bill 5800 would reinstate localities’ breed-specific ordinances that were enacted prior to the state’s 2013 ban on such local laws. House Bill 5573 […]

By the time most owners discover fleas on their pet; their home is usually part of the problem. Controlling and eliminating fleas requires understanding that the flea life cycle has three working parts. Each part can be found wherever dogs like to sleep, play and spend time. The three part life cycle involves: eggs, larvae […]

Each year there are hundreds of exhibitors who leave the ring unhappy about the placement of their dog. Some are disappointed because they did not win others because of a comment made by the judge. Here is an example of a comment that will upset many owners and handlers. "I liked your dog but it […]

ASK AKC  Dear AKC: We have a 22 month-old Bernese Mountain Dog and we just adopted a 7-month-old Standard Poodle from the shelter. He was not well taken care of by his previous owner since he is 22 inches tall and only weighs 23 pounds. He is not neutered. We have had the puppy for four […]

Many avid runners appreciate the company and support of a fellow runner. Taking your dog for a run not only gives you the advantage of companionship but also the satisfaction of keeping your dog healthy. What better way for you and your dog to stay trim and fit than to run together on a regular […]

The North Carolina House of Representatives has passed House Bill 159, which would define certain dog owners as “large commercial dog breeders” based solely on the number of intact female dogs they own.  Read AKC’s previous Legislative Alert for details on this legislation. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it has been assigned […]

Finding an AKC Sport that Fits Your Mixed-Breed DogSince 2010, the AKC has awarded thousands of titles to mixed-breeds. Why shouldn’t your clever, athletic mix join the fun? And why shouldn’t you enjoy the dog-park bragging rights that come with putting an AKC title on your dog? Here’s an overview of the competitions. Obedience Dog-and-handler […]

When I was looking for my first Doberman, I went to the local dog shows and saw which dogs appealed to me. At that time there were over 80 Dobermans entered at all the big shows in the Pacific Northwest. I talked to the people there and got the names of breeders. The people were […]

Many states have some version of a puppy “lemon law” that requires sellers to provide certain guarantees for the puppies they sell. Such a law usually sets forth certain remedial action that the seller must take in particular cases. Usually the law provides for remedies if a puppy is found to be ill or carrying […]

If you are considering becoming a mentor for an aspiring breeder, first I would say congratulations and thank you for doing your part to keep all that we love growing and flourishing. Next, there are things I would like you to consider. Becoming a mentor should not be undertaken without a lot of soul-searching on […]