The following breeders have met the requirements for the Breed and Levels recorded at the time of the application. The American Kennel Club is pleased to recognize these breeders for their contribution to the sport and maintaining the tenets of the Breeder of Merit program. (current as of  7/15/24, last updated 7/17/24) [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Platinum"] […]

A Very Special Anniversary As we mark the 134th anniversary of the founding of our organization, the American Kennel Club opens our doors to a bright future in a fabulous new space.  After twenty years in the gray towers at 260 Madison Avenue, AKC is now at home in the refined and imposing Kalikow skyscraper […]

Congratulations to the top five All-American Dogs in AKC Agility in Regular competition, plus the number one All-American in the Preferred division. Pictured is one of the invitees, former shelter dog Olive Hawkins, and her handler, Stephanie Hawkins who will be making their first appearance at the Invitational! All six dogs have been invited to […]

AKC Reunite, the largest pet non-profit pet identification and recovery service provider in the United States, is excited to celebrate the 5 year anniversary of the AKC Pet Disaster Relief Trailer Program. AKC Pet Disaster Relief helps local Emergency Management teams provide temporary sheltering and care for pets displaced by a disaster. Once donated, the […]

Most of us put our all into producing fabulous puppies. We select breeding stock with care, emphasizing things like health clearances and temperament. We raise our pups in enriched pens and feed the best nutrition we can to sires, dams and pups. Yet we may be overlooking the importance of a key period in puppy […]

Lisa Gaertner of Pinecliff Cockers is a lifelong New Jersey resident and has owned Cocker Spaniels for the past 30 years. She is an AKC Breeder of Merit, member of the American Spaniel Club, treasurer of the Keystone Cocker Spaniel Club, and board member of the Cocker Spaniel Club of New Jersey. In addition to […]

For the American Kennel Club’s Government Relations department, this summer has had a unique focus on policy issues on the federal level. Topics such as detection dogs, dog importation, and animal welfare have all been hot topics for Congress. The American Kennel Club continues to work closely with members of Congress to educate and advocate […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Visit the 2018 Legislation Tracking page and click on your state to get the latest updates on state bills monitored by the AKC. California – Assembly Bill 1762 would require California State Parks to post on its website details of where dogs are allowed within […]

The AKC Government Relations Department is pleased to assist dog owners with canine legislation issues in their local communities, but we can't help unless we are aware of the proposal. Please contact us at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org when new laws are discussed or introduced in your city or county. We will provide you with resources and […]

The AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2018 Legislation Tracking page and click on “US Fed” on the map to get the latest updates on federal bills currently being monitored by the AKC. Highlights of issues we are currently addressing on the federal level include: U.S. […]