April is National Heartworm Awareness month, but not every dog owner is well versed in the potentially deadly parasite. It's only transmitted by mosquitos, which pick up larval heartworms — called microfilaria — circulating in the bloodstream of an infected animal. Dogs with heartworm can be treated, but the best approach to the parasite is prevention. […]

A bill is pending final approval in the Kansas House of Representatives that would mandate unannounced inspections of all state licensees- including hobbyists. In Kansas, a hobby breeder must be licensed if 3-5 litters are produced and under 30 animals sold in a year.  Unannounced inspections could prove challenging, as it is a hobby and […]

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of diseases in all dogs. Since 1995, we’ve been awarding grants to scientists and professionals to advance canine health research, while providing professional information and resources for today’s dog owner.

The American Kennel Club Releases New 2018 Point Schedule -Realignment of Divisions Creates Equitable Distribution of Points-   Effective May 16, 2018, the new Schedule of Championship points will go into effect with a realignment of divisions. See it here: http://akc.org/sports/conformation/resources/points-schedule/ “While computing this year’s Point Schedule, we continued to listen to customer input and […]

New Hampshire Senate Bill 569, which seeks to expand those considered “commercial kennels” by the state and create bond for care requirements, is scheduled for consideration by the House Environment and Agriculture Committee on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.  This may be residents’ last chance to personally express concerns with SB 569.  All concerned dog owners […]

The top agility canine athletes in the nation were crowned on March 25 from an overall entry of 917 dogs at the AKC National Agility Championship held in Reno, Nevada. “These dogs are true athletes, and it’s amazing to see them do what they do best,” said Carrie DeYoung, AKC Director of Agility. “Their performances […]

All-Breed Shows All-Breed shows are conformation events that are held for the more than 190 breeds and varieties of dogs recognized by the AKC to compete in, unless otherwise noted on the club's premium list. Also listed under All-Breed are the Group Shows, or shows limited to one of the seven AKC Groups: Sporting, Hound, […]

The Onondaga County Legislature is considering 2 proposals on Tuesday, April 3, that would impact the ability to keep a dog outside: Legislator Ryan’s proposal would prohibit anyone from tethering a dog outdoors for more than 2 hours when the temperature is lower than 32 degrees or higher than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.  Although it does […]

Breeding and showing dogs is a roller-coaster ride, with exhilarating highs and great disappointments in equal measure. You must make difficult decisions, and when they impact friends, saying "no" can be especially hard. If you own a stud dog, one of those difficult decisions will be turning down a bitch owner who wishes to breed […]

March came in like a lion and continues to roar for the American Kennel Club’s Government Relations department. The GR department is currently tracking over 1,860 pieces of legislation to ensure that your rights as a dog owner, breeder, and fancier are not infringed upon. As always, if you are aware of a new local […]