Some positive actions for dog owners were taken in the Virginia House Agriculture Subcommittee on Wednesday, January 29, and we appreciate all who have taken time to contact their legislators.  The bills continue to move quickly, and AKC will continue to provide updates. Actions this week include: Amendment to regulations on tethering and keeping dogs […]

For Anne Brastow, Obedience and Agility are all about daunting physical and psychological challenges with each step in the ring. But, you're probably asking yourself, isn't that the case for many? That may be true, but when the Bellevue, Washington, owner-handler competes in both AKC dog sports, she's doing so from a powered wheelchair. Consequently, her 7-year-old, multi-titled Cavalier King Charles […]

The Virginia Senate ACNR Companion Animals Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider Senate Bill 272 TOMORROW (Thursday, January 30). This is the Senate version of House Bill 1552 we alerted you on yesterday.  Thanks to all of you who took the time to contact the House Agriculture Subcommittee on that bill.  We now ask that you […]

The Virginia House ACNR Agriculture Sub-Committee is scheduled to consider House Bill 1552 tomorrow which seeks to modify or include provisions that were not included in tethering legislation that just passed and became law last session.  This attempt to revisit last year’s approved legislation could create several significant problems for dogs and dog owners in […]

You've chosen a puppy, bought supplies, puppy-proofed your home, and established some household rules. Now it's time to bring your new puppy home. Of course you're excited and eager to start this new bond, but try to imagine what this is like for the puppy. He's just been taken from his mother, siblings, the only […]

Heart failure, often brought on by valvular disease, is one of the most common causes of death amongst small breeds like the Chihuahua, Maltese, and others as they approach their twilight years. Here's what you need to know about this disease and what you can do if you receive a diagnosis for your dog. What […]

Many first-time puppy owners feel overwhelmed in the early weeks of bringing home their new addition. As a responsible breeder, there is much that can be done to alleviate some of the more common issues owners have with new puppies before you send your precious litters out to their new homes. Addressing common problems before they begin can set your puppies up for success in their […]

You've welcomed a new puppy into your home. Congratulations! Now what? In addition to enjoying snuggles, playtime and the challenges and rewards of puppy training, it's up to you to make sure your dog gets the right amount of food and exercise. Keeping healthy weight gain on track helps ensure a smooth transition from puppyhood […]

Yesterday, the New Hampshire House Environment and Agriculture Committee took testimony on three dog bills and delayed testimony for two weeks on HB 1389.  AKC’s prior alert and details on bills scheduled for this hearing can be reviewed here. Updates from the Committee hearing:  American Kennel Club Government Relations (AKC GR) testified with the New […]

AKC Senior Breeder Field Representative Stacy Mason has spent a lifetime breeding, showing, and training dogs. Here, she shares her plans for making 2020 a great year for her and her dogs. We are already several weeks into 2020, and I am still wondering where 2019 went! Once again, I didn’t get my Christmas cards to […]