From Our Nation's Capitol AKC Government Relations team continues to monitor Congress for issues of interest to dog owners. Visit our 2020 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 […]

Local/Other: Issues at the City, County, and Metropolitan Levels, and in U.S. Territories 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 […]

Big, brave, and beautiful, Great Danes hold a special place in our hearts. But despite their larger-than-life persona, this giant breed has a relatively short life span. Why Are Great Dane Life Spans So Short? For such big dogs, Great Danes sure get the short end of the stick when it comes to longevity. Great […]

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the health of all dogs and their owners through sound scientific research and the dissemination of health information. CHF works with researchers, veterinarians, breed clubs, dog owners, and breeders to find and fund studies with the greatest potential to improve the health […]

The American Kennel Club is excited to announce the release of the AKC Breeder Toolkit. Working with and in support of our valued breeders, this toolkit incorporates Litter and Dog Management, Breeding Records, Online Reports, Dog & Litter Registration, Coupons, and much more into one convenient platform. The Breeder Toolkit will replace the current Online […]

Gilligan isn't your average dog. Just take a look at her long list of titles: Fishbay’s Merchant of Venice CD BN RE AX AXJ OF RATN DN CGCA TKA WWDX CWDX MAC-3 SROM. The versatile Portuguese Water Dog has earned an array of accolades, including winning multiple agility, Rally, and obedience classes at national specialties. Perhaps most impressive […]

Every three weeks, Maggie Kudirka’s Pomeranians—Momma Mia and Miss Vickie—get chicken. The treat is part of a ritual Maggie has maintained since 2014, when she learned that she had metastatic breast cancer. She was 23 years old. Chemotherapy infusions every 21 days keep her alive. She has endured more than 90 sessions. “I’ve gotten used […]

Now you can get started in Agility Course Test (ACT) from home! During this time of necessary social distancing, we want to provide those with dogs that are ready to test their agility skills a way to try the sport of ACT Agility locally. The AKC Agility ACT 1 Virtual pilot program will provide exhibitors […]

Four decades have passed since the dawn of New York’s poop-scoop law. Has it changed the world? In 2019, a Denver homeowner posted a sign on her lawn. It was a cry of frustration, her version of “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore.” Unlike the insane newscaster from the […]

Don't shave your dog, as it might make them hotter in summer and creates health risks. Instead, try these grooming and safety tips to keep them cool.