Humans take years to develop. Dogs though, in our eyes, mature almost overnight. One morning you have an adorable little puppy on your hands, and the next your puppy is starting to act like a teenager, complete with mood swings and behavioral changes. Sexual maturity is an important part of this process, and it is something that we […]

This weekend, the Virginia House and Senate passed a Substitute version of SB 272 and the bill now heads to the governor. This Substitute included the absolute temperatures and weather conditions language, along with a new (and unclear) provision that would allow an animal control officer to assess a situation a determine the ability of […]

Next week, several Connecticut General Assembly Joint Committees have scheduled public hearings on a number of bills impacting dogs.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is encouraging all dog owners to review this list and submit your comments via email to the respective committees. Sentencing Commission Review of Animal Cruelty Laws: SB 388 requires the Connecticut […]

Legislatures are in full swing across the country and AKC Government Relations (GR), clubs, breeders, and federations are walking the halls in capitols across the country to advocate on behalf of our dogs, breeding programs, and sport. In addition to the outreach and advocacy work conducted by AKC’s four regional GR staff, GR team members […]

Elections Are Coming: Ideas for Identifying Dog-Friendly Candidates Primary elections across the U.S. are narrowing the list of candidates who will be on the ballot on Election Day, November 3. To preserve the future of purebred dogs, it’s important to identify dog-friendly candidates and use your vote to elect those who will protect the rights […]

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 […]

This Friday, March 6, the Connecticut Joint Environment Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing on HB 5338, which seeks to prohibit the sale of animal fighting paraphernalia.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes the difficulties in prosecuting those who engage in animal fighting under current law, which requires catching individuals in the act.  […]

Minnesota House File 3369, which seeks to prohibit the sale of dogs and cats by retail pet shops, is scheduled to be considered by the Minnesota House Committee on Commerce on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) opposes legislation that attempts to artificially manipulate the market in favor of pets sourced solely […]

Generally speaking, smaller dog breeds can make good companion dogs for apartments or condominiums. They adapt well in confined spaces, and they don't need a tremendous amount of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. But there are many dog breeds that make good choices for apartments, some of which you may not expect! Bulldog […]

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2020. Founded by the American Kennel Club on February 21st, 1995 as an independent, 501c3 non-profit organization, CHF has grown into the world’s largest funder of health research focused solely on dogs. By funding high-quality, humane scientific research and sharing health information, CHF works […]