On Thursday, October 31, 2019 the Manatee Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to hold a work session to discuss proposed restrictions on retail sales of pets.  Concerned citizens are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more and provide input on these proposals. Certain legislation that has been introduced and/or enacted in other Florida […]

Owning a rare breed of dog can lead to some unique joys, such as a more casual atmosphere at conformation shows, a small social circle of owners, and more.

[accordion] [accordion_panel title="What is the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin?"] The AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin is North America's largest dog show, held annually since the year 2001. In 2019, the show takes place on December 14 and 15 in Orlando, Florida, with Championship Week events beginning December 10. Each year, […]

October 7, 2019 The Collier County (FL) Board of Commissioners is scheduled to consider several proposals that could restrict consumer choice for residents who wish to add a dog to the family.  Concerned animal owners are encouraged to attend the meeting on October 8, 2019 to learn more about the proposals, and residents are urged […]

What’s New from AKC Government Relations September means the end of summer, going back to school, and for some states it also signifies the convening of legislative sessions after summer breaks, and a final push on bills before the end of the year.  We encourage you to continue to keep an eye on our Legislative […]

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 introduced […]

For better or for worse, the ways we communicate have been changed forever by social media. Snail mail, faxes (remember those?), and long-distance telephone calls have largely been replaced by the ease and speed of online chatting. Still, convenience is not without its pitfalls. For novices and experienced fanciers alike, there are smart ways to […]

September 25, 2019 A Prince George’s County (Maryland) policy committee is expected to consider numerous changes to the county’s animal laws at a hearing tomorrow, Thursday, September 26. Those who reside or participate in dog events and activities in Maryland are strongly encouraged to contact the Prince George’s County committee and express concerns with how […]

In 1939, a million Americans a year paid admission to attend AKC shows exhibiting over 100,000 dogs across the country. The mightiest events, Westminster and Morris & Essex, reported record-setting entry numbers during the 1930s that have still never been topped. Savvy publicity efforts and new AKC publications brought the formerly closed-circuit world of purebred dog breeding and exhibition to the American public, who clamored for more. […]

-Organization is An Advocate for Breed Preservation & Dogs Everywhere- On September 17, 1884, a group of 12 dedicated sportsmen from local dog clubs convened to form the American Kennel Club® (AKC®).  135 years later, the AKC has grown into the world’s largest not-for-profit dog registry and is the second oldest amateur sport-governing body in the […]