Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session, and two state legislatures are in special session. AKC Government Relations is currently tracking more than 1,500 local, state, and federal issues. The following are highlights of current legislation around the […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Six state legislatures and the District of Columbia are currently in session, and two state legislatures are in special session. AKC Government Relations is currently tracking more than 1,500 local, state, and federal issues. The following are highlights of current legislation around the […]

On Wednesday, November 8, one dozen animal bills impacting dogs and breeders are on the agenda for review by the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture (JENRA). The hybrid public hearing is scheduled to start at 1PM. The American Kennel Club Government Relations Department (AKC GR) has tracked most of these bills […]

On Friday, October 20, the Los Angeles City Council directed that an ordinance be drafted to suspend the issuance of breeding permits in the city as a way to address shelter overpopulation concerns.  Public comments from key officials indicate that this could also curtail the ability to own intact animals in the city.  Should this […]

Summary: On Tuesday and Wednesday this week (September 26 and 27), two Los Angeles city committees will consider a proposal that could lead to a suspension of new breeder permits for city residents. Under current city law, breeder permits are required for all breeding in the city, as well as for anyone wishing to own […]

Puppy strangles (or juvenile cellulitis) is an uncommon idiopathic skin disease. It's believed that a hereditary autoimmune issue, and is not contagious to humans or other dogs.

This July, federal policy has been heating up. AKC Government Relations has been working to educate Congress on the many problems and concerns with two bills that could negatively impact dogs and responsible breeders. One-size-fits all mandates such as the Puppy Protection Act (HR 1624) may sound great on the surface, but they are problematic […]

Every year, the AKC publishes its list of breed rankings by popularity, based on registration statistics. 2022, the top 10 least popular breeds were: Pyrenean Shepherds (No. 190) Cesky Terriers (No. 191) Sussex Spaniels (No. 192) Harriers (No. 193) Azawakhs (No. 194) Belgian Laekenois (No. 195) American Foxhounds (No. 196) Sloughis (No. 197) Norwegian Lundehunds […]

University Professor Marion Crain balances a love of the law with a lifelong passion for dog obedience with her Keeshonds and Border Collies.

The Westminster Kennel Club show was held last week at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center and televised to millions of dog lovers around the World. The show ring is one of the few places where an expert can judge a dog, based on its written breed standard, of how capable it is […]