The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 AKC® Lifetime Achievement Awards: James (Jim) Crowley (Conformation), Linda Mecklenburg (Companion Events) and Pluis Davern (Performance). The Awards, created by AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung in 1999, are presented […]

The AKC Lifetime Achievement Awards were created to recognize those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the sport of purebred dogs on a national level. The recipients were selected by votes cast by AKC Member Clubs for nominees in each of the following categories: Conformation, Companion Events and Performance Events. The American Kennel Club […]

The New York legislature has adjourned for the year.  Although the bill to prohibit the sale of purpose-bred pets at retail pet stores passed on the last day of session, there were also many victories this session for dog owners. AKC Government Relations thanks the Associated Dog Clubs of New York State and the many […]

Good dogs come from good breeders. Good breeders strive to improve their breeds while considering canine health, temperament, training and promoting responsible dog ownership. Part art, part science, and total devotion, breeding is exciting and challenging. Breeder education is key. The American Kennel Club will be honoring Parent Clubs which provide outstanding breeder education materials […]

This week’s enactment of “Joker’s Law” wrapped up Tennessee’s 2021-2022 legislative session with several significant wins for dogs and dog owners. The American Kennel Club Government Relations team (AKC GR) thanks AKC club members, dog owners, sportsmen, allied organizations, and every individual who contacted lawmakers about legislation that affects our dogs. A special thank you […]

The New York General Assembly is heading into what is likely the last week of session for the year.  While most bills impacting dog owners are no longer moving this year, bills that would essentially ban the veterinary practice of bark softening (“debarking”) and significantly restrict pet choice and breed rescue are still moving. New […]

Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Arizona – House Bill 2323 states that for the purposes of homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, the breed of dog may not be the sole consideration for underwriting or determining risk or loss, questionnaires or surveys regarding the presence of a dog on the […]

Our dogs are extremely important parts of our daily lives. They follow our commands, work with us in various capacities, and act as faithful companions. Studies have shown that dogs provide health benefits. Service dogs have these abilities, combined with training to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.  During the last decade, the use of service dogs has rapidly expanded. However, more […]

The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is pleased to recognize its affiliated dog clubs which have been holding AKC events for over 100 years and are an essential part of the sport of dogs. Founded in 1884, AKC together with its affiliated organizations promote responsible dog ownership, conduct over 23,000 organized dog events per year, breed […]

A combination of breed and socialization will help determine how your dog will behave. Here's why breed matters when selecting a pet.