In July 2025, PETA filed a petition seeking to compel AKC to take action under its Charter and Bylaws in response to PETA’s complaints and to declare that AKC acted improperly in its handling of the complaints under Article 78. The petition also sought to prevent AKC from continuing to use the official breed standards for the Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug, Dachshund, and Chinese Shar-Pei.

In September 2025, AKC filed a Motion to Dismiss, arguing, among other points, that Article 78 does not apply to the claims presented and that PETA lacked standing to bring the case. PETA subsequently opposed the motion.

The Court has now granted AKC’s Motion to Dismiss and denied PETA’s petition. In its decision, the Court affirmed that AKC is a private, not-for-profit organization and that PETA is not a member, nor subject to AKC authority, discipline or regulation, and thus AKC’s actions are not subject to review in an Article 78 proceeding.

“This decision reinforces AKC’s role as a private organization and our ability to uphold the standards and governance processes that are central to our mission,” said Gina M. DiNardo, President and CEO of the American Kennel Club. “We remain focused on what matters most, the preservation of purebred dogs, advocating for all dogs and the people who care for them, and supporting the right of individuals and families to choose the dog that is right for their household.”

AKC views this outcome as a meaningful win for the organization, its breeds, and its National Breed Clubs, allowing continued dedication to its mission and the advancement of responsible dog ownership.

For more information, visit www.akc.org.

Richard Ansdell, Highland Tod, Fox Hunter, 1859. Oil on Canvas. Collection of the American Kennel Club

The American Kennel Club® Museum of the Dog is excited to announce its newest exhibition, Scotland, The Brave Dogs, which will run from March 26th, 2026, through July 12th, 2026.

Coinciding with New York’s Tartan Week, Scotland, The Brave Dogs, is an exhibition celebrating Scottish breeds through works by noted Scottish artists such as Edwin Douglas and Samuel Fulton, as well as renowned artists Sir Edwin Landseer, Richard Ansdell, John Sargent Noble, and George and Maud Earl.

More than a celebration of iconic breeds, the exhibition offers a window into the nation’s rich history and cultural legacy. Through the stories of these dogs, their roles, their evolution, and their deep connection to the land, we honor Scotland itself: its working traditions, its artistic heritage, and the remarkable dogs that helped shape both.

“It is always an honor when we get to highlight the exceptional work of dogs through art,” says Alan Fausel, Curator for the AKC Museum of the Dog. “We are excited to be celebrating Scotland, its culture, and the incredibly brave dogs that are deeply entwined with this nation.”

For more information on this exhibit or the AKC Museum of the Dog, please visit www.museumofthedog.org

Class of 2030
• Domenic Palleschi Carota, Delegate, Pharaoh Hound Club of America
• Jason Hoke, Delegate, Chain O’Lakes Kennel Club
• Sue Goldberg, Delegate, Lewiston-Auburn Kennel Club, Inc.

In addition, Dr. Thomas M. Davies (Springfield Kennel Club, Inc.) was re-elected as the Chairman of the Board and Dr. Michael Knight, PhD (Texas Kennel Club) was re-elected as Vice Chairman of the Board at a meeting of the AKC Board of Directors, convened after the Delegates Meeting.

Domenic Palleschi Carota

Jason Hoke

Sue Goldberg

From the South Windsor Kennel Club Facebook Page

It is with great regret we are notifying you that Springfield Kennel Club and South Windsor Kennel Club, for reasons beyond our control, have been forced to cancel our Spring Cluster shows on April 18, 2026 and April 19, 2026 in West Springfield, MA.

Several days ago, after months of our trying to pin down our written contract, Eastern States Exposition (ESE) personnel informed us that they have rented all suitable buildings on the grounds to other entities and have no building available for us, despite the fact that our shows have been held at ESE for decades. Quite a shock and huge disappointment to say the least. For the past few days, we have made every effort to find an available alternate suitable venue, but with no success. Look for us again in 2027.

Wednesday, January 28th the Show is Delayed by 1 Hour, for all ring times. No catch up/make up of time from the delayed start.

From The Indy Winter Classic Cluster: “Due to the later time in us getting the building this year, exhibitors will likely not have access until after 6pm. Please understand this is for your safety. Be patient and allow HKC, DIKC & BIKC to get the reserved grooming marked, dog exercise pens put together, rings set up, the vendors to get set up, and everything that makes this event run smoothly. Thank you for understanding and please travel safe!”

Visit the Cluster Website for more updates: https://hoosierkennelclub.org/iwc.html

The St. Charles Missouri Kennel Club Show & Gateway Vizsla Club scheduled for Saturday & Sunday, January 24 & 25 have been cancelled due to impending weather and safety concerns.

The show in West Friendship, MD held by Carroll Kennel Club is cancelled for Saturday & Sunday, January 24 & 25 due to the winter storm expected.

From The Carroll Kennel Club Show Committee: “Carroll Kennel Club has decided to cancel both days for this weekend. This was a hard decision for them to make. A major factor is having to replace several judges who have requested to cancel their assignment for fear of not being able to get back home safely. The club respects their safety and need to be home during this potentially intense storm. This in addition to the other workers and club members that would have needed to attend the show.”

Manatee Kennel Club in Brooksville, FL is CANCELED remainder of today (Sunday January 18th) due to weather.

The Canine Chronicle is saddened to share the passing of Cynthia Macaulay-Savioli on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at age 66. Her loving husband Vincent was by her side and was her caregiver during her illnesses. They lived 40 wonderful years together, traveling the US and the world. They recently traveled full time in their RV.

Cynthia was a breeder, exhibitor and judge of Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis. Under the Aubrey prefix, she and her husband had many champion Corgis in the US and around the world. Her greatest joy was placing her puppies with loving families during her 40+ year love of both breeds. Most recently, she and her husband were awarded AKC Breeders of the Year – Herding Group in 2023. She so loved and appreciated the support of the dog community, especially Bobbi Lord, Sherri Hurst, Tammie Wilcox and Joan Scott.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the AKC Canine Health Foundation- Lymphoma/Cancer research for Corgis. Too many of our beautiful Corgis are dying too young. Alternatively, please consider donating to Take the Lead, as they have been a big help during these past few years.

The Canine Chronicle extends our deepest condolences to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by many.

These breeds aren’t “new.” They have existed for a long time in different parts of the world. Full AKC recognition means there’s now a large enough population in the United States — with active ownership — to meet the requirements for full recognition.

“We are excited to welcome the Basset Fauve de Bretagne, Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier to the registry,” said Gina M. DiNardo, AKC President and CEO. “As always, it’s extremely important to do your research to find a breed that matches your lifestyle. Each of these three breeds is unique, giving prospective dog owners even more options to find the right dog for them.”

Joining the Hound Group, the Basset Fauve de Bretagne – also known as the Fawn Colored Brittany Basset – is an old hound, tracing its ancestry back to the 1500s in France where it hunted a variety of different game. The breed is a serious hunter, while also an excellent companion that is cheerful, intelligent and eager to please. They require a good, brisk walk twice a day and enjoy being with their family, as they are social animals. Basset Fauve de Bretagnes have a coarse, wiry coat that repels dirt and does not mat. Their coat requires weekly combing and brushing, with longer coats requiring hand-stripping.

Joining the Terrier Group, the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier was developed in the United States to get rid of vermin in homes and farms. They are small to medium-sized hunters with boundless energy and endurance. The breed is lively, friendly and affectionate with his family. They have a strong protective nature and pack instincts. Teddy Roosevelt Terriers need regular exercise, as they are an energetic breed. They are low maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring weekly brushing.

Hailing from Russia, the Russian Tsvetnaya Bolonka joins the Toy Group. Bolonki are excellent dogs for apartment living. They are small, sweet, loving, and friendly companions that are great with children and get along with other dogs. Bolonki are clever, independent for a toy breed, and intensely loyal to its family. These dogs do not require a great deal of exercise; however, they enjoy walks and playtime. Their coat requires brushing several times a week to prevent matting.

AKC Recognition offers a breed the opportunity to compete at all levels of AKC sports and events, as there are over 26,000 held each year. To become an AKC-recognized breed, there must be an active following and interest in the breed by owners in the U.S. and an established breed club of responsible owners and breeders. There also must be a sufficient population of dogs in the United States geographically distributed throughout the country. Breeds working towards full recognition are recorded in AKC’s Foundation Stock Service® (FSS®). Additional information on the process can be found at www.akc.org.