This agreement strengthens international collaboration around shared priorities, expanding canine exhibitions and registrations, advancing education, promoting dogs as family companions, and supporting responsible breeding and ownership, while establishing a framework for cooperation to deliver meaningful value to breeders, dog owners, exhibitors, judges, and event officials in both the United States and Australia.

“Strong international partnerships are essential to ensuring a solid future for purebred dogs,” said Gina M. DiNardo, President and CEO of the American Kennel Club. “We are honored to collaborate with Dogs Australia as we work together to advance responsible breeding, expand educational opportunities, support the growth of dog sports, and celebrate the extraordinary bond between people and dogs.”

“Some of our clubs, breeders, judges and competitors already have contact with and enjoy association with AKC members” said Hugh Gent OAM, President of Dogs Australia.  “The Mutual Cooperation Agreement will be of enormous benefit to both organizations, allowing us to share experience, embracing Canine Health, Research, Sporting Activities and collaboration on the many challenges facing our sports.”

“Dogs Australia sport activities are wide ranging and thorough,” said Doug Ljungren, AKC Executive V.P. for Sports A& Events. “We look forward to learning from each other in order to strengthening and broaden our programs.”

Under the agreement, the AKC and Dogs Australia will explore opportunities to collaborate on events, encourage the registration of purebred dogs, promote responsible breeding practices, and share knowledge to enhance the education of judges, exhibitors, breeders, and event officials. The organizations will also work together to promote dogs as valued family companions while advancing canine health and welfare through the exchange of research, resources, and best practices.

 At its July 2026 meeting, the AKC Board of Directors approved a new policy and related disciplinary changes to strengthen protections for dogs at AKC events.

The health, safety, and wellbeing of dogs are at the heart of everything AKC does. In recent months, several incidents involving dogs left unattended in vehicles have resulted in dangerous situations and, in some cases, tragic outcomes. As temperatures rise and these risks increase, the Board determined that additional safeguards are necessary to help prevent future incidents and reinforce the shared responsibility of exhibitors, handlers, and owners to ensure every dog’s safety.

Effective immediately, AKC’s new Unattended Dogs in Vehicles Policy prohibits leaving dogs unattended in vehicles that are fully enclosed or do not have adequate ventilation and airflow. Simply having fans, air conditioning, temperature monitors, remote alerts, or other electronic devices does not, by themselves, make a vehicle safe for an unattended dog. Owners and handlers are responsible for ensuring dogs are kept in conditions that protect them from heat-related illness, distress, injury, or death.

Violating this policy is considered conduct prejudicial to the best interests of purebred dogs, the sport of purebred dogs, and the American Kennel Club and may result in disciplinary action under the AKC Charter and Bylaws.

The Board also approved two related changes to support the new policy. Effective July 29, 2026, the Dealing with Misconduct at American Kennel Club Events guidelines will require an Event Committee hearing whenever a dog is seriously injured or dies in connection with an AKC event, not just when a vehicle is involved. This process allows the committee to review sworn testimony, determine the facts, and ensure these incidents are handled fairly and consistently at events across the country.

The AKC Discipline Guidelines have also been updated to include a new disciplinary offense and penalty structure for violations of the Unattended Dogs in Vehicles Policy. Depending on the severity of the violation and the circumstances involved, penalties may range from a one-year suspension and monetary fines to a lifetime suspension and fines of up to $10,000.

These changes reinforce AKC’s commitment to providing a safe environment for dogs and promoting responsible stewardship at every AKC event.

For more information on this policy contact: Compliancediv@akc.org 

The dog show community mourns the passing of respected AKC All-Breed Judge James E. Frederiksen, whose lifelong dedication to purebred dogs left an enduring mark on the sport.

Jim and his longtime partner, James E. Noe, became involved in the sport of purebred dogs in 1963. Together they bred and exhibited Collies under the renowned Two Jay’s Collies kennel name before later adding Shetland Sheepdogs. Their breeding program produced numerous champions, top-winning dogs, and influential producers whose impact on the Collie breed extended throughout the United States and around the world.

Beyond their success as breeders and exhibitors, Jim and James were active leaders in the sport, including service with the Collie Club of America, where one or both held several offices, including president. As highly respected AKC judges, they spent decades judging across the United States and internationally while mentoring aspiring judges through the East Tennessee Judges Study Group in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Jim was admired for his knowledge, fairness, and unwavering commitment to the sport. His influence will continue to be felt through the many breeders, exhibitors, judges, and dogs whose lives he touched.

The Canine Chronicle extends its heartfelt condolences to James E. Noe, their family, friends, and the countless members of the dog community who had the privilege of knowing Jim. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Nicole (“Nicki”) King of Lebanon, Indiana. A respected professional dog handler, Nicki was admired not only for her talent and dedication to the sport, but for her kindness, warmth, and friendship to everyone she met.

She will be greatly missed, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and the entire dog community.

The Canine Chronicle is saddened to share the passing of Tol Clinton “TC” Livingston, who passed away on June 29, 2026, at the age of 85.

TC is survived by his beloved wife, Mollie Livingston; his children and their spouses, Clint and Karen Livingston, Brian and Lori Livingston, and Colette Livingston-Keith and Shawn Keith; and his four cherished grandchildren, Skyler Livingston, Landon Livingston, Demery Livingston, and Brady Keith.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North in San Antonio, Texas, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A funeral procession will then continue to Mission Burial Park North.

The Canine Chronicle extends its heartfelt condolences to Mollie, the Livingston family, and TC’s many friends during this difficult time.

The purebred dog fancy has lost one of its most respected and admired ambassadors with the passing of Mrs. Kathleen Steen of Georgia.

A highly regarded AKC Judge, accomplished breeder of German Shepherd Dogs, and devoted advocate for the sport of purebred dogs, Mrs. Steen had the honor of judging many of America’s most prestigious shows, including the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Long before she entered the judging ranks, Kathy established herself as one of the breed’s most respected breeders through her Galewynd German Shepherd Dogs. She bred and owned numerous outstanding representatives of the breed and was associated with some of the most influential German Shepherd Dogs of their time, including the legendary Ch. Galewynd’s Georgio Armani. Expertly handled by James Moses, “Armani” captured the hearts of fanciers nationwide while finishing as one of America’s Top Dogs in 1989, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the breed.

Her influence reached far beyond the ribbons and trophies. Kathy was a steadfast supporter of the American Kennel Club and a passionate advocate for preserving the purpose and heritage of the German Shepherd Dog. She believed that every breeding decision, every judging assignment, and every conversation about dogs was an opportunity to protect the future of the breed she loved so dearly.

A longtime and beloved member of the Atlanta Kennel Club, Kathy was always willing to volunteer her time, support club activities, and lend her expertise wherever it was needed. Her kindness, professionalism, and quiet leadership earned her the admiration of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

The passing of Kathleen Steen marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in the history of dog shows and the German Shepherd Dog, but her impact on the breed and on the sport of purebred dogs will continue for generations to come.

The Canine Chronicle extends its deepest sympathies to Kathy’s family, her many friends, the members of the Atlanta Kennel Club, the German Shepherd Dog community, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy built on knowledge, integrity, mentorship, and an unwavering love of dogs.

She will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever honored by the sport she served so faithfully.

Representing a significant milestone in international canine sport, the FCM Universal Dog Show marks a historic collaboration between the American Kennel Club and Federación Canófila Mexicana. The four-day event will bring together top breeders, exhibitors, junior handlers, and dog enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate the excellence, diversity, and preservation of purebred dogs.

As one of the premier international dog events in the Americas, the FCM Universal Dog Show will offer exhibitors an exceptional opportunity to compete on a global stage while strengthening relationships across the international dog community. The event reflects both organizations’ shared commitment to advancing the sport of purebred dogs and promoting responsible dog ownership worldwide.

“The American Kennel Club is thrilled to partner with Federación Canófila Mexicana to present the Universal Dog Show,” said Gina M. DiNardo, AKC President and CEO. “This landmark event represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter of collaboration between our organizations. Together, we are creating new opportunities for exhibitors, expanding the reach of AKC events internationally, and celebrating the extraordinary diversity and excellence of purebred dogs on a global stage.”

The four-day event will feature AKC-Licensed conformation competition, special attractions, and exclusive opportunities for exhibitors. AKC Junior Showmanship will be offered each day, with the Best Junior Handler receiving automatic qualification to the 2027 AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin, pending all other eligibility requirements are met.

Exhibitors will have the opportunity to earn exclusive FCM titles each day and take advantage of a highly discounted AKC registration offer available to eligible foreign dogs planning to attend the event. AKC registration is required for results to be officially recognized by the AKC.

FCM will also host a special attraction event for dogs and breeds that are not currently eligible to compete in the AKC-Licensed shows, providing additional opportunities for exhibitors and celebrating the broad diversity of the canine community.

“We are thrilled to welcome exhibitors, breeders, handlers, and dog enthusiasts from around the world to this historic event. The 2026 FCM & AKC Universal Dog Show will be an unforgettable celebration of purebred dogs, international friendship, and excellence in our sport, a landmark moment that will create lasting memories and mark a new chapter in purebred dog history,” said Dr. José Luis Payró, President of the Federación Canófila Mexicana.

AKC.tv will provide a live broadcast of Saturday’s competition, featuring Group judging and Best in Show, allowing audiences around the world to experience the excitement of this historic event.

For more information about the event, including the Premium List, judging panels, point schedule, and entry information, visit https://www.akc.org/sports/conformation/fcm-universal-championship/.

The Silken Windhound. Photo credit: Joyce Chin

The Silken Windhound will become recognised by the Royal Kennel Club with effect from 1 October 2026. The breed will be classified in the Hound Group on the Imported Breed Register. Until such time as a Royal Kennel Club interim breed standard has been published, the Silken Windhound is not eligible to compete at Royal Kennel Club licensed breed shows.

The Silken Windhound is a modern sighthound developed in the United States in the 1980s. Created to combine elegance, athleticism and a gentle temperament, the first recorded litter was born in 1985. The breed has since become established internationally and is recognised for its versatility, sociable nature and suitability as both a performance dog and companion.

The Royal Kennel Club will recognise 228 breeds of pedigree dog from 1 October 2026, following the recognition of the Yakutian Laika and Miniature American Shepherd in July 2026.

Press Release: The Royal Kennel Club (RKC) is the UK’s leading organisation dedicated to the health, wellbeing, and happiness of all dogs. Granted the royal prefix by His Majesty King Charles III in 2025, the RKC builds on over 150 years of heritage to champion responsible ownership and ensure every dog leads a healthy, fulfilling life.? 

Remembering Kim Griffith

June 29, 1948 – June 4, 2026
The dog show community is saddened by the passing of Kim Griffith, a longtime fancier whose love of purebred dogs touched many lives.

He was admired not only for his knowledge of dogs, but also for his friendship, kindness, and willingness to help others along the way.

Throughout the years, Kim made lasting contributions to the breeds he loved and formed countless friendships within the dog show community. His passion for dogs and the sport will be remembered by all who knew him.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Gigi, his family, and his many friends during this difficult time.

The dog show community is heartbroken by the sudden passing of longtime AKC Executive Field Representative, respected breeder, and former professional handler Lynn Meyer.

Lynn dedicated her life to the sport of purebred dogs and was widely admired for her knowledge, professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to exhibitors, breeders, handlers, and judges across the country. Throughout her career, she touched countless lives, both inside and outside the show ring, earning the respect and friendship of generations of dog fanciers.

Her loss will be deeply felt throughout the sport she loved so much.

Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with her husband, Michael Allway, her mother, Cindy Meyer, and all of Lynn’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

Lynn will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.