Editorial: June 20, 2025

The last two weeks’ editorials in Dog News addressed the very restrictive anti-dog breeding law being introduced in New York, followed by news that the Dutch Kennel Club has lost a lawsuit against a well-organized and well-funded animal-rights group. Here at home, we all know the determination of the extreme members associated with animal-rights groups, who will do and go to any lengths to stop us as breeders of purebred dogs. Puzzling, of course, is their pass on shelter dogs, who by and large are the result of unwanted and indiscriminate breeding. Now is the time to ramp up our efforts to fight this ever-tightening noose around our necks. We need to encourage and support the American Kennel Club in this effort. Maybe the creation of an organization similar to Take The Lead, where the monies raised combined with those from the American Kennel Club could help communities around the country effectively fight these anti-dog-breeding restrictions. Sad but true: It takes money to fight these animal-rights supporters, who have the ear of government officials. We as a community are becoming isolated due to clubs moving their shows to venues no longer in the area in which they were originally held, leaving these anti-dog supporters with no opposition. As we isolate ourselves more and more, even our language has changed: We no longer say we are attending the XYZ Kennel Club Show this weekend; instead, we say we are going to Springfield, Doswell or Vallejo. The shows have lost their identity and are now only referred to by location. Local communities need to be exposed to dog shows and related events. How can you encourage new fanciers when they are not exposed to the very thing you want them to join and participate in? You know the old adage: Out of sight, out of mind. To that end, the American Kennel Club has tried to hold Meet The Breeds events across the country.  

We seem to be fighting a losing battle. But the war is not over, and we need to promote purebred dogs and tell the public about our deep commitment to breeding healthy and happy dogs that are such a large part of the American lifestyle. Sadly, the American Kennel Club has been remiss in educating and informing the public of our good works and what dogs do in everyday life, such as guardians of those with infirmities, whether physical or mental; search and rescue; police work; drug enforcement; military work, and not to mention family pet. Let’s not forget the creation and good work of the under-publized Canine Health Foundation, funding research to improve animal health that ultimately improves human health. What better way to fight the idea that is held by many that mixed-breed dogs are healthier than purebreds? There are no simple answers, and we need an organized grassroots movement that includes the American Kennel Club, show-giving clubs and individuals.