The American Kennel Club (AKC), celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2009, is the oldest, largest and only nonprofit dog registry in the United States. It not only registers some 165 breeds of purebred dogs, but also has begun an entirely new area devoted to mixed breeds. There will be competitions for these like the current ones for purebreds.

Aside from the registry and maintenance of the stud book, the AKC holds competitions in every form of dog activity: agility, conformation, earthdog tests, field trials, hunt tests, lure-coursing, obedience and tracking. If it can be done with a dog, the AKC is there. Programs include the AKC/Canine Health Foundation, working in every field of canine health for all dogs; Companion Animal Recovery, which microchips and enrolls any sort of companion animal; The AKC Museum of the Dog; and the AKC Canine Good Citizenship Test, which many states now use to determine a dog’s legal status in problem cases. The AKC Legislation section fights anti-dog laws in the entire country; in many states dog owners have it to thank in great measure for maintaining their rights to own pets.

The Mispillion Kennel Club (MKC) and the Wilmington Kennel Club are the only all-breed clubs in Delaware, different from field trial or other special-interest clubs. MKC started around 1964 and will be celebrating its 45th annual dog show, obedience trial and rally obedience trial Nov. 8 at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury, Md. With 1,000 or more dogs entered, spectators can see most of the AKC-recognized breeds, speak with the exhibitors, watch all the competitions, admire the beautiful trophies to be won and browse the vendors’ stalls. An annual springtime match show – sort of like spring training for the real thing – is held outdoors near Georgetown.

The club has year-round classes in Obedience, Rally Obedience, Conformation Handling, Canine Good Citizenship, Agility and Puppy Kindergarten. There is no licensing requirement for claiming to teach any form of dog training in the state of Delaware, but MKC instructors have years of competitive experience in the classes they teach and a warm understanding of the dog/human relationship.

Some MKC members and their dogs visit nursing homes, rehab facilities and local elementary schools where the kids have a hands-on experience with a gentle purebred as they pat it and hear about proper, loving dog care. The club awards generous scholarships each year to a Delawarean attending veterinary school and at Delaware Technical & Community College in Georgetown in the veterinary technician program. During the holiday season, instead of the usual gift exchange, members bring food and/or toys for CHEER to distribute to seniors with pets who may need a bit of help in caring for them. They have fun in parades, doggie dress-up shows and in just owning these wonderful companions.

Call 856-2199 for the free Five-State Area Referral Service to get information on reputable breeders and the rescue organization run by each AKC breed parent club. Talking to the breeders is much better than relying on some internet website where anything can be claimed and usually is.

Visit the MKC website, mispillionkc.org, to check in on what’s going on and when meetings will be held, or call 302-856-2199 or 422-2293.

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American Kennel Club Summer Safety Tips

• If kept outside, make sure pets have plenty of shade. Remember that doghouses are not good shelter during the summer as they can trap heat.

• Make sure dogs have access to plenty of cool, fresh water 24 hours a day. Owners who travel with dogs should bring along water and a bowl.

• Never leave a dog in a vehicle on a warm day. Even with the windows open, the temperature inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.

• It’s fun to take dogs along to run errands, but if the dog can’t come inside the store, it’s best to leave him home. Tying a dog outside a store is dangerous because he is exposed to the hot sun and strangers who could be unkind.

• Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or evenings, when the sun’s heat is less intense.

• Make sure the dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date. Dogs tend to stay outdoors longer and come into contact with other animals more during the summer months.

• Keep dogs off lawns that have been chemically treated or fertilized for 24 hours (or according to package instructions), and away from potentially toxic plants and flowers. Visit akc.org/pdfs/public_education/hazardous_plants.pdf for a list of toxic plants.

• Mosquitoes (which carry heartworm disease) along with fleas and ticks are more prevalent in warmer months. Ask a veterinarian for an effective preventive to keep these parasites off the dog.

• Many dogs like swimming, but some cannot swim or may not like the water. Be conscious of the dog’s preferences and skills before putting him in the water. Always supervise pets while they are swimming.

• Chlorine from pools and bacteria from streams, lakes and ponds can be toxic for a dog’s system. Always rinse dogs with clean water after swimming. Beware of the wildlife that may pose a danger to swimming pets. Some catfish are known for attacking small dogs.

• Many airlines will not ship animals during summer months due to dangers caused by hot weather. Some will only allow dogs to fly in the early morning or in the evening. Check with airlines for specific rules. Shipping policies can be found at
http://akc.org/pdfs/canine_legislation/airline_chart_0605.pdf.

• If traveling by car, keep dogs cool by putting icepacks such as frozen water bottles in their crate. DO NOT use freezer ice packs, which can contain poisonous materials. Make sure the crate is well ventilated. For more traveling tips visit http://www.akc.org/public_education/travel.cfm.

• Be aware that asphalt can quickly get hot enough to burn the pads of dogs’ paws. In hot weather, walk dogs on the grass or dirt where is it cooler.