The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, which has made west St. Louis County its home for nearly 30 years, is not staying.

It will pack up its dog statues, dog paintings and dog library for a move to its original digs in New York City, officials announced Friday. No timeline has been set, but Stephen George, the museum’s executive director, guessed that the move would happen in mid- to late 2018.

The museum, one of the area’s more well-known obscure attractions, was ridiculed by some in its early years here after the county spent tourism money on it. But its collection of about 4,000 works of art showcasing man’s best friend throughout history have been fetching to loyal fans.

And yes, dogs can sniff out the artwork; they are allowed inside.

The decision to move was a “mutual agreement between both boards to expand and enhance the future of the museum,” the AKC said in a statement. It will move back to the city headquarters for the American Kennel Club, where the museum first opened in 1982. The AKC is still looking for a museum location there.