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Breeder of Merit Program
Information about the requirements and benefits of the AKC Breeder of Merit program. Because Breeder of Merit is not simply a one-time recognition, breeders who want to be considered for it must apply for the program. Successful applicants can be recognized for their work with more than one breed. Breeders of Merit are recorded in […]
https://www.apps.akc.org//apps/breederofmerit/breederofmerit_list.cfm
| November 8, 2017
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AKC Breeder Of Merit Program
Here at the AKC, we believe in honoring responsible breeders who have gone above and beyond on health issues, temperament, and genetic screening, as well as to the individual care and placement of puppies in responsible homes. That’s why we started the AKC Breeder of Merit Program: To give breeders a way to prove their dedication […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/akc-breeder-of-merit-program/
| October 26, 2017
Press Releases
AKC Launches New Breeder of Merit Program
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) announced today the launch of the Breeder of Merit program, a new initiative designed to recognize AKC’s core breeders. "The Breeder of Merit program allows the American Kennel Club to celebrate our dedicated, passionate breeders who truly are the backbone of the sport and the foundation of our organization," said […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/akc-launches-new-breeder-of-merit-program/
| October 4, 2010
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Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
Breeder Spotlight: Lacey & Luisma Benítez of LBK AmStaffs
Lacey and Luisma Benítez, of LBK American Staffordshire Terriers, are the first and only Platinum Breeders of Merit of the American Staffordshire Terrier. They are a married couple, navigating life between Spain and St. Augustine, Florida, and have been deeply involved in this breed for 20 years. Luisma, who is from Spain, is a software […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/breeder-spotlight-lacey-luisma-benitez-lbk-amstaffs/
| April 18, 2024
Press Releases
LUKE AND DIANE EHRICHT NAMED 2023 AKC BREEDER OF THE YEAR
Luke and Diane Ehricht were presented with the 2023 AKC Breeder of the Year award for Hallmark Jolei Shih Tzu at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin on Saturday, December 16, 2023. The annual award honors those breeders who have made an impact on their breed and dedicate their lives to improving the […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/luke-diane-ehricht-named-2023-akc-breeder-year/
| December 16, 2023
Press Releases
THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB 2023 BREEDER OF THE YEAR GROUP HONOREES ANNOUNCED
The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize extraordinary breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2023 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees. “We are proud to honor these knowledgeable and responsible breeders,” said Dennis B. Sprung, AKC President and CEO. “Each of these individuals are […]
https://www.akc.org/press-releases/american-kennel-club-2023-breeder-year-group-honorees-announced/
| November 27, 2023
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Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
AKC Breeder Spotlight: William Buell III of Sitze-Gou Chow Chows
AKC Breeder of Merit William Buell, III grew up in Western North Carolina. His mother and her mother always had a Chow Chow. Bill has, since he can remember, almost always had a Chow Chow in the home. When he was young, he had two that would find, hold point and flush grouse. Although he […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/akc-breeder-spotlight-william-buell-iii-sitze-gou-chow-chows/
| June 20, 2023
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Meet the Breeder: Breeder of Merit Chris Flessner
Even if you don’t know Chris Flessner and her husband Bryan, chances are you’ve admired their handiwork: Their homebred “Trumpet” (GChB Flessner’s Toot My Own Horn) was the Westminster Kennel Club’s 2022 Best in Show winner, shown by professional handler Heather Buehner, who is also his co-breeder and co-owner. While this year marked the vaunted […]
https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/akc-breeder-of-merit-program/inner-circle-newsletter/breeder-of-merit-chris-flessner/
| October 28, 2022
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Expert Advice: Dog Breeds
AKC Breeder Spotlight: Traci Mitchell of Carlin Black & Tan Coonhounds
Traci Mitchell is an AKC Breeder of Merit Bronze, who breeds Black and Tan Coonhounds and an occasional Smooth Fox Terrier. The name Carlin is Irish Gaelic, meaning Little Champion in honor of her first Smooth Fox Terrier. She splits her time between southern California and southwest Iowa. She has lived in California all her […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/akc-breeder-spotlight-traci-mitchell-carlin-black-tan-coonhounds/
| October 18, 2022
![](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/19170037/Basset.win_.photo_-400x267.jpg)
Expert Advice: Dog Breeding
AKC Breeder of Merit: Recognizing Breeder Success with Multiple Levels
The AKC Breeder of Merit program was introduced in October 2010. Since that time, almost 16,000 breeders have been enrolled. The program was developed to recognize those breeders who are the foundation of our sport through their participation in various AKC events and dedication to selective breeding of healthy purpose-bred purebred dogs. The basic requirements are Minimum […]
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/akc-breeder-merit-recognizing-breeder-success-multiple-levels/
| September 19, 2022