What sets the AKC apart from other dog registries? Plenty!
- Is a not-for-profit organization.
- Is the largest purebred dog registry in the world.
- Is the sports-governing body for over 22,000 dog events per year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, lure coursing, earthdog, herding, field trial, hunt test, and coonhound events. There are 5,000 clubs nationwide.
- Assists tens of thousands of volunteers and teachers across the country who teach responsible dog ownership and safety around dogs; features an education booth that visits dozens of events and conferences each year. Established the AKC Patch Program, which aims to introduce a new generation to the sport.
- Created and supports the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, which funds research projects focusing on the genetics of disease, the canine genome map, and clinical studies. AKC has donated over $33.7 million to the AKC CHF since 1995.
- Is the only registry that incorporates health screening results into its permanent dog records. Dogs certified to be free of hip or elbow dysplasia through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and dogs certified to be free of eye disease through the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) have their clearance numbers printed on AKC-certified pedigrees and registration documents.
- Founded AKC Reunite, which has reunited more than 500,000 lost pets with their owners.
- Created and operates DOGNY – America’s Tribute to Search and Rescue Dogs which supports Canine Search and Rescue (SAR) organizations throughout the United States. Donated $3.5 million to professional and amateur SAR organizations following 9/11.
- Offers a Canine Good Citizen® program – A 10-step test that certifies dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. Over 1 million dogs across the United States have been tested.
- Conducts thousands of kennel inspections annually to monitor care and conditions at kennels across the country and ensure the integrity of the AKC registry.
- Operates a Government Relations Department that provides input for federal, state, and local legislation governing responsible dog ownership.
- Offers the largest, most comprehensive set of DNA programs for the purposes of parentage verification and genetic identity to ensure reliable registration records.
- Supports one of the world’s largest collections of dog-related fine art and artifacts at the AKC Museum of the Dog, which is open to the public.
- Houses the world’s largest dog library, which is open to the public.
- Manages a Registered Handler’s Program, that sets criteria and standards for responsible, knowledgeable, professional handlers.
- Founded the AKC Humane Fund, which provides grants for domestic violence shelters and rescue organizations.