Each year, we are proud to recognize and celebrate the men and women who dedicate their lives to improving the health, temperament, and quality of purebred dogs. These breeders are the heart of our organizations and they deserve to be recognized for their incredible work. One breeder is chosen from each of the seven groups […]

New levels designed to recognize the dedication of breeders who contribute to the sport   “Many breeders have demonstrated a long-term commitment to breeding quality, healthy puppies and to mentoring new puppy buyers,” said Mari-Beth O’Neill, Vice President of Sport Services.  “These breeders have done so much for their breeds that the AKC is proud to […]

Click the links below to learn about AKC's Foundation Stock Service® Program. Foundation Stock Service® Program Home FSS Checklist - updated May 2023 (PDF) FSS Pamphlet (PDF) FSS FAQs FSS News Parent Club Best Practices First Certificate of Merit Earned for Miscellaneous Breeds How to Count Certificate of Merit Points in Miscellaneous (PDF) How to Count […]

Whether you’re breeding your first litter or next Best in Show winner, we offer invaluable resources for dog breeders, including up-to-date information, ongoing educational programs and more: Litter Registration Show you are a responsible breeder and that your puppies meet breed standards! When you register your litters with the AKC, you get a Registration Certificate […]

Breeders that participate in the AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. program enjoy these benefits: Bred with H.E.A.R.T. Program Logos Logos will be on both AKC dog registration applications & certificates Breed Specific Web Banners Web banners may be used to promote program acceptance on your website. Litter and Online Reports Coupons Bred with H.E.A.R.T. membership includes […]

The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) is pleased to recognize breeding programs from the Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups as 2017 AKC Breeder of the Year group honorees. “The breeders honored with this award are truly committed to excellence, consistency, breed standard and type,” said Dennis Sprung, AKC President and CEO.  “They […]

  Each month, the American Kennel Club (AKC) profiles breeders to hear how they got started and learn about their breeding program and experience with AKC Marketplace. We recently spoke with Karen Hanson of Labyrinth Brittanys in Maidens, Va. Karen began breeding Brittanys when she was a teenager, and today she is an AKC Breeder […]

Reputable breeders don’t just breed in the moment: They are thinking years, even decades ahead, thoughtfully breeding dogs that are typey, healthy, and sound enough to continue to benefit the breed long after they are gone. And that philosophy of paying it forward is even more satisfying when a second generation decides to plunk itself […]

  The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes Breeders of Merit for their dedication to breeding purebred dogs with the appearance, temperament, and abilities that are true to their breed standard and for their commitment to health screening and 100 percent puppy registration. The AKC celebrates their success in and passion for canine sports. They are […]

  AKC Breeder Spotlight: Jennifer Young-Hopkins of Y-Farms Kennels Each month, the American Kennel Club (AKC) profiles breeders to hear about how they got started, their breeding program, and their experience with AKC Marketplace. We recently spoke with AKC Breeder of Merit Jennifer Young-Hopkins of Y-Farms Kennels in Zachary, La. Here, she answers questions about […]