The year 2004 marked the 120th anniversary of a preeminent and quintessentially American institution. Much like the wide variety of breeds it recognizes and the diverse group of fanciers it serves, the American Kennel Club represents many things to many people. We are a purebred dog registry, a governing body, an advocate for purebred dogs and our sport, a public educator, and so much more. The function and activities of AKC have grown and expanded in ways that our forebears could not have imagined in 1884.

A survey of AKC history is not only a lesson in the development of a great dog organization, it tells the story of the rise of a unique enterprise that holds a place in the pantheon of America’s renowned corporations. Recently, AKC was profiled on the History Channel’s weekly series History’s Business. AKC’s original founders, mission, and purpose throughout the last century and the possibilities for our future were all topics of discussion on this remarkable program. But there can be little doubt that AKC’s enduring success over 120 years was the true inspiration for our inclusion in this series. Very few companies can boast the level of heritage, preservation of core values, and staying power that AKC has demonstrated for so long. In that respect alone, AKC is a most unique institution.

A celebration of AKC history would not be complete without acknowledgement of our past leadership, which counts such captains of industry as August Belmont and William G. Rockefeller, and such prominent public servants as Congressman John Lafore and Hon. William Timbers, Sr. of the United States Court of Appeals.