We continued to enjoy a high level of visibility in the media with positive messages about the AKC and the sport of purebred dogs. Our advertisements, public service announcements, and public relations initiatives in print, radio, and television reached millions of households nationwide. Each year, we have more success using the media to advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, protect the rights of all dog owners, and promote responsible dog ownership.

The foundation of the American Kennel Club is its registry, and its integrity is our chief concern. In continued efforts to ensure the future of the registry, the sport of purebred dogs, and the health of the American Kennel Club, our Board of Directors adopted a formal strategic plan in 2005. Our management and staff are implementing the recommendations encapsulated in this plan. A notable result of strategic planning can be seen in the adoption of new technology to improve the registration process for our customers. Online litter-registration services showed exceptional growth: 50 percent in 2005. In December, we reached an all-time monthly high when 47 percent of all AKC-registered litters were registered online. I have no doubt that, with the road map we envision for long-term success, we will see many more positive changes in the coming years.

As we celebrate our past, we look forward to the challenges of the future. Our current financial position—clearly the strongest in the history of our organization—is added proof that the AKC is poised to achieve even greater feats in behalf of our sport and the dogs we love. I look forward to working together as a community to strengthen the AKC’s legacy as the voice for purebred dogs everywhere.


Ronald H. Menaker
Chairman