In October 2016, the American Kennel Club (AKC®) joined the world of online learning with the launch of AKC Canine College. Canine College brings robust, interactive learning content to breeders and judges. Subject matter for groomers and trainers is in development and will be coming soon.
AKC’s growing catalog of online courses features educational material for all breeders. Anyone just starting out should begin their learning with AKC Breeding Basics. For more advanced learners, we have detailed courses on nutrition, whelping, and a series on genetics.
For AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T. members, Canine College is a great way to meet the annual education requirement. Breeders may access the educational materials at no cost. They also may opt to be tested on the material and receive a certificate upon passing the examinations for a nominal fee.
The most recent course addition to Canine College comes from famed dog author and breeding expert Claudia Waller Orlandi Ph.D. The ABC’s of Dog Breeding – Selection provides breeders with the knowledge to understand selection from the point of view of simply inherited, polygenic and threshold traits. Highlights of the course include prioritizing defects in your breed, understanding fitness traits, evaluating correct temperament, and more.
The ABC’s of Dog Breeding course content will further be expanded to include a two-part course on anatomy and is broken into sections based on the dog standing and the dog in motion. Learners will dive into the challenges of understanding canine anatomy with a focus on size, substance, stance and proportions.
“Responsible breeders are dedicated to continued learning, but it can be challenging to find convenient educational opportunities on the latest breeding best practices,” said Mark Dunn, AKC Senior Vice President of Registration & Customer Development. “The AKC is committed to improving the education and capability of all breeders as well as the happiness and health of all purebred dogs.”
With Royal Canin USA as the sponsor of Breeder Education, the AKC continues its long-standing commitment to advance the health and welfare of all dogs by creating one of the world’s foremost online breeder education libraries.
To see all available education opportunities visit AKC Canine College.