DNA Facts and Figures
- Through December 31, 2008, the AKC collected over 475,000 DNA profiles in its database.
- The AKC DNA database has samples from 208 AKC and FSS breeds.
- The top ten breeds that are AKC DNA Profiled are:
Labrador Retriever (30,599)
Yorkshire Terrier (30,128)
Dachshund (26,587)
Poodle (23,792)
Chihuahua (21,480)
Shih Tzu (19,681)
Pomeranian (18,380)
German Shepherd Dog (15,637)
Golden Retriever (14,607)
Maltese (12,696) - DNA genotyping can be used to establish the identity of a dog and to verify parentage. As each generation is DNA Profiled by the AKC, pedigrees will carry that extra measure of confidence.
Compliance Audit Program (Kennel Inspections)
- DNA has been collected at over 10,000 kennels.
- Over 17,500 litters have been DNA tested.
- Over 100,000 DNA samples have been tested to verify parentage.
- In 2008, 95% of litters tested in the Compliance Audit Program have correct parentage. This is improved from 89% in 1998.
Parent Club Program
- From 1998 to 2000, AKC DNA Operations staff collected samples on a voluntary basis at 107 Parent Breed Club National Specialties.
- These samples were processed at no cost to the owner.
- There are approximately 10,000 genotypes on file from this program.
- AKC spent over half a million dollars to collect and process DNA for this program.
DNA Profile Program
- Over 350,000 samples have been submitted to date.
- Samples are submitted on a voluntary basis and/or to satisfy AKC DNA requirements.
Frequently Used Sires (FUS) Requirement
- The FUS Requirement was implemented to obtain DNA profiles from the dogs with the greatest impact on the AKC stud book.
- Almost 90,000 samples were submitted during the first year of the requirement.
- 45% of the litters registered during this period were sired by FUS.
Multiple-Sired Litters Requirement
- 58 multiple-sired litters were registered in 2008.
DNA Operations & Educational Services
email: dna@akc.org
phone: (919) 816-3508
fax: (919) 816-4255



