DNA Facts and Figures

  • Through December 31, 2010, the AKC collected over 540,000 DNA profiles in its database.
  • The AKC DNA database has samples from 216 AKC and FSS breeds.
  • The top ten breeds that are AKC DNA Profiled are:

    Labrador Retriever (34,674)
    Yorkshire Terrier (34,363)
    Dachshund (28,701)
    Poodle (25,956)
    Chihuahua (23,267)
    Shih Tzu (21,705)
    Pomeranian (19,945)
    German Shepherd Dog (19,529)
    Golden Retriever (16,829)
    Maltese (13,816)

  • 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 10,500 kennels.
  • Over 20,000 litters have been DNA tested.
  • Over 110,000 DNA samples have been tested to verify parentage.

DNA Profile Program

  • Over 450,000 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

  • 57 multiple-sired litters were registered in 2010.
  • There have been only 5 cases (in more than 10 years) in which the markers used by the AKC could not identify the sire of one pup in a litter involving highly line bred or related sires. We maintain relationships with DNA laboratories throughout the U.S. to resolve cases such as these.

DNA Operations & Educational Services
email: dna@akc.org
phone: (919) 816-3508
fax: (919) 816-4255