For over a century, The American Kennel Club has been dedicated to responsible breeding practices and to responsible dog ownership. With this experience comes valuable research, articles, and advice for all breeders.
President’s Reading List – Suggested reading by AKC CEO, Dennis Sprung
- Vine, Louis L. Breeding, Whelping, and Natal Care of Dogs. New York: Arco, 1977.
- Ostrander, Elaine A., Urs Giger, and Kerstin Lindblad-Toh. The Dog and Its Genome. Cold Spring Harbor, NY: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 2006.
- V., Root Kustritz Margaret. The Dog Breeder’s Guide to Successful Breeding and Health Management. St. Louis, MO: Saunders Elsevier, 2006.
- Jackson, Frank. Dog Breeding: The Theory & the Practice. Marlborough: Crowood, 2000.
- Lyon, McDowell. The Dog in Action: A Study of Anatomy and Locomotion as Applying to All Breeds. New York: Howell Book House, 1974.
- Gilbert, Edward M., and Patricia H. Gilbert. Encyclopedia of K-9 Terminology: Interpreting the Language of Dog Fanciers and Breed Standards. Wenatchee, WA: Dogwise Publishing, 2014.
- Willis, Malcolm Beverley. Genetics of the Dog. New York, NY: Howell Book House, 1989.
- Little, Clarence C. The Inheritance of Coat Color in Dogs. Ithaca, NY: Comstock Pub. Associates, 1967.
- Portman-Graham, R. The Mating and Whelping of Dogs. New York: Arco Pub., 1972.
- Elliott, Rachel Page. The New Dogsteps: A Better Understanding of Dog Gait through Cineradiography (“moving X-rays”). New York: Howell Book House, 1983.
- Frankling, Eleanor. Practical Dog Breeding and Genetics. New York: Arco Pub., 1987.
- Christiansen, Ib J. Reproduction in the Dog and Cat. London: Baillière Tindall, 1984.
- Grossman, Alvin. The Standard Book of Dog Breeding: A New Look. Wilsonville, OR: Doral Pub., 1992.
- Kenworthy, Mary L. Understanding the Practical Application of Genetics. N.p.: n.p., 1998.
- Lee, Muriel P. The Whelping and Rearing of Puppies: A Complete and Practical Guide. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H. Publications, 1997.
Other Resources:
Legislation
A strong legislative influence has never been more important for those of us involved in the responsible breeding of dogs. Over the past three years, the size of AKC’s legislative portfolio, which tracks issues related to dogs, almost tripled in size, and included many threatening proposals. With no end to this legislative onslaught in sight, it is key that registrations continue to help AKC maintain a strong legislative influence on behalf of all responsible dog breeders. Visit the Government Relations section.
AKC Canine Health Foundation
Since its creation in 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) has allocated more than $24 million to canine health research, with the AKC proudly supporting the foundation’s efforts by contributing nearly $20 million to approved research grants and day-to-day program costs. Visit the AKC Canine Health Foundation website.
AKC Reunite
Along with AKC Reunite, the AKC has played a significant role in our country’s largest disaster relief efforts. During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, both AKC and AKC Reunite delivered vital aid and provided multiple airlifts for displaced dogs in dire need of help. Because of the organizations’ dedication of protecting our own, AKC breeders are assured of our aid should unthinkable disaster occur. Visit AKC Reunite’s website.
Public Education
Promoting responsible dog ownership though public educational programs is another important facet of the American Kennel Club. AKC Responsible Dog Ownership (RDO) Days happen each year throughout September. Although unique RDO Day events are held all over the country, each is entertaining and educational, and many include agility, obedience and rally demonstrations. Attendees can speak one-on-one with experienced dog breeders and trainers, as well as veterinarians and technicians, to learn what’s best for them and their dog. Registrations also fund educational programs like Safety Around Dogs and Best Friends, which bring responsible dog ownership lessons to schools and other community venues. Visit the Public Education section.
Helpful Links
- Six Easy Ways to 100% Registration
Explains available registration options in detail. Includes a downloadable flyer! - Traditional Litter Registration
Breeders give the signed application to the new puppy owner at time of pick-up and follow-up with them on the importance of registering their dog. - Full Litter Plus Registration
A new application that combines the benefits of the original Full Litter form with added options – Allows breeder to individually register all the puppies in the litter at the time of litter registration for a discounted price. This assures that all puppies have been registered and ownership has been recorded. - Full Litter Offspring Plus Registration
Gives breeders who have already registered their litters with the AKC a second opportunity to individually register all puppies in the litter at a discounted price. All the benefits and options of the original Full Litter Plus form (see above) apply to the Offspring form. - Time of Sale Online Dog Registration
Breeders go online with their new puppy owner at the time of puppy pick-up and help them complete the registration. - AKC Breeder Webinar Series
Learn about responsible breeding in this ongoing video series.