AKC Celebrates Core Breeders with New Breeder of Merit Program

Designed to allow the American Kennel Club to celebrate the breeders who are the backbone of the dog sport, the new Breeder of Merit program invites competitors who are committed to both improving their breed through health testing and selective breeding programs, and proving their breed through achievements in the ring and the field to join the program.

Being a successful breeder does not come easy. Years of hard work, vision, and a willingness to do the right thing are required to be successful. Our Breeders of Merit have these qualities and deserve to be recognized.

The participants in the Breeder of Merit program will be emulated by new breeders entering the sport.

To achieve the Breeder of Merit designation, breeders should:
  • Certify that applicable health screens are performed on the sire and dam as recommended by the Parent Club.
  • Hold membership in an AKC club.
  • Have a history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events.
  • Earn Conformation, Companion and/or Performance titles on at least 4 dogs they have bred/co-bred.
  • Demonstrate their commitment to ensuring 100% of the puppies they produce are AKC registered.
As part of the Breeder of Merit program, breeders receive:
  • Complimentary access to $20.00 value per month for free online reports in the AKC online store.
  • Access to the AKC Direct toll free number.
  • Online Record support to ensure that their records are accurate, complete and easily accessible.
  • A frameable certificate of distinction.
  • Free Online Breeder Classified listings along with a special Breeder of Merit designation.
  • Acknowledgement on a special page of the AKC website and in the AKC Gazette.
  • Free or discounted fees on all secondary transactions such as duplicate registration applications, revoke limited status applications, etc.
  • Breeder of Merit web banner for display on their website.
  • Breeder of Merit lapel pin.
  • Breeder of Merit designation and gold border on registration applications and certificates for dogs bred by the Breeder of Merit.

There are many easy registration options available to the Breeder of Merit, including Full Litter, Full Litter Offspring, Full Litter PLUS and Full Litter Offspring PLUS. Learn more here.

Learn more or apply for the Breeder of Merit program, or contact Tina Yuhl at 919-816-3932 or txy@akc.org.