American Kennel Club AKC Veterinary Connection
Fall 2007

Breed Health Websites
By Wayne Kompare
West Highland White TerrierThere are more than 150 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Most of the national breed clubs have some presence on the Internet, usually covering, at a minimum, a general description of the breed, information about the national breed club, and various competitive activities for owners and their dogs. A large number of these websites have health information about their breed and the diseases that affect them. Most of these breeds will also have either a health committee or a health foundation, either integrated into the national breed club or as a separate entity.

Read more.

AKC Veterinary Network
By Penny Leigh
The secret to a long life is a great start. For puppies, that means proper nutrition, training, grooming, and health care.

The American Kennel Club understands puppy buyers have many decisions to make and that is why AKC launched the AKC Veterinary Network – to help new owners get expert advice from veterinarians on raising their new additions.

Read more.


The AKC Veterinary Network is sponsored by Bayer K-9 Advantix®.
The First Step In Training: The AKC Canine Good Citizen Program®
By Dr. Mary Burch
Canine Good Citizen ProgramHave you been bitten by puppies with needle-sharp teeth? Had to get on your hands and knees to pull a frightened Fido out from under your exam table? Have you wondered if you still had reflexes quick enough if the growling Great Dane decided to bite you? You probably have clients whose dogs need training.

The American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen Program provides an excellent starting point for owners who want to attend training classes or teach their dogs themselves.

Read more.


Helping Your Customers Manage the Costs of Care
By Linda Bell
The breakthrough advancements in veterinary care and medications may seem like a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the options to save a sick or injured pet are so much more capable of success in many areas than was the case say 10, 20, or 30 years ago. On the other hand, where these big steps have meant higher costs, there are more challenges for clients faced with agonizing decisions over what is affordable. That’s where pet health insurance becomes a partnership for you and for your clients, allowing calmer, less stressful discussions.

Read more.


Meet the Breeds

Beauceron   Swedish Vallhund
The Beauceron and the Swedish Vallhund were recognized by the AKC in July 2007. Read more about these breeds.


Spread the Word!
Copy and distribute this issue's reproducible, "Puppies are not stocking stuffers!"

Click here for printable version.


Puppies are not Stocking Stuffers!

 
As part of AKC Veterinary Outreach, we hope this newsletter will become a valuable tool for enhanced communication between AKC and the veterinary community. We seek to provide educational and informational resources for the betterment of purebred dogs.

Our goal is to provide the veterinary community with articles from experts in their fields on topics that will be of interest to the veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and office staff. It is our hope that these articles will help you serve your clients better.

The AKC is here to help you meet your goals. Having this forum to exchange ideas, provide more resources, and develop a closer relationship with the veterinary community and allow the AKC to better understand your needs.

Our inaugural newsletter contains a variety of articles written by AKC staff members and others. We hope to include in each issue an introduction to new AKC breeds or an update on one of our more established breeds and a reproducible (below left) for use in your office.

I hope you enjoy this premier issue and encourage you to send me your comments and suggestions.

Debra A. Bonnefond
Director of Veterinary Outreach
vetoutreach@akc.org
(919) 816-3717


 
Book Corner
 

During each issue we are looking to provide resources that will be of assistance in a particular topic. We had several inquiries for books on reproduction; click here for some books that we recommend.
 
The American Kennel Club is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKC and its affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership.