The AKC Veterinary Connection

Spring 2008

DNA and the Simple Sample
By Patti McDowell

We had not produced a puppy with sub-aortic stenosis (SAS), a genetic and congenital heart condition, in close to nine years. So, when Evie failed her puppy cardiac screening, I was devastated. Devastation quickly turned to investigation: Who is doing a study on SAS, and where should I send a DNA sample? I also realized that not only would Evie’s DNA be potentially valuable, but her sire, dam, and littermates would also be important to researchers. But which researchers? And what about future research? If Evie died, how would I store enough DNA for research that might come down the road?

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An Introduction to the Canine Health Foundation
By Erika Werne
The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKCCHF), established in 1995 by the American Kennel Club, raises the funds and awareness necessary to support non-invasive, innovative research benefiting primarily canines, but often humans as well. The largest nonprofit worldwide to fund health research exclusively for canines, our goal is to help dogs live longer, healthier lives.

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Introducing the AKC Humane Fund
By Daphna Strauss

Dogs bring us love, loyalty and companionship, and they ask for nothing in return. A new charity, the AKC Humane Fund, seeks to pay back an age-old debt by raising money in support of man’s best friend. A 501(c)(3) charity, the AKC Humane Fund is a not-for-profit organization that unites a broad spectrum of animal lovers in promoting the joy and value of responsible pet ownership through education, outreach and grant-making.

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The CHIC DNA Repository
By Eddie Dzuik
Jointly sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and the AKC Canine Health Foundation, the CHIC DNA Repository collects and stores DNA samples along with corresponding pedigree and phenotypic health information to facilitate canine health research.

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Purebreds Without Papers get Chance through ILP/PAL Program
By Penny Leigh

Wolfie was the saddest looking dog on shelter row; the Siberian Husky was not even noticed by most visitors. Very ill with parvo, a Border Collie puppy named Luke was dropped off at a local veterinarian clinic.

Thanks to an AKC program created for purebreds without “papers,” Wolfie and Luke can participate in AKC events. The former Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) program grants numbers to purebreds whose pasts are unknown or whose original AKC papers were withheld, lost or otherwise unavailable.

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Meet the Breeds


The Plott and the Tibetan Mastiff were recognized by the AKC in January 2007. Read more about these breeds.

Spread the Word!
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	We hope you found the inaugural issue of the AKC Veterinary Connection newsletter to be another valuable resource that you can count on for informative articles, continued education and vital information from the AKC about breeding purebred dogs. In this issue, our focus is on the importance of research to the purebred dog community. We will introduce you to the AKC Canine Health Foundation. In addition, we have highlighted a Newfoundland breeder who discusses the importance of storing DNA samples and her own story. Accompanying this article is a feature about the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) DNA repository. As of February 1, the Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) program, which grants numbers to purebreds whose pasts are unknown or whose original AKC papers were withheld, lost or otherwise unavailable, nears its 50th birthday. It has been revamped as the Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program. Read about the enhancements to the program. We are continuing to introduce you to the new AKC breeds and have once again included a reproducible (see pg. 7). Enjoy the issue. I invite feedback from you - the veterinary community - either as a letter to the editor, as a new idea for a column or as some constructive criticism about our content. Please feel free to contact me. I'd love to hear from you! Debra A. Bonnefond Director of Veterinary Outreach vetoutreach@akc.org (919) 816-3717


	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.