Virtual monthly webinar learning experiences created by breeders for breeders.
Join renowned experts in these educational opportunities for breeders!
2026 Schedule
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 7:00 pm (EST) – Eddie Dziuk, COO Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
“OFA Testing and the Breeder’s Commitment to Canine Health”
Join Eddie Dziuk, Chief Operating Officer of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals as he offers information on the ins and outs of testing and improving the health of our dogs. Learn how by participating in screenings with the OFA, breeders can do their best to ensure that their breeding practices yield healthy puppies.
Sign up here https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7160560031452533340 for $19 to join the January 28, 2026 webinar with Eddie Dziuk.
Eddie Dziuk, COO Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
Eddie Dziuk has been actively involved in the sport of purebred dogs for over forty-five years. He obtained his first Beagle as a teenager in 1977 and finished its championship as a junior owner handler. He’s never been without the breed since. He has bred or owned more than 75 Beagle champions, including 5 National BOB Winners, and 11 BIS Winners. In addition to Beagles, Eddie has also bred Miniature Pinschers and Norfolk Terriers, and has bred and owned BIS and National Specialty Winners in both these breeds as well. Eddie began judging in 2009, and is currently licensed for the Sporting and Hound Groups, as well as a number of Toy and Non-Sporting breeds and Junior Showmanship. Eddie is the AKC Delegate for the National Beagle Club, and has served on the Delegate’s Canine Health Committee for over 15 years.
Professionally, Eddie holds a BS in Economics, and an MBA from the University of Missouri. For the last 21 years, he has been the Chief Operating Officer of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) where he has the unique opportunity to combine his business and management experience with his love of dogs and passion and interest in canine health. Through is position at the OFA and as an AKC Delegate, he is a full-time advocate for the purebred dog, and canine health & welfare promoting responsible dog ownership and breeding practices.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 7:00-8:00 pm (EST) – Mari-Beth O’Neill, AKC Vice President of Sport Services
“A Breeders Blueprint, the Breed Standard”
What is a breed standard, who creates it and how do you interpret that information and apply it to your breeding program? Join Mari-Beth O’Neill, AKC Vice President of Sport Services for a complimentary webinar discussing breed standards for purebred dogs and their importance to a breeding program.
Webinar Registration-only Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8711059444495171168
Free Webinar
Mari-Beth O’Neill AKC Vice President Sport Services
Mari-Beth is currently the Vice President of Sport Services, having joined the staff of the AKC in 1990. Positions held throughout her tenure at the AKC include Associate Director of Judges Education, which included the development of the AKC Judges Institutes, Director of Judges, AVP of Customer Service and to current position. Sport Services currently administers Breeder of Merit, Vet Out-Reach, Registered Kennel Names, Breed Standards, Juniors, Foundation Stock Service, PAL applications as well as handling the inquiries through the AKC Direct lines.
Mari-Beth was born and raised in Philadelphia. Her family had Dobermans, later joined by Manchester Terriers and Whippets. Mari-Beth competed in Junior Showmanship as well as breeding and exhibiting her Manchester Terriers under the Charmaron prefix. Mari-Beth bred one of the Top Producing Toy Manchester Terrier as well as a top brood bitch in 1979. Currently Mari-Beth is a breeder of English Cocker Spaniels.Prior to joining the staff of the AKC, Mari-Beth was approved to judge, Doberman Pinschers, Irish Wolfhounds, Scottish Deerhounds, Whippets, and Manchester Terriers.Additional involvement has been as the Delegate for the American Manchester Terrier Club, member of the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America, the Doberman Pinscher Club of America, member of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, Cary Kennel Club, Bryn Mawr Kennel Club, Westbury Kennel Association, Moore County Kennel Club and Morris and Essex Kennel Club. Before joining the AKC staff, Mari-Beth taught elementary school for 12 years and coached at the Junior High level.
Tuesday, March 4, 2026 7:00 -8:00 pm (EST) – Dr. Jerold Bell, DVM
“Breeding Quality, Healthy Dogs – Selection that Epitomizes the Breed”
Dr. Jerold Bell will explain gene dynamics within breeds and how the selection of breeding dogs is the most important aspect in shaping the quality and health of your breed. He will offer guidance on evaluating breeding dogs and their genetic components to select a dog that represents your goals for the next generation.
Webinar Registration-only Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5499658657985072473
Webinar fee – $19
Dr. Jerold Bell, DVM
Jerold S. Bell, DVM, is an adjunct professor of genetics at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. He also practices at Freshwater Veterinary Hospital in Enfield, Connecticut. He earned his DVM from Cornell University and was trained in genetics and genetic counseling at Michigan State University and University of Missouri. Dr. Bell chairs the WSAVA hereditary diseases committee, is on the board of directors for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, and the American Kennel Club Canine Health & Welfare advisory panel. He and his wife Candice are breeder/owners of Gordon Setters, with multiple Best in Show dogs, National Specialty winners, Master Hunters and Westminster breed winners.
Stay tuned, information coming soon about more breeder webinars scheduled in 2026!
For questions email breederdev@akc.org