Virtual monthly webinar learning experiences created by breeders for breeders.
Join renowned experts in these educational opportunities for breeders!
2025 Schedule
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 7:00 pm (EST) – Dr. Claire Wiley, VMD, DACVIM
“Demystify AKC DNA Reports”
Join us for an interactive webinar where we’ll walk through AKC DNA test reports, explaining how to interpret key findings and apply them to your breeding program. We’ll cover parentage verification, genetic diversity insights, and health markers, helping you make informed, responsible breeding decisions. Whether you’re new to DNA testing or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide step-by-step guidance on reading reports and using the data effectively. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your breeding strategies with expert insights!
Sign up here https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5227793407168172374 for FREE to join the May 14, 2025 webinar with Dr. Claire Wiley.
Dr. Claire Wiley, VMD, DACVIM
Dr. Claire Wiley is the Executive Director of the American Kennel Club (AKC) DNA Program, where the AKC harnesses the power of genetics to help breeders breed better dogs. She previously worked as a Clinician Investigator at the North Carolina State University College of Medicine, where she completed a residency in small animal internal medicine. She also investigated the genomic profiling of canine bladder and prostate cancer, and the use of molecular diagnostics as screening tools for early diagnosis. As part of these studies, she also provides expertise in clinical trials and citizen scientist engagement. Previously, she graduated with a VMD from the University of Pennsylvania, where she helped identify a genetic marker for protein-losing nephropathy in Soft-coated Wheaten terriers. Additionally, Claire has over thirty years of experience breeding, showing, and training Portuguese water dogs.
Wednesday, July 16, 2025 7:00 pm (EST) – Dr. Michelle Kutzler, MBA, DVM, PhD, DACT
“What Happens When the Gonads are Gone? Long-term adverse health consequences following spaying neutering”
Have you wondered why some dogs gain weight, become incontinent, have skin problems, or develop behavioral changes after they are spayed or neutered? Dr. Michelle Kutzler will explain how the loss of gonadal hormones (estrogen, testosterone) causes an overproduction of other hormones (luteinizing hormone, LH) and how persistently high LH in circulation can cause metabolic, endocrine, urinary, orthopedic, behavioral problems and possibly some cancers. Finally, Dr. Kutzler will explain some alternatives to traditional spaying/neutering for breeders to share with puppy buyers.
Sign up here https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3159981471319624022 for $19 to join the July 16, 2025 webinar with Dr. Michelle Kutzler.
Dr. Michelle Kutzler, MBA, DVM, PhD, DACT
Dr. Michelle Kutzler grew up and graduated from veterinary school in Washington State. After graduation, she worked in private practice in Minnesota before pursuing a theriogenology (animal reproduction) residency at Cornell University, where she also earned a PhD in Physiology. Dr. Kutzler has been on the faculty at Oregon State University for the past 23 years. She has published over 100 scientific, peer-reviewed research papers as well as two books (“Small Animal Pediatrics” and “Feline Reproduction”). Dr. Kutzler is also an AKC earthdog and hound field trial judge as well as a Dachshund Breeder of Merit. Dr. Kutzler has been married for 28 years to an incredibly supportive spouse and has three amazing adult children as well as a precocious grandda
Stay tuned, information coming soon about more breeder webinars scheduled in 2025!
For questions email breederdev@akc.org