About the Breeder of Merit Program
The AKC Breeder of Merit program celebrates breeders who go above and beyond to prioritize the health, temperament, and well-being of their puppies. This program recognizes those dedicated to maintaining breed standards and ensuring their AKC-registerable puppies find loving homes.
As a Breeder of Merit, you’ll show your commitment to our mission by health testing and individually registering 100% of your puppies, while setting a strong example for breeders everywhere.
Program Requirements
The Breeder of Merit Program is open to all purebred dog breeders that meet the following requirements:
- Have a history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events
- Have earned AKC Conformation, Performance or Companion event titles on a minimum of 4 dogs from AKC litters they bred or co-bred
- Be a member of an AKC club
- Certify that applicable health screens are performed on your breeding stock, as recommended by your breed’s Parent Club
- Demonstrate that 100% of the puppies produced are individually AKC registered
Interested and meet the criteria? Apply here!
Program Benefits
As a Breeder of Merit, you get access to a host of exclusive benefits, including:
- Monthly credits for online reports in AKC Breeder Toolkit
- Free litter listings with priority placement and recognition badge on AKC Marketplace
- Discounts on AKC Reunite Microchips (up to 33% off)
- Free Duplicates, Leases and Revoke Limited
- A BOM-dedicated Customer Service department and a toll-free number
- Breed-specific web banners to proudly promote your involvement in the Program
- Special BOM designation and recognition levels printed on applications and registration certificates
- A 10% discount on annual pet insurance coverage for your puppies from AKC Pet Insurance*
- Plus, a certificate of distinction, lapel pin, and access to the Inner Circle Newsletter!
Advanced Recognition Breeders of Merit
If you’re already a Breeder of Merit and want to take your commitment one step further, there’s levels of recognition that can be earned on a breed-specific basis for breeders!
Advanced-level recognition is available to Breeder of Merit program members who meet the following requirements:
- Can provide proof of Parent Club required health testing on sires/dams of litters.
- Have met their commitment to ensure that all their puppies get registered.
Breeder of Merit sponsored by Royal Canin
*Independence American Insurance Company, rated A- (Excellent) by AM Best Company, with offices at 485 Madison Ave, NY, NY 10022 and in WA, by American Pet Insurance Company, 6100 4th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98108. Insurance plans are offered and administered by PetPartners, Inc., a licensed agency. “American Kennel Club,” “AKC” and the AKC logo are trademarks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.; used under license by PetPartners. “AKC Pet Insurance” is the name used by PetPartners to offer and administer insurance plans and is neither an American Kennel Club business nor an insurance company. American Kennel Club does not offer, administer, solicit, market or sell any insurance plans. For complete details refer to www.akcpetinsurance.com/sample-policies. Activation required for 30-day coverage to take effect. Eligibility restrictions apply. For more information, visit www.akcpetinsurance.com/certificate or call 866-725-2747. Discounts are not available in all states. Vet Helpline is included with the 30-days of pet insurance coverage.
The American Kennel Club recognizes Breeders of Merit for their dedication to breeding purebred dogs with the appearance, temperament, and abilities that are true to their breed standard, and for their commitment to health screening and 100 percent puppy registration. The AKC celebrates their success in and passion for canine sports. They are the pinnacle of the AKC community.