Here’s everything you’ll need prior to joining the Breeder of Merit program:
- Have a history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events
- Can demonstrate a commitment to individually registering 100 percent of the puppies you’ve bred
- Have earned either AKC Conformation, Performance, or Companion* event titles on at least four dogs from AKC litters you’ve bred/co-bred**
- Are a member of an AKC breed club
- Can certify that applicable health tests are performed on your breeding stock, as recommended by the Parent Club. Health test requirements can be found here.
Advanced Level Breeders of Merit Requirements
Advanced-Level Recognition is available to Breeder of Merit program members who meet the following requirements:
- Provide proof of Parent Club-required health testing on sires and dams of litters
- Ensure all puppies are individually AKC-registered
Breeders who have produced a number of titled dogs will be recognized at the following levels:
| RECOGNITION LEVEL | REQUIRED TITLES ON DOGS BRED/CO-BRED* |
| Breeder of Merit – current | Minimum Of 4 Dogs Earning Titles |
| Breeder of Merit – Bronze | Minimum Of 10 Dogs Earning Titles With At Least 5 Earning Prefix Titles |
| Breeder of Merit – Silver | Minimum Of 25 Dogs Earning Titles With At Least 15 Earning Prefix Titles |
| Breeder of Merit – Gold | Minimum Of 50 Dogs Earning Titles With At Least 30 Earning Prefix Titles |
| Breeder of Merit – Platinum | Minimum Of 100 Dogs Earning Titles With At Least 60 Earning Prefix Titles |
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Eligible Event Titles for Breeder of Merit Applications
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Titles earned in the Sports below are acceptable titles for Breeder of Merit requirements
Conformation
Champion and Certificate of MeritCompanion
Obedience
Agility
Rally
TrackingPerformance
Field Events for Hounds
Field and Hunt events for
Retrievers & Pointing Breeds
Spaniels & Flushing Breeds
Coursing, CAT, Fast CAT
Earthdog
Herding and Farm Dog
Scent WorkNot Eligible
AKC Family Dog titles
Title Recognition titlesExceptions to above
Only 1 dog that only has an ATT title will be counted
**Applicable for each breed you’re applying for
Breeder of Merit sponsored by Royal Canin
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.