AKC was honored to host Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, at a luncheon at our Corporate Headquarters in New York City on Wednesday, April 30. Princess Anne was the guest of honor at an event to celebrate the launch of AKC’s Pet Healthcare Program.
As the president of the Animal Health Trust (AHT) in the United Kingdom, The Princess Royal is a highly visible advocate of animal health and well-being. The Trust, much like our AKC Canine Health Foundation, is described on their website as “dedicated to applying the latest clinical and research techniques to reduce the suffering caused by disease and sickness in companion animals.” Two of the AHT’s main charitable objectives are the advancement of veterinary teaching and practices and controlling infectious and inherited diseases in animals.
In addition to her public activities to promote the cause of animal health, The Princess Royal is both an exceptional horsewoman and an avid dog owner and enthusiast. She is a true advocate of the positive role of the human-canine bond and has always been interested in the function of dogs as working dogs. She has bred many litters and owned Bull Terriers, Corgis, Labrador Retrievers, Foxhounds, and Clumber Spaniels, as well as Lurchers and a Glascony Hound. She was also active at the club level as president of the Working Clumber Spaniel Society.
While Princess Anne is well-known for her endeavors with animals, generations of the Royal family have bred and shown purebred dogs. The royal dogs are registered with The Kennel Club under the royal prefix of Sandringham. Sandringham House is the location of the royal kennel, which was first built by King Edward VII in 1879, and was designed to hold 100 dogs. The gundogs that are used by the royal family during shooting season are now housed there. Royal dogs owned by kings and princesses have been champions of both field trials and the show ring. From Princess Alexandra entering a Saint Bernard and Basset Hound at the 1893 Crufts show, to King George’s famous Labrador Retrievers of the 1930’s, to Elizabeth II’s many field trial champions, it is clear that generations of the royal family have enjoyed the companionship and sport of purebred dogs.
The royal family’s long and positive association with owning and breeding purebred dogs both as companion animals and working dogs, and their dedication to the health and well-being of their animals sets a great example here and abroad of both responsible dog ownership and breeding. The Princess Royal continues the fine traditions of her family with her active role in advocating the importance of pet healthcare. We are grateful for her support of AKC’s Pet Healthcare Program and are deeply honored by her visit.
Sincerely,
Ron Menaker