— New iPhone Application “AKC Dogs” Now Available —
In addition to its social media presence on Facebook and Twitter, the American Kennel Club recently joined the “app” world by launching its first-ever iPhone application called “AKC Dogs,” currently available for $2.99 in the iTunes app store.
Serving as a portable encyclopedia for all AKC-recognized dog breeds, the application provides the AKC Meet the Breeds® profile, breed standard, a breed illustration, photos, and fun facts and history for each AKC breed. Navigating the app is easy: users can search for breeds by Group using the Group Preference Panel, add breeds to their “Favorites” list or share breeds with friends via e-mail or Facebook.
With this app, we aim to serve two audiences – our judges as well as the general dog-loving public. Instead of traveling with a stack of paper standards, judges can now use their iPhone to call up breed standards at a moment’s notice by just selecting a breed and then tapping the show ribbon icon to access the complete standard. In addition, a puppy buyer can use the application by tapping on the pawprint icon within each breed to start researching what breed fits best with his or her family, or to just learn more about AKC dogs.
While you’re purchasing apps, another application we recommend is AOL Pawnation’s app for iPhone, downloadable at www.pawnation.com. In addition to daily blogs about all aspects of pet ownership, AKC Canine Good Citizen Director and Pawnation’s expert columnist Dr. Mary Burch answers questions from everyday dog lovers as part of her “Ask the AKC Animal Behaviorist” column on Pawnation. Previous columns have addressed introducing puppies to older dogs, eliminating begging at the table and discouraging chewing in puppies. We encourage you to download the app or share it with others who want to learn more about responsible dog ownership.
Finally, don’t forget to download the Facebook and Twitter applications for your iPhone, Blackberry, Android or other smartphone so that you can follow AKC “on the go” via our Facebook (www.facebook.com/americankennelclub) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/akcdoglovers) feeds. The pages are updated daily, providing event coverage, expert lifestyle and training tips, breed information, special offers for followers and more.
AKC continues to reach out to our constituents, potential new registrants and all dog lovers with 21st century communication tools. We invite feedback and ideas on how we can better serve you.
Sincerely,
Ron Menaker
Chairman
February Chairman’s Report