Breed preservation has long been a topic of interest for the American Kennel Club, and in January 2021, AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung and the AKC Board of Directors gave the green light to begin work on an AKC-affiliated breed preservation bank.
That project resulted in the formation of the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank (AKC PPB), a 501c3 genetic material repository with a focus on frozen semen. The mission of the AKC PPB is to ensure the viability of purebred dogs by salvaging or restoring endangered breeds. For several years we have watched several breeds near extinction due to low breeding numbers or new diseases that plague the gene pool. By saving and safe-guarding genetic material, there is a plan should these issues arise with any breed in the future.
To be eligible for semen donation, a detailed donor application and semen profile are required. This in-depth questionnaire gives the AKC PPB insight on the potential semen donor, including information such as titles, DNA profile number, OFA information and CHIC number, as well as information on semen collection and storage, and litters produced. We also require information on breed specific titles and health tests. Internal research is conducted to confirm ownership of both semen and dog, and donors are required to release all available semen from the donor dog to AKC PPB.
From there, the application is reviewed by a Gift Committee, and upon acceptance, legal agreements are provided to finalize the transfer. Once the transfer of semen from owner to AKC PPB is complete, AKC PPB takes immediate ownership, including funding storage and shipping semen, if needed. We are working with NC State University’s and Iowa State University’s veterinary colleges for storage needs, as well as independent ICSB centers across the country. These facilities are our partners in preservation and are vital to the AKC PPB’s success. Donation to the AKC PBB is voluntary and there are no fees or costs for any individual or Parent Club to donate to the AKC PPB.
It is important for breeders to protect their long-established lines and having a defined set of criteria for semen distribution is as imperative as it is for donation. AKC PPB will utilize a detailed profile and guidelines effected by Parent Clubs for any bitch owner applying for AKC PPB owned semen. Recipients will be required to remit an administrative fee in addition to cost equitable to current stud fees for their breed.
Any applicants, donor or recipient, must own an AKC-registered breed, including FSS or Miscellaneous breeds. Provided all other registration criteria is met, litters produced will be AKC-registerable. AKC PPB will not directly participate in breeding, whelping, or owning any dogs or litters.
While the goal of the AKC PPB is breed preservation and restoration in general, we have a special interest in low-entry and rare breeds. If donated semen is not utilized for litter production, it may be used to further canine health research. How semen is used will be contingent on what is available at the time and the status of the breed.
There are many reasons why one may decide to donate their genetic material, and AKC PPB is here to pick up where these genetics may otherwise end. By working with breeders and Parent Clubs now, the AKC PPB protects our breeds in the future.
For more information, visit www.akcppb.org.
Monica Henderson Is the program manager of the AKC PPB.