Meet Gayle Watkins, breeder of over 100 titled Golden Retrievers that have excelled in multiple sports and co-founder of Avidog International.  A Gold-level AKC Breeder of Merit, Gayle Watkins of Highlands, North Carolina, puts the “purpose” in multi-purpose dogs: Her Gaylan’s Golden Retrievers have earned more than 140 American and Canadian conformation, obedience, tracking, Rally and agility championships, as well as Master Hunter titles. Dozens […]

The AKC Breeder of Merit program was introduced in October 2010. Since that time, almost 16,000 breeders have been enrolled. The program was developed to recognize those breeders who are the foundation of our sport through their participation in various AKC events and dedication to selective breeding of healthy purpose-bred purebred dogs. The basic requirements are Minimum […]

As a Breeder of Merit, you have demonstrated your commitment to the AKC community, to dedication to your breed(s), and to ensuring that 100% of your puppies are individually registered with the AKC. To help you achieve your puppy registration goal, we offer multiple registration options. Which option is right for you? If you prefer […]

Barbara Miller of Glen Head, New York, is synonymous with Norfolk Terriers. And not just those from her top-winning Max-Well Kennel. The 2007 AKC Breeder of the Year (and 2002 AKC Terrier Breeder of the Year), Miller was the president of the parent club when her breed amicably split in 1979, creating the drop-eared Norfolk Terrier and the prick-eared Norwich Terrier. However, her earliest years in […]

If you're a musician, there's the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. If you're an actor, there are the Oscars. And if you're a dog breeder, the maraschino cherry atop a lifetime of hard work is to be named an American Kennel Club Breeder of the Year. After all, anyone can have a one-hit wonder, […]

Advanced Levels of Recognition will require an additional application and will also be recognized on a breed specific basis. Recognition is available to those that meet the following minimum standards: Have qualified and enrolled as a Breeder of Merit Can provide proof of Parent Club required health testing on sires/dams of litters Have met their […]

Leopards don’t change their spots, and neither do reputable Dalmatian breeders. Nothing can dampen their enthusiasm for the spotted dogs that have captured their hearts, as well as their couches. Patti Strand of Portland, Ore., has bred Dalmatians with her husband Rod under their Merry-Go-Round (MGR) affix for almost half a century. A former American […]

New levels designed to recognize the dedication of breeders who contribute to the sport   “Many breeders have demonstrated a long-term commitment to breeding quality, healthy puppies and to mentoring new puppy buyers,” said Mari-Beth O’Neill, Vice President of Sport Services.  “These breeders have done so much for their breeds that the AKC is proud to […]

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 […]

As a Breeder of Merit, you’ll play a key role in advancing our mission and setting a strong example for breeders everywhere. We’re excited to honor breeders who prioritize puppy health, temperament, and breed standards by offering a range of exclusive, valuable benefits, including:  Monthly credits for online reports in AKC Breeder Toolkit  Free litter […]

Each breed’s health testing requirements originate with a “parent club,” the AKC-recognized national club devoted to a particular breed. To assist breeders in fulfilling these requirements, AKC has compiled the health testing requirements for each breed, organized by group on the left navigation of this page. AKC Breeder Programs that Require Health Testing: Breeders that participate […]

An essential part of the commitment to the Breeder of Merit program is to ensure 100% of the puppies in your litters are individually AKC registered. Your work as a breeder is vital to upholding our mission, and you play a crucial role in preserving the legacy of your beloved breed. This is why, as […]

Insight into your breed's health Most breeds' health testing requirements originate with an AKC Parent Club, the AKC-recognized national club devoted to that particular breed. AKC Parent Clubs represent experts of a single breed. The AKC approves only one national club per breed. AKC Parent Clubs generate Parent Club Health Statements to provide health testing […]

Finding a responsible breeder you trust is your first—and most important—step to finding your new best friend. Breeders are invaluable resources. Not only are they a bridge between you and your perfect dog, but you can also rely on them throughout your dog’s lifetime. Think of a breeder as your own private guide to all […]

A valuable resource available to AKC breeders is Prepaid Registration. Prepay makes it easy to ensure 100% registration of the puppies in your litter, helps you maintain control over the integrity of your breeding program and offers the puppy registrations at a discounted rate. You have the option to select Prepay Puppy Registrations during the […]

Whether you’re breeding your first litter or next Best in Show winner, we offer invaluable resources for dog breeders, including up-to-date information, ongoing educational programs and more: Litter Registration Show you are a responsible breeder and that your puppies meet breed standards! When you register your litters with the AKC, you get a Registration Certificate […]

Breeder of Merit FAQs [accordion] [accordion_panel title="Prepaid Registrations In Breeder Toolkit"] If you plan to use the prepaid option to register all of the puppies – Do not select the electronic (downloadable) litter kit when you register the litter. That will disable the prepaid option. You are able to send an individual Registration Application for […]

Below are some frequently asked questions about finding information on the new AKC.org website. If you have a moment, we encourage you to read the step-by-step instructions or watch the video to familiarize yourself with the structure of the new site to help you during future visits. Select your device: Desktop Instructions Mobile Instructions Full Video Webinar […]

The Group Winners are chosen to decide who will compete for Best in Show at the 2023 AKC National Championship. See the group winners here.

4-6 Month Beginner Puppy Regulations (effective September 1, 2017)  AKC Puppy of Achievement Press Release Frequently Asked Questions Breeders of Merit are Key to New Involvement in Conformation