The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world’s largest purebred dog registry and a leading advocate for dogs, wishes to acknowledge those individuals who have excelled at breeding dogs that have proven to be outstanding in AKC sports over an extended period. The commitment to preserve, protect, and improve a breed represents the very essence of the AKC. The AKC Breeder of the Year by Sport Award is given to those who have dedicated themselves to improving the health, temperament, and performance of dogs in a given sport.
The 2024 Breeder of the Year by Sport award recipients are:
Pointing Breed Field Events Calvin and Irene Palmer GSP
Retriever Field Events David G Aul Labradors
Spaniel Field Events Kim and Bethann Wiley E. Cocker Spaniels
Hound Field Events Travis Still Beagles
Herding Alan and Marie Koebke Border Collies
Lure Coursing Anne Midgarden Borzoi
Earthdog Sandra Gillen Border Terriers
Coonhounds Kolby and Robert Scarberry B&T Coonhounds
Agility Estelle Kapsner Poodles
Obedience Joyce Norris Border Collies
Rally Jami Meath GSP
Tracking Julie Richards German Shepherds
“Knowledgeable breeders are critical to maintaining the value of purebred dogs and the working skills they demonstrate in canine sports. These breeders have shown a long-term dedication to enhancing breed instincts and breeding sound dogs,” said Doug Ljungren, Executive Vice President for Sports and Events. “Their accomplishments represent the highest level of commitment to their breeds and sports.”
The American Kennel Club salutes these individuals for their dedication and success in breeding purpose-bred dogs.
Each recipient received a Breeder of the Year rosette mounted in a shadow box.