The American Kennel Club (AKC®) wishes to acknowledge those individuals who have excelled at breeding dogs that have proven to be outstanding in AKC sports. 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 2021 Breeder of the Year by Sport award recipients are:
| Pointing Breed Field Events | Keith and Robbi Gulledge | GSP |
| Retriever Field Events | Vikki Bateman | Labradors |
| Spaniel Field Events | Kevin Dresow | Springers |
| Hound Field Events | Frederick and Karen Eurick | Beagles |
| Herding | Leida Jones | Border Collies |
| Lure Coursing | Dale and Kasey Parks | Rhodesian Ridgebacks |
| Earthdog | Michele Czarnecki | West Highland White Terriers |
| Coonhounds | Richard Puckett | TW Coonhounds |
| Agility | Derry Krause (posthumous) | Pembroke Welsh Corgis |
| Obedience | Nancy Miner | Golden Retrievers |
| Rally | Rhoda Goselin-Brouillette/ Tracy Hendrickson | Boxers |
| Tracking | Barbara Sevier | Golden Retrievers |
“Knowledgeable breeders are critical to the continued success of canine sports. These breeders have shown a long-term dedication to enhancing breed instincts and breeding sound dogs with good temperaments,” said Doug Ljungren, Executive Vice President for Sports and Events. “Their accomplishments represent the highest level of commitment to their breeds and sports.”
Each recipient received a Breeder of the Year rosette mounted in a shadow box.
The American Kennel Club salutes these individuals for their dedication and success in breeding purpose-bred dogs.