The American Kennel Club, the leading advocate for dogs, wishes to acknowledge those individuals that 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 2016 Breeder of the Year by Sport award recipients are:
Pointing Breed Field Events Albert and Cynthia Cropek Brittanys
Retriever Field Events Mitchel and Margot Brown Labradors
Spaniel Field Events Kevin Battistoni Springers
Hound Field Events Wayne and Marty Parker Beagles
Herding Kathy Greenwood Belgian Malinois
Lure Coursing Mary Childs Borzoi/Whippets
Earthdog Dawn Martin Westies
Coonhounds Mike Crockett B&T Coonhounds
Agility Nina Plail Shelties
Obedience David and Judy Guaraldo Shelties
Rally Gayle Watkins Golden Retrievers
Tracking Cynthia Nauer Labradors
“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, 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.