New York, N.Y. – The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce the launch of Advanced Levels of Recognition for Breeders of Merit. The program is being introduced to provide recognition to those long-term, successful breeders that have produced numerous titled dogs. Dogs titled prior to the launch of the program will be grandfathered in, provided the titles can be verified.
“Many AKC registered 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 recognize their commitment and success.”
Advanced Levels of Recognition will be available to those breeders the have met the following standards:
· Have qualified and are enrolled as a Breeder of Merit
· Can provide proof of Parent Club required health testing on parents of their most recent litters
· Have demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that their puppies are 100% registered with the AKC
Breeders will be recognized at the following levels:
Breeder of Merit (current) Minimum of 4 titled dogs
Breeder of Merit – Bronze Minimum of 10 titled dogs with at least 5 prefix-titled dogs
Breeder of Merit – Silver Minimum of 25 titled dogs with at least 15 prefix-titled dogs
Breeder of Merit – Gold Minimum of 50 titled dogs with at least 30 prefix-titled dogs
Breeder of Merit – Platinum Minimum of 100 titled dogs with at least 60 prefix-titled dogs
The Advanced Levels of Recognition program launches on November 7, 2017. Breeders will be acknowledged on a breed specific basis. The Advanced Level of Recognition application can be found athttp://www.akc.org/dog-breeders/breeder-of-merit/. The program encourages breeders to introduce new owners to the multitude of opportunities that are offered by AKC sports. The Advanced Level of Recognition will be displayed on Registration Certificates and Marketplace listings.
“This new program will have a positive influence on all AKC sports,” said Doug Ljungren, Vice President of Sports and Events. “Breeders have a meaningful impact on our sports through their quality breeding programs and the guidance and encouragement they provide to new dog owners. The Advanced Levels of Recognition provide a well-deserved acknowledgement of their commitment.”
To learn more about the Advanced Levels of Recognition for Breeders of Merit, please visit www.akc.org/dog-breeders/breeder-of-merit/. Questions can be emailed to the Sport Services Department atbreederofmerit@akc.org.
