This statement provided to TODAY by the American Kennel Club states its policy toward the breeding of dogs.
The American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which, along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, advocates for dogs as family companions, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership.
The AKC's high ethical standards have made us the most widely respected registry in the world and we have always led the charge in regards to advancing canine health, such as with the founding of the AKC Canine Health Foundation in 1995. Since that time, over $22 million has been given to more than 500 research projects at 74 vet schools and research institutes worldwide to improve the health of all dogs.
The AKC advocates for balanced breeding programs that include genetic testing, pedigree research and conformation and temperament analysis of sire and dam. Potential pet owners should educate themselves about these issues at www.akcdoghealth.org and seek breeders who produce healthy dogs.
For more information, visit akcdoghealth.org.