A Word or Two from AKC President & CEO Dennis Sprung

    Dennis B Sprung

    A Word or Two from AKC President & CEO Dennis Sprung

    We are back again with updates on some exciting things occurring at AKC. We are honored to continue to share this information with our core constituency. Your unwavering commitment, dedication, continual contributions, and volunteerism to AKC are vital and appreciated.

    I want to start by announcing the AKC DNA +Health Kit launching this month. This powerful breeder tool tests genetic health and traits combined with AKC DNA identification! The AKC DNA +Health Kit meets AKC registration and Breeder of Merit/Bred with Heart certification requirements and offers AKC DNA profile plus over 328 markers for health and traits. This tool uses world-class technology to internally validate results and match to each specific dog for verifiable results, which are delivered by Neogen, a reliable service provider with the highest industry standards. Every purchase helps to fund the work of AKC’s non-profit affiliates such as Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and comes with a lifetime access to canine genetic counselors to help make smart breeding decisions.

    We are also excited to share and congratulate the winners of the AKC 2023 Lifetime Achievement Awards: Michael Canalizo (Conformation), Curt Curtis (Companion Events) and Laurie Soutar (Performance). The Lifetime Achievement Awards are presented in recognition of outstanding participation and achievement within the dog sport. The finalists and winners are nominated by AKC member clubs and have impacted the sport on a national level through club involvement, judging, exhibiting, breeding, and teaching. Congratulations to these winners, we are incredibly appreciative of all the work they do for the AKC and dog sports.

    For more information on the recipients and all of the nominees, visit: https://www.akc.org/about/awards-and-honors/lifetime-achievement/nominees/2023-lifetime-achievement-award-nominees/.

    The exciting news continues with the release of AKC’s 2023 most popular dog breeds on March 20th. According to AKC registration statistics, the playful and adaptable French Bulldog is America’s most popular breed for the second consecutive year. The French Bulldog’s popularity continues to surge since overtaking the loveable Labrador Retriever as the most popular breed. The top five most popular dog breeds ranking is as follows:

    1. French Bulldog
    2. Labrador Retriever
    3. Golden Retriever
    4. German Shepherd Dog
    5. Poodle

    Learn more about America’s most popular breed, the French Bulldog: https://akc.tv/breed?id=824.

    View photos of the most popular breeds: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNl7AaZnj1_LYm9DDkSYKK3b3QX7_gvKlP9KhX-LUpWIXj1Nb6bv7sNC1H4dlFIIQ?key=SXlFUUR6Tkk3Y0lBd3pBVEs0VmJCMUF4STI2c0F3

    Once again, I am appreciative of your contributions as responsible breeders, exhibitors, delegates, owners, and judges. You are truly what makes us great.

    Dennis Sprung

    Dennis B. Sprung is the President of the American Kennel Club. Sprung has been involved with AKC shows since 1968. He and his wife Susan served in many capacities in clubs and bred Afghan Hounds and Greyhounds. Dogs they owned or bred have won both Parent Club national specialties and over 175 all breed Best In Shows. He joined the AKC as an Executive Field Representative in 1989. In April of 1990, he was promoted to Assistant Vice President in the Dog Events department and a year later assumed the additional responsibility of Director of the Field Staff. In March of 1994, he was appointed Vice President of Dog Events. In 1997, Sprung took over the responsibility of Vice President of Planning and Development, which included relocating the AKC headquarters. In 2001 he was named Vice President of Corporate Relations. In 2002, Dennis created DOGNY, a fundraising and public art project which increased awareness of the AKC’s commitment to Search and Rescue dogs, raising $2.5 million. Most recently, he was elected as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the American Kennel Club in April, 2003. He also serves as Vice President of AKC Companion Animal Recovery a 501C(3). Prior to joining AKC, Sprung was a Delegate for 10 years from the Bronx County Kennel Club and also served as President. In 1993 he was honored with the “Fido” award for Dog Man of the Year. The Sprung’s share their home with Ruby, a five-year-old Pekingese.

    • Dennis Sprung

      Dennis B. Sprung is the President of the American Kennel Club. Sprung has been involved with AKC shows since 1968. He and his wife Susan served in many capacities in clubs and bred Afghan Hounds and Greyhounds. Dogs they owned or bred have won both Parent Club national specialties and over 175 all breed Best In Shows. He joined the AKC as an Executive Field Representative in 1989. In April of 1990, he was promoted to Assistant Vice President in the Dog Events department and a year later assumed the additional responsibility of Director of the Field Staff. In March of 1994, he was appointed Vice President of Dog Events. In 1997, Sprung took over the responsibility of Vice President of Planning and Development, which included relocating the AKC headquarters. In 2001 he was named Vice President of Corporate Relations. In 2002, Dennis created DOGNY, a fundraising and public art project which increased awareness of the AKC’s commitment to Search and Rescue dogs, raising $2.5 million. Most recently, he was elected as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the American Kennel Club in April, 2003. He also serves as Vice President of AKC Companion Animal Recovery a 501C(3). Prior to joining AKC, Sprung was a Delegate for 10 years from the Bronx County Kennel Club and also served as President. In 1993 he was honored with the “Fido” award for Dog Man of the Year. The Sprung’s share their home with Ruby, a five-year-old Pekingese.

    Brianna Hutchins, Gretchen Ribblet, Rylee Menard, Alessandra WagnerBrianna Hutchins, Gretchen Ribblet, Rylee Menard, Alessandra Wagner
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