New York, NY – The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization that is the world’s largest registry of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, and a leading voice for canine welfare and responsible ownership, is pleased to announce that applications for the AKC Eddy Award are now open through September 1, 2026.
The AKC Eddy Award is designed to encourage and reward Parent Clubs that demonstrate a breeder education effort (website, workshop, mentoring, and more) that provides information beyond the expected in an interesting and unique manner. Parent Clubs will be divided into four tiers based on the size of their membership program. Winners will be selected by this year’s committee consisting of Mari-Beth O’Neill (VP, AKC Sports Services), Christine Weisse, (Senior Subject Matter Expert, AKC Sport Services) and Guy Fisher (Director, AKC Club Development).
“We know that good and healthy dogs come from conscientious breeders, and breeder education is a key part of that,” said Gina M. DiNardo, AKC President and CEO. “We are excited to recognize clubs that are making a concerted effort towards continuing education for breeders that are passionate about preserving their breed and doing so responsibly.”
Recipients of the award will receive:
A submission form will be provided to each Parent Club via an announcement sent to the President, Secretary, and Delegate, on or about June 1st. The deadline for submitting the completed form is September 1st. There will be a maximum of eight (8) winners each year.
For more information on the award, please visit: https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/breeder-education/akc-eddy-award/.
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Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 4,900 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 28,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, scent work, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests.
Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite, the AKC Museum of the Dog, and the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
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