AKC Reunite aids hurricane recovery, breeder demand stabilizes, and Meet the Breeds 2025 calls for club participation by Nov. 15.
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First, AKC extends its thoughts and prayers to everyone in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, who are coping with the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. AKC Reunite is closely monitoring the aftermath of these storms and has donated over $47,000 to relief efforts. The devastation from these storms is still being assessed; however, AKC Reunite is actively reaching out to their contacts in the area, as well as searching for organizations that are in need of assistance. To keep up-to-date with their efforts or to donate, please visit: www.akcreunite.org. Thank you to the many AKC clubs and dog lovers who have donated to these efforts.
AKC registrations are down significantly from the peaks we experienced during COVID. Individual Dog Registrations are minus 14% from last year and litters are down 17%. In fact, 2024 Litter Registrations have now fallen below the levels we experienced in 2018. Beginning last year, many breeders reported having fewer puppy buyers on their waiting lists and generally finding less interest in their puppies or future litters. This perceived drop in demand made perfect sense following the extreme increases in demand for puppies during COVID. Remember, many Americans purchased their first, second, or even third dog at the height of the Pandemic. However, there is concern now that AKC breeders have pulled back too sharply.
With more than 90 million dogs in the US, the American public needs over 8 million replacement dogs annually based on an average lifespan of 11 years. But right now, every source for new dogs has declined, including imports. Since the average AKC breeder has only 1 or 2 litters every 1 or 2 years, if a high percentage breed 0 instead of 1 litter in the next 12 months there will be a shortage of well-bred purebred dogs. The good news is that some breeders with puppies on the way are beginning to find renewed interest from puppy buyers. In fact, the average price of a puppy on AKC Marketplace increased 13% in September, from the same month in 2023. AKC Marketplace continues as the No. 1 online platform for the sale of purebred dogs. Anecdotally, our staff has heard from quite a few breeders that their waiting lists are starting to fill up as they are receiving more inquiries about their next litter.
This is your reminder to make sure your breed is represented at the 2025 AKC Meet the Breeds in New York City on January 25th and 26th at the Jacob K. Javits Center. Last year, over 30,000 dog lovers attended AKC Meet the Breeds to learn about purebred dogs, responsible dog ownership, canine athleticism, and more. Attendees were thrilled to interact with the dogs, parent clubs, and breed experts, and they enjoyed our multiple sport and working dog demonstrations.
Your participation is critical to the success of our educational outreach, and we appreciate your support as we continue to spread the message of our dedication to dogs, breed expertise, and responsible pet ownership.
DEADLINE: November 15, 2024
REGISTER YOUR BREED advising us that your club will participate in the New York City AKC Meet the Breeds.
Email/Postal Mail
Please return the form via postal mail or email by the deadline printed on the form.
As always, we are committed to creating a great experience for our booth volunteers and will continue to provide the following in each city where you participate:
Please continue to check your email as we will communicate any next steps in the coming weeks. We look forward to your participation in AKC Meet the Breeds® NYC as we educate the public about each of our unique breeds.
For questions or assistance with this process, please email: meetthebreeds@akc.org.
American Kennel Club (AKC)
