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A Word or Two from AKC President & CEO Dennis Sprung

Dennis Sprung holding a small dog in his arms.

A Word or Two from AKC President & CEO Dennis Sprung

Hello there! We are back with some exciting updates and important reminders. As always, we are honored to continue to share this information with our core constituency. Your consistent commitment, dedication, continual contributions, and volunteerism to AKC are vital and appreciated.

First, I would like to highlight the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank (AKCPPB) that began in 2021 with the idea that AKC should explore establishing a frozen semen program which would increase gene pools, ensure saving of quality producers, and make it very easy for each Parent Club to take this step for their breed.

The mission of this project is to ensure the viability of purebred dogs both now and in the future, particularly in low population breeds. While coordinating efforts with Parents Clubs, the AKCPPB educates breeders and the public about the importance of safeguarding frozen semen and protecting purebred dog breeds for future decades. There is absolutely no cost to the owner/donor or Parent Club to donate genetic material.

Preservation of genetic material is not just for the breeds with lower-than-average levels of breeding activity. Any breed could be susceptible to genetic bottlenecks or difficulties as the discovery of new issues emerges or other crises arise. Storing diverse genetic material could address unknown future health concerns and rejuvenate breeding programs.

To learn more about the AKCPPB, please visit: https://akcppb.org

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind you that nominations are now open for the 2024 AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE)! The ACE Awards honor dogs who do extraordinary things in the service of humankind. One award is given in each of the following five categories: Uniformed Service K-9, Exemplary Companion, Search and Rescue, Therapy, and Service.

Anyone, including the dog’s owner or handler, may submit a nomination. Past nominations are eligible for resubmission for these awards and will be accepted through July 1st, 2024.

The 2024 AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence are proudly sponsored by YuMOVE® and Eukanuba™. Honorees of the AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE) will receive $1,000 to be awarded to a pet-related charity of their choice and an engraved sterling silver medallion.

To learn more about the ACE Awards and how to submit a dog in your life, please visit: https://www.akc.org/about/awards-and-honors/akc-humane-fund-awards-canine-excellence-ace/

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