The American Kennel Club’s “AKC Eddy Award” For Breeder Education Is Now Accepting Applications

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 certificate will be presented to the winner(s) at the AKC National Championship in December.
• A digital badge to put on the club’s website.
• Posting on AKC social media and/or AKC Breeder Education page.
• Winner(s) to do a write-up about their Breeder Education to share with the dog world.

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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Posted by Liz on Jun 2 2026. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.