American Kennel Club And New Zealand Kennel Club Announce Mutual Cooperation Agreement

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry, and a leading advocate for dogs, and the New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC), are pleased to announce that they have entered into a mutual cooperation agreement.

This partnership strengthens global collaboration around both organizations shared priorities, expanding and enhancing canine events and registrations, advancing education and health initiatives, supporting responsible breeding, and promoting purebred dogs as valued family companions, while delivering meaningful benefits to breeders, exhibitors, and dog owners in both the United States and New Zealand.

“Our agreement with the New Zealand Kennel Club reflects a deep commitment to preserving and advancing purebred dogs and dog events,” said Gina DiNardo, President and CEO of the American Kennel Club. “We are pleased to work alongside the New Zealand Kennel Club to promote canine well-being, support responsible purebred dog breeding, and strengthen the future of dogs and dog sports worldwide.”

“Many individual competitors and judges in both our clubs have been friends for years,” said Owen Dance, President of the NZKC.   “Now we are delighted to formalize the relationship at the organizational level, to share resources and synergies as we work towards our common goals.”

“The NZKC was established in 1886.  The country has a long tradition of responsible dog ownership,” said Doug Ljungren, AKC Executive V.P. for Sports & Events.  “There is much we can learn from each other and we look forward to strengthening our relationship.”

Under the agreement, the AKC and NZKC will explore opportunities to hold events, promote the registration of purebred dogs to expand breeding opportunities, share knowledge to advance the education of judges, exhibitors, and breeders, and promote dogs as family companions. The agreement further encourages cooperation on canine health and welfare initiatives, including the sharing of research, resources, and best practices, and supports coordinated efforts to promote the value of purebred dogs and responsible dog ownership.

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Posted by Liz on May 20 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.