-- Happy 125th Birthday AKC --
This
Thursday, September 17, 2009, marks AKC’s 125th anniversary. Since
1884, we have maintained the definitive registry of purebred dogs
and governed thousands of annual canine competitions. We have always
remained true to our original mission of promoting the sport and
breeding for type and function but have also continually broadened
our purview. Advancing canine health, upholding the integrity of the
registry, protecting the rights of all dog owners and promoting
responsible dog ownership have all been priorities for many decades.
As we celebrate our latest birthday, we can proudly say that the AKC
is the leading animal welfare organization for dogs.
Beyond this year being a historic milestone, the AKC has seen the
introduction of many new programs and initiatives that mark our
continued commitment to all dogs. We launched our S.T.A.R Puppy
program, an offshoot of our popular AKC Canine Good Citizen® test
which more than 600,000 dogs have taken since its inception in 1989;
held an enthusiastic first meeting of the Canine Health & Welfare
Advisory Panel and launched
www.akcdoghealth.com to collectively share information and
promote greater public awareness about health concerns relevant to
all dogs; and, as of October 1, 2009, we will welcome mixed-breeds
into the AKC Canine Partners program which will offer access to the
world of AKC, including competition in companion events. Our
affiliates also saw high points this year: AKC Companion Animal
Recovery enrolled its four millionth companion animal and the AKC
Canine Health Foundation funded its 550th research grant.
Throughout the year, a special 125th Anniversary logo has been
widely used and is currently featured in an advertising campaign in
Dog World, Dog Fancy, Pet Age and Pet Business magazines.
The dog-loving public is also celebrating with us in a variety of
ways. We are looking forward to our first stand-alone Meet the
Breeds™ event in New York City in October. And, to reflect on the
role dogs have played in our culture and personal lives throughout
the years, we’ve collaborated on a poll on AOL’s Paw Nation Web
site. This interactive look at memorable canines from different
categories such as movies, music, cartoons, mascots and others will
help us select the "125 Top Dogs in Popular Culture" in celebration
of our anniversary. Visit
www.pawnation.com
to vote for your favorites.
In November, a new book titled Dogs: The First 125 Years of the
American Kennel Club, will be available as an update to the
well-known AKC Sourcebook last printed in 1984. This new hardcover
chronicles the history of the sport and the AKC and features many
highlights and famous competitors from the past 125 years.
And wrapping up the year’s festivities will be a spectacular dog
show -- an open-entry AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Over
260,000 square feet of space will be utilized for Conformation,
30,000 square feet for Obedience, and a 60,000 square foot tent will
host our AKC Agility Invitational (this unique structure has been
used at four Superbowls and the Democratic National Convention). AKC
Meet the Breeds® will continue to be one of the many signature
events taking place over this weekend.
Further commemorating the show will be an online catalog permanently
archived at
www.akc.org/catalogphotos where exhibitors can post up to four
photos of their dogs. We are pleased to have the participation of
more than 130 parent clubs holding specialties and supported entries
and hope exhibitors will enjoy the variety of medallions, mementos
and other keepsakes being offered to remember this anniversary
experience.
We hope you are making plans to join us in Long Beach, Calif. on
Dec. 12 and 13 for what promises to be AKC’s biggest birthday party
ever. I couldn’t be prouder to wish the AKC a happy 125th birthday
and am confident we’ll see many more "yappy" returns.
Sincerely,
