The American Kennel Club has announced new protocol for its dog breeder inspections program.
Specifically, the new additions to inspection protocol include:
- For the first time, breeders who register four to six litters annually with the AKC will be randomly selected for inspection.
- As an added incentive for currently inspected AKC breeders registering seven to 24 litters annually, the AKC will waive one 18-month inspection cycle for those who pass two consecutive inspections. After the waiver, breeders will be placed back on an 18-month inspection schedule.
Standard protocols that will remain in place include: annual inspections of all breeders of 25 or more litters; inspection of pet shops and distributors; and inspections based on complaints with substantial documentation.
The AKC also says it will continue to use DNA technology to verify the parentage of litters tested during kennel inspections.
The kennel club says the changes will enable it to allocate resources and manpower to other areas needing inspection while rewarding breeders consistently found to be complying with AKC policies.
“Our inspections not only protect the welfare of dogs, but help ensure that puppy buyers will bring home healthy and happy additions to their family,” AKC spokesman Tom Sharp said.
The kennel club says its new inspection protocol was based upon data reflecting current registration demographics and compliance results.
While the AKC formerly focused on breeders registering seven or more litters annually, lowering the litter threshold to include randomly selected breeders of four to six litters is expected to allow the kennel club to inspect those who chose to reduce their number of AKC registered litters in order to avoid inspection.
“We strongly believe AKC’s common sense requirements protect the registry and everyone who cares deeply about purebred dogs. We want to help our customers keep their overall standards high, and have committed significant resources over the years to this effort,” Sharp said.
For more information on AKC compliance, visit the website.