• Routine Kennel
  Inspections Program

• Parent Breed Club Program

• DNA Certification Program

• Frequently Used Sire Program

• Semen Requirement

DNA Identification:

Breeding programs all over the world are excited that DNA is becoming a standard to improve the integrity of breeders and future generations of breed excellence!

The American Kennel Club has become a great example to other breed clubs as being one of the first to implement four programs & requirements for DNA testing.

1. "Routine Kennel Inspections Program: known as the Compliance
   Audit Program, AKC inspectors perform their usual duties during kennel inspections selected at random in advance, including identification and record keeping, and collect DNA samples permitting the verification of parentage for litters observed. AKC privileges will be withdrawn when the parentage of litters is determined to be incorrect. 

2. Parent Breed Club Program: to increase the awareness and
   understanding by the fancy of both the feasibility and the advisability of using DNA, and to guarantee that the genetic markers used for
   identification and parentage verification are appropriate for all AKC breeds, samples will be collected at breed club national specialties. The goal is to obtain reliable estimates of genetic marker variability within each breed for a maximum (17) number of markers. On the average 100 to 150 samples will be collected on a completely voluntary basis. There is no charge to individuals electing to participate in this program, and the results are incorporated into the DNA Database. For those interested, a 'DNA Certificate' for each dog is available for a charge of ten dollars. This program has met with tremendous support at National Specialty shows.  The program is completely subscribed, and will conclude at the end of 2000. 

3. DNA Certification Program: created in direct response to interest from the fancy, breeders can now have their dogs voluntarily DNA certified. The cost to participate in this program is $40 per dog. A Certificate of DNA Analysis is issued with the dog’s name, registration information, DNA Profile Number, and genotype. If the dog is registered, Registration Certificates and Pedigrees issued after the dog has been DNA certified will contain the DNA Profile Number. This program will strengthen breeding programs in a way never before possible. 

4. Frequently Used Sires Program: Effective July 1, 2000, every sire producing seven or more litters in his lifetime or producing more than three litters in a calendar year must be 'AKC DNA Certified.' Dogs with DNA profiles from the voluntary DNA Certification Program or from the Parent Breed Club Program have already met this requirement. 
   
   Other Services:  Frozen and Chilled Semen - Requirement: After October 1, 1998, AKC DNA Certification is required for all stud dogs collected for fresh extended and frozen semen use, including foreign stud dogs collected for imported semen use in the United States."
   Source: AKC Web Site

Please ask your breeder for the DNA identification information for your puppy's sire and dam.  If you are interested confirming parentage or simply in permanently identifying your puppy using the DNA program, simply call or write AKC for a free "swab" DNA test kit.  The swab looks like a big Q-tip and you only need rub the inside cheek of your puppy and send it in with a $40 fee to AKC.

Simply write, call, or visit AKC website to find more about their DNA Certification Program!

DNA Operations & Educational Services
Phone: (919) 854-0108
Fax: (919) 854-0102
Email: dna@akc.org