NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Kennel Club (AKC®), the world's largest purebred dog registry, today announces that it is launching the AKC Canine Officer Program, in an effort to highlight the contributions of dogs working in public service.
This program will recognize dogs that work for government agencies including police, military, border patrol, TSA, USDA, transit authorities and other programs. These modern day working dogs use inherited characteristics and skills that are valued and preserved by traditional performance events. They possess the skills, intelligence and necessary cooperative attitudes to excel at their jobs.
"Purpose-bred dogs serve our communities in various ways that provide an extra level of security for all of us." said Doug Ljungren, AKC's Vice President of Sports and Events. "We are partnering with our clubs to recognize their daily, valued contributions to our society and show our appreciation for all that they do."
The AKC will work with its many local clubs that currently support working dogs in their communities. A local club can submit a request for a 'Certificate of Appreciation' to the Sports Services department and the certificate will be awarded to the working dog in an official ceremony of their choosing. In addition to the certificate, the dog and the supporting club will receive a photo and profile on akc.org. Any working dog is eligible to receive the certificate and is not required to be registered with the AKC, however, the AKC will offer a free registration to the recipients if the government agency desires it.
Clubs may click here to download the form to nominate a Canine Officer.
For questions, concerns, or form submission, please email [email protected].
About the American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization, which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.
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