The American Kennel Club and The Theriogenology Foundation Announce 2016 Companion Animal Residencies

NEW YORK, Jan. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Kennel Club (AKC^®), the world's largest purebred dog registry, the Theriogenology Foundation and the AKC Canine Health Foundation announce that the recently established American Kennel Club/Theriogenology Foundation Companion Animal Residencies in Theriogenology are being renewed and expanded to four universities in 2016.

All of the residencies are made possible by generous grants from the AKC and the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) and are for new residents who begin their studies in 2016. The programs will exist at Auburn University, North Carolina State University, The Ohio State University and University of Pennsylvania. Each grant is in the amount of $100,000, to be used for study over 2-3 years. Existing residencies funded through this grant in 2014 and ending this year were for programs at University of California/Davis, Auburn University and University of Pennsylvania.

"We are proud to partner with the Theriogenology Foundation to continue our ongoing commitment to canine health research," said Dennis Sprung, President and CEO of the AKC. "Helping to cultivate future veterinarians and health researchers is essential to the wellbeing of all dogs. We look forward to seeing their contributions to canine wellness."

"Purpose-bred dogs make valuable contributions to our society from helping those with disabilities to public safety," said Dr. Charles Franz, Executive Director of the Theriogenology Foundation.  "These dogs have genetically predetermined traits that are essential to the jobs that they do. The developments made in clinical theriogenology enhance responsible dog breeders' ability to produce healthy litters that can continue to aide our societal needs."

Theriogenology is the branch of veterinary medicine that focuses on reproduction, including the physiology and pathology of male and female reproductive systems of animals and the clinical practice of veterinary obstetrics, gynecology, and andrology.

Since 1884, the AKC has recognized that the pedigree is the best tool for improving canine health temperament and working skills. The ever-changing world of clinical theriogenology and genetic testing has given breeders the necessary tools to produce healthier litters and puppies with predictable temperaments that fit into owners' lifestyles. Through this grant, the AKC and CHF acknowledge that meeting the needs of their members means investing in the education of the next generation of veterinary specialists.

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.

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About the Theriogenology Foundation
The Theriogenology Foundation is a global resource that supports education and research in reproductive medicine; ensuring that future generations of animals continue to enrich our lives through service, companionship, and food for a growing human population while conserving our natural resources. 

About the Canine Health Foundation
For more than 20 years, the Raleigh, NC-based AKC Canine Health Foundation has leveraged the power of science and research to improve the lives of dogs and their people. The Foundation is dedicated to preventing, treating, and curing diseases impacting all dogs while providing professional information and resources for a new breed of dog owner. Take action because you care; find out more online at www.akcchf.org.

SOURCE American Kennel Club

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