Editorial: August 15, 2025

Just to refresh your memory: The American Kennel Club and the AKC Canine Health Foundation share a unique affiliation. Created in 1995 by the American Kennel Club, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) grew steadily, and with the growing pains came some differences in direction between the two. Because of the unique relationship, AKC board members were also members of the CHF board of directors. Which begged the question: Which master do you serve? To this day, the election of delegates to the American Kennel Club board of directors makes them eligible to sit on the CHF board of directors. As a result of the difference of ideas and direction, the CHF legally became its own separate entity from the AKC, and the comprises made included leaving the AKC as part of the CHF name, keeping three board seats and other in kind considerations — hence the name AKC Canine Health Foundation. CHF became an affiliate of the American Kennel Club and as part of the in-kind agreement the American Kennel Club gives the CHF office space and other related perks. Since its founding, CHF has donated $75 million in canine research grants to 145 institutions worldwide. It has the highest scores in charity-rating organizations. Surprised by these numbers? You’re not alone. After years of stagnant promotion, the CHF is now under the leadership of Elizabeth Montgomery, who seems keenly aware that the Canine Health Foundation and the American Kennel Club are the best secret weapons to combat the overwhelming influence animal-rights people have on the public. To them we seem to be elitists with unhealthy, fancy dogs. Imagine if the public knew of all the good work done by the American Kennel Club and CHF, two organizations whose efforts to better the health of all dogs ultimately could lead to answers that combat human illness. CHF is the only non-profit organization that contributes to only canine research, unlike the better-known Morris Animal Foundation, which does great work in contributing to not only dogs but cats, horses and other animals as well. With more than 66 percent of all households in the United States owning pets, mostly dogs, think of the contributions that could be made to further the research in canine diseases. A double win: The public would be aware of our deep interest in canine health, and it would promote a positive opinion of our purebred-dog community. We need a strong national advertising and PSA promotional campaign. You need to spend money to make money. Think of the family that loses its beloved dog to heart disease and makes a contribution of any amount to CHF in that dog’s memory — you do the math.