New York, NY - As we prepare for the AKC/Eukanuba National Invitational Championship, I felt it appropriate to recognize an indispensable segment of our fancy, one who makes a tremendous effort to participate in and represent their breeds at the show -- the AKC parent clubs. With all 159 breeds and varieties entered in this year's event, we will be able to showcase each and every AKC recognized dog before a national audience.

Last year, those of you who attended the Invitational got to see 137 of our parent clubs assembled in one place for the first ever "AKC Meet the Breeds." It was a truly unique occasion--and in a time when there are so few benched shows--a rare opportunity for the public to meet and interact with so many breeds and the clubs that represent them.

At this year's event, which is now free and open to the public, I'm proud to say we have three additional clubs participating, rounding us out to an even 140. I thank each club for working with us to further a common goal -- educating the public about the unique and wonderful qualities of each breed. As liaisons between their breed and the public, not to mention the AKC, parent clubs play an essential role in helping the AKC achieve its goals. We appreciate that participating clubs recognize the value of "AKC Meet the Breeds" and are grateful to the individuals who have given their time to create and staff the booths.

I have also been happy to see that many smaller, local "Meet the Breeds" events --both in conjunction with and aside from shows --are being held by clubs across the country. We encourage all clubs to get out and hold events where they can interact with and educate the public. In fact, our communications department will soon be in touch to ask clubs to participate in "AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day," an annual opportunity for us to take ownership of a cause we all do so much for and care so deeply about.

I want to add that it is especially appropriate to be celebrating the work of our parent clubs coming off the highly successful, first-ever parent club conference last month. By all accounts the event was a huge success and a vehicle for sharing insights and establishing open lines of communication. The event was an ideal example of the increased spirit of inclusiveness I hope to continue to see within the sport. With more than 135 clubs represented, it's another testament to the dedication our parent clubs have to being the driving force for their breeds and the sport.

Again - thank you to the parent clubs for their continued enthusiasm and dedication to representing each of our breeds. The Invitational and the events surrounding it are a true celebration of our sport. I can think of no better way for the public to experience the purebred dog, and no better opportunity for us to introduce them to AKC and the sport than "AKC's Meet the Breeds," and the AKC/Eukanuba National Invitational Championship. I hope to see you there!

Happy Holidays!

Ron Menaker
Chairman
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The AKC, founded in 1884, is one of the oldest sports-governing organizations. It maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world, is responsible for overseeing the governance of the sport of purebred dogs, and keeps records of competitive results.

For further information about AKC and the sport of purebred dogs, visit AKC Online at www.akc.org or contact the Communications Department at 212-696-8343.