AKC Canine Health Foundation opens nominations for 2026 Canine Health Discovery of the Year Award

The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF) has opened nominations for its 2026 Canine Health Discovery of the Year Award, recognizing recent scientific discoveries that meaningfully advance canine health. The annual award highlights research with clear relevance to clinical care, disease prevention, diagnostics, or treatment, and is intended to elevate work that has the potential to improve the lives of dogs now and in the future.¹

According to the foundation, the Canine Health Discovery of the Year Award is designed to honor investigators whose research findings represent a significant step forward in understanding or managing canine disease. Eligible discoveries may span a wide range of disciplines, including genetics, oncology, infectious disease, neurology, cardiology, orthopedics, and other areas relevant to companion animal medicine. Both veterinary and non-veterinary researchers are eligible, provided the work demonstrates a direct benefit to canine health.

Nominations for the 2026 award are now being accepted through the foundation’s online submission portal. The nomination process allows colleagues, collaborators, institutions, and other stakeholders to put forward research discoveries they believe merit recognition. Submissions are reviewed by a panel of experts convened by AKC CHF, with finalists and a winner selected based on scientific merit, innovation, and potential impact on dogs.

For veterinary professionals, the award offers a window into how foundational and translational research continues to shape everyday practice. Previous finalists have included discoveries that improved understanding of inherited disease risk, advanced diagnostic tools, and informed more targeted or personalized approaches to treatment. Many of these research efforts have implications not only for referral and specialty medicine, but also for general practice, where early detection and evidence-based decision-making play a critical role.

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In addition to recognizing individual discoveries, the Canine Health Discovery of the Year Award reflects AKC CHF’s broader mission to advance canine health through funding high-quality research and sharing results with the veterinary community. By spotlighting standout discoveries each year, the foundation aims to encourage collaboration, accelerate the application of new knowledge, and reinforce the value of research-driven medicine.

Veterinarians, researchers, and academic institutions are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and submission guidelines before beginning the nomination process. Nominations are expected to focus on discoveries from recent research efforts and should clearly articulate the significance of the findings and their relevance to canine health.

More information about the award, including nomination requirements and deadlines, is available on the AKC Canine Health Foundation’s Canine Health Discovery of the Year Award landing page.

Reference

American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. Canine Health Discovery of the Year Award. AKC Canine Health Foundation website. Accessed January 19, 2026. https://www.akcchf.org/chf-health-discovery-of-the-year/