AKC provides more funding for working dog DNA database

RALEIGH, N.C. — The American Kennel Club Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) program donated $110,000 to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine for its creation of a health database for search-and-rescue dogs.

Last year, AKC CAR funded the project with an initial grant of $70,000. The funds are being used for the operation of the AKC CAR Detection Dog DNA Bank and Health Registry, now part of the newly established Penn Vet Working Dog Center.

The goal of the program is to collect and analyze genetic, behavioral and physical data to improve the success and well-being of detection dogs. The Penn Vet Working Dog Center will develop a detection-dog breeding and training program that will put the knowledge gained through the database to use.