Reproductive Health Research
The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) supports research that focuses on understanding and treating problems in the male and female reproductive systems of dogs.
Why We Focus on Reproductive Health
The health of both male and female reproductive systems is essential to ensuring healthy, strong puppies and maintaining the overall well-being of dogs. Problems with reproduction, such as infertility, infections, or cancers, can greatly affect a dog’s ability to breed and lead a healthy life. For dog owners and breeders, understanding and addressing these health issues is crucial to producing healthy litters and preventing genetic disorders. By supporting research in this area, we can provide better solutions for managing reproductive conditions, improving the health of breeding dogs, and ultimately ensuring that future generations of puppies start life with the best chance for a healthy, vibrant life.
Research Grants
Reproductive Health ● $14,966
03165-A: Canine Semen Microbiome
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Penelope Banchi, DVM and Ann Van Soom, PhD
Sponsor(s): American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club Charitable Trust, Golden Retriever Foundation, Portuguese Water Dog Foundation
Reproductive Health ● $47,546
03055: Evaluating Reproductive Diseases in vitro with a 3D Canine Endometrial Organoid Model
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Fiona Hollinshead, BVSc, PhD
Sponsor(s): American Miniature Schnauzer Club, Collie Health Foundation, Portuguese Water Dog Foundation
Reproductive Health ● $15,000
03051-A: Antimicrobial Resistance in the Canine Vaginal Microbiome
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Erika Ganda, DVM, PhD
Sponsor(s): American Miniature Schnauzer Club
Reproductive Health ● $11,502
03045-A: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Diagnosis of Dog Sperm Morphology
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Leonardo Brito, DVM, PhD
Sponsor(s): Golden Retriever Foundation, Portuguese Water Dog Foundation
Reproductive Health ● $47,342
02811: Prospective View Into the Use of Antimicrobials in Canine Pyometra and Prognostic Risk Factors for Postoperative Infection and Hospitalization
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Sari Mölsä, DVM, PhD
Sponsor(s): Affenpinscher Rescue of America, Akita Club of America, Inc., American Brittany Club
Reproductive Health ● $13,608
02669-A: Lipid Composition and Lipid Droplet Dynamics in Canine Pyometra Affected Endometria
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Ingrid Walter, PhD
Sponsor(s): Bedlington Terrier Wellness and Rescue Association, Inc., Chihuahua Club of America, Clumber Spaniel Health Foundation, Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc.
Reproductive Health ● $14,904
02409-A: Targeting Bacterial Adhesion via Blocking the Scavenger Receptor Type B1 in Canine Pyometra
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Cordula Gabriel, PhD
Sponsor(s): Heath Estate for Golden Retrievers, Pekingese Charitable Foundation, American Boxer Charitable Foundation, Irish Setter Club of America Foundation, Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America
Reproductive Health ● $8,208
02512-A: Genome sequencing and antimicrobial susceptibilities of Escherichia coli isolated from clinical cases of canine pyometra
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Erin E Runcan, DVM
Sponsor(s): Portuguese Water Dog Foundation
Reproductive Health ● $14,985
02267-A: An Epidemiological Study of Brucella canis
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Tory V Whitten, MPH and Joni M. Scheftel, DVM, MPH
Sponsor(s): Yorkshire Terrier Club of America Foundation, Inc., Collie Health Foundation, Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.
Reproductive Health ● $14,731
02264-A: Role of E. Coli Biofilm in Canine Pyometra
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Marco A Coutinho da Silva, DVM, PhD
Sponsor(s): Pekingese Charitable Foundation, Yorkshire Terrier Club of America Foundation, Inc., Collie Health Foundation, Irish Setter Club of America Foundation, Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc.
Reproductive Health ● $12,960
02193-A: Identifying the Genetic Basis of Fetal Anasarca in Bulldogs/Canines
Breed(s): Bulldog
Researcher(s): Anna V. Kukekova, PhD
Sponsor(s): Bulldog Club of America Charitable Health Fund, Inc., French Bulldog Club of America
Reproductive Health ● $12,952
02175-A: Development of a Brucellosis Vaccine for Dogs
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Angela M Arenas, DVM, PhD
Sponsor(s): American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation, Inc., English Setter Association of America, Inc., Health & Rescue Foundation of the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Club of America, Labrador Retriever Club, Inc., Siberian Husky Club of America, Inc.
Reproductive Health ● $12,960
02192-A: Advanced Semen Analysis in Labrador Retrievers
Breed(s): Labrador Retriever
Researcher(s): Stuart Meyers, DVM, PhD
Sponsor(s): Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of America
Reproductive Health ● $8,165
02188-A: Combined Anti-Mullerian Hormone and Progesterone Testing for the Diagnosis of Canine Ovarian Remnant Syndrome
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Ned J Place, MD, PhD
Reproductive Health ● $6,031.80
02136-A: Development of a Low Cost, Non-Invasive Test to Determine Whether Females Have Been Spayed
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Margaret V. Root Kustritz, DVM, PhD
Join Us in Advancing
Canine Health
With over $460,000 invested in canine reproductive health research, CHF is committed to improving the lives of dogs now and in the future.
