The Mission of the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank (AKC PPB) is to ensure the viability of purebred dogs. This valuable service is necessary to salvage or restore endangered dog breeds now and in the future. While coordinating efforts with non-profit breed-specific clubs, the AKC PPB will educate breeders, clubs, and the public about the importance of safeguarding frozen semen and protecting purebred dog breeds for future decades.
Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Toro of Bras Coup, Alaskan Malamute. c. 1948. Photo credit: (William Brown) – Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
A vintage photograph of an Akita standing outdoors in three-quarter view.Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Ch. Bub V. Anwander (first breed champion)
c. 1950. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
American Eskimo dam and puppies. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Flat-Coated Retrievers with their owners at a field trial in 1949. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Rottweiler. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Flat-Coated Retriever. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Sussex Spaniel. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Dandie Dinmont Terriers. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Bichon Frise. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Sealyham Terriers. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Ch. Flornell Glamour, Whippet; c. 1940. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Whippet Weigh In. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Irish Wolfhounds. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Rottweilers. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Flat-Coated Retriever. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Bernese Mountain Dog. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Otterhound. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Pharaoh Hounds. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Harrier. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Dalmatian. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
West Highland White Terrier, Wishing Well Kennels; 1953. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Portuguese Water Dog. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Alaskan Malamute. Photo credit: Courtesy of the AKC Library and Archives.
Why does semen preservation matter?
“Long term preservation of our breeds has become a central issue of focus for many AKC Parent Clubs. Preservation is not just for the breeds with lower-than-average levels of breeding activity, but for any breed that might face genetic bottlenecks or other genetic difficulties, now or in the future.”
– Dr. Charles Garvin, AKC PPB Chairman and Delegate of the Dalmatian Club of America (June 2021Perspectives)
We are losing the genetic influence of our historic breed Super Stars every day.
Across the United States, thousands of breeding units are destroyed each month because valuable frozen semen is abandoned due to owner incapacitation, financial barriers, or death.