Participate in Research
Canine health researchers throughout the country are looking for dogs to help them better understand disease. In some cases you and your dog need to live close to the research institution. In other cases you can participate no matter where you live. Learn more about the significant impact you can make on canine health research through your participation.
Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) DNA Repository 
The CHIC DNA Repository, co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), collects and stores canine DNA samples along with corresponding genealogic and phenotypic information to facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of inherited disease in dogs. DNA samples from any purebred dog may be submitted at anytime. Researchers may then access these samples to be included in their canine health studies. Learn more at the CHIC website.
Canine Comparative Oncology and Genomics Consortium (CCOGC)
The CCOGC collects tissues and fluids from dogs with specific cancer types following strict SOPs. These procedures ensure all samples are of high quality and can be used consistently across multiple research projects. The samples are assessable to any research project with scientific merit. You can learn more about CCOGC and find a collection site near you at the CCOGC website.
Clinical Trials
If your dog has recently been diagnosed with a disease, there may be a clinical trial in your area investigating a treatment for that disease. Enrolling in a clinical trial brings with it a commitment to follow through on therapies and testing. The benefits can include access to cutting-edge medicine and the chance to help future generations of dogs. Resources for finding clinical trials.
Individual Research Projects
Search for a study by the below criteria to narrow the selection. More information may be obtained by selecting an individual project.
Genetic and Environmental Risk for Lymphoma in Boxer Dogs
Characterization of Kidney Disease in Dalmatians
Evaluation of a Potential Therapy for Canine Degenerative Myelopathy
Genetics of Bloat in German Shepherd Dogs
The Epidemiology of Diabetes in Different Breeds of Dogs
Clinical Trial - Lung Tumors in Dogs
Antimicrobial Use and Prevalence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus spp.
Discovery of Novel Protein, Blood, and Epigenetic Biomarkers of Lymphoma Risk, Classification, and Prognosis in Golden Retrievers
Evaluation of a New Ultra-Low Fat Diet for the Management of Primary Hyperlipidemia in Dogs
Fluroscopic and Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Diaphragmatic Motion in Dogs Affected by Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus
*The AKC Canine Health Foundation ensures studies are Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approved and provide standard informed owner consent information before publicizing requests for participation. Not all projects listed are funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the inclusion of information about studies does not necessarily imply a recommendation for participation. This list is provided as a service to dog owners and breeders.
Help Future Generations of Dogs
Participate in canine health research by providing samples or by enrolling in a clinical trial. Samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by specific diseases.
