2. Foundation Administration, 1988-2012

Incorporated in 1989, the Poodle Club of America Foundation Inc. was founded to foster and promote the public’s knowledge and appreciation of dogs in general and Poodles in particular; to further understanding of the diseases, genetic anomalies and injuries that affect dogs in general and Poodles in particular; to support and promote study of and research on the character, history, genetics, breeding and related characteristics that establish the Poodle as a distinct breed of dog; to establish a database/library of educational and resource materials on the Poodle; to develop and make available to the general public and the Fancy information about the proper care, treatment, breeding, health, development and training of poodles. The PCAF has provided over $500,000 in research grants to fight health problems common in Poodles and other dogs and to identify genetic causes of Poodle disease. Advances resulting from PCAF-funded studies have included new DNA tests that allow breeders to avoid the devastating genetic diseases neonatal encephalopathy and prcd-progressive retinal atrophy. PCAF contributes funding to many AKC Canine Health Foundation-sponsored projects with the potential to benefit Poodles, such as the current CHF Bloat Initiative aimed at ending the toll of bloat and torsion.

At each National Specialty, PCAF presents a free seminar offering education on topics such as health issues, breeding strategies, training, structural soundness in dogs, and Poodle wisdom from revered authorities like the late Anne Rogers Clark.