HOW DO THE MOST POPULAR BREEDS FARE 

WHEN DOG SHOW JUDGES DO THEIR THING? 

Breed Popularity not a Factor in Who Gets the Ribbons 

PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 18, 2022) This year, the National Dog Show will be hosting will host over 1,800 dogs representing 194 different breeds and varieties of dogs and while the public likes their Goldens and their Labs, dog show judges rarely agree. 

The big weekend is is upon us, Saturday, Nov. 19, and Sunday, Nov. 20 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. The Saturday show is The National Dog Show Presented by Purina, taped by NBC for air onThanksgiving Day from noon-2 p.m.in all time zones to an anticipated total audience of over 20 million. 

Every year the American Kennel Club publishes a list ranking the breeds in popularity based on registration statistics. The American Kennel Club registered 800,000 dogs last year. The top 10 breeds for 2022 are, in order, Labrador Retrievers, French Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Poodles, Bulldogs, Beagles, Rottweilers, German Shorthaired Pointers and Dachsunds.  

However, a breed’s popularity does not necessarily translate in the show ring.  The Labrador Retriever has been the number one-ranked dog breed in the United States for the last 31 years, but has only won the sporting group at the National Dog Show once (2009). The Labrador Retriever has yet to win Best in Show in the 20-year history of dogdom’s most prominent showcase. 

There’s a reason for that.  Dog show judging is an intricate art.  Each breed is judged on its individual merit according to the written blueprint for the breed, called a “breed standard.”  Does the Coton de Tulear have a coat like a cotton ball?  Does the Pembroke Welsh Corgi have a stubby tail?  Does the Pekingese have a rolling gait? Once a dog wins against other competitors in their breed, they progress to one of the seven groups they are assigned to: Sporting, Herding, Working, Hound, Terrier, Non-Sporting, and Toy.  In the group, those unique breed characteristics are what the judge is looking for, and that enables the judges to select one breed over another when it comes down to Best in Group and Best In Show.  

Thus, a dog ranked 158th in popularity, such as the Scottish Deerhound, has a chance at winning Best in Show.  In 2020 and in 2021 a Scottish Deerhound named“Claire” (GCHS Foxcliffe Claire Randall Fraser) did just that!  

The most popular breeds have a mixed history of wins, with some winning their group several times and some never at all. The Bulldog, Thor, won the National Dog Show in 2019 and became an instant celebrity, bringing joy to lovers of the sixth most popular breed.  None of the other top-ranked breeds have won in Philadelphia since 2002, but the prominent Beagle, Uno, won the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2008 and became a media phenomenon, including a visit to the White House. 

Those viewing at home will most likely be cheering for the representative from the breed that they have sitting by their feet or on the sofa with them.  Co-host and expert analyst for The National Dog Show on NBC David Frei calls this “The alma mater factor.” The wonderful thing about a dog showis that there can be as many as 212 breeds and varieties in competition and each one has the chance to take the big prize! Regardless, “the best dog,” as host John O’Hurley is fond of saying, “is the one next to you.”

If you will be traveling to The Expo Center this weekend, you can see a variety of representatives from each of the top ten breeds as well as many others. Tickets are now on sale for the annual canine extravaganza atwww.nds.nationaldogshow.com.Dog show weekend is Nov. 19-20 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaksand ticket prices are$16 for adults, $7 for children 4-11 with free admission for kids three-and-under. Parking is also free. 

147^TH ANNUAL WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW NAMES 2023 BEST IN SHOW JUDGE

Geir Flyckt-Pedersen, world-renowned judge and breeder, has been chosen

to award America’s Dog

                                                                                                                                                                  New York, NY — The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, America’s second-longest continuously held sporting event after the Kentucky Derby, announced that Geir Flyckt-Pedersen, one of the most prominent judges in the U.S., will select Best in Show at the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on May 9, 2023.

Flyckt-Pedersen ascended to the highest echelon of breeders and handlers following a lifetime of involvement in the sport. Originally hailing from Norway, Flyckt-Pedersen now resides in Pepper Pike, Ohio. Throughout his career in dogs he has been awarded a slew of coveted honors which include becoming the first person to win both the Swedish and Norwegian Dog of the Year titles in the same year.

Geir Flyckt-Pedersen’s success in the show ring is extensive. Beyond piloting his Welsh Terrier to Top Dog in Norway and Sweden, he and his late wife Gerd teamed up to achieve several notable wins. The following are included among the pair’s accolades: 

●    The team received the Tom Horner/Dog World’s Award of Excellence for contributing to the British dog world;

●    The team also won Best in Show at the prestigious all-terrier competition at Skansen, Sweden three times, and the Pup of the Year twice in England;

●    Flyckt-Pedersen won Best in Show over 4,000 dogs with his Wire Fox Terrier in Helsinki, Finland, while Gerd won Reserve Best in Show with an English Cocker Spaniel at the same show; and

●    They bred more than 100 Wire Fox Terrier champions and had Best in Show winners in five countries on the same day, making Louline, his Wire Fox Terrier kennel, world-famous.

While handling dogs in the show ring, Geir owned several breeds, including English Cocker Spaniels, Greyhounds, Whippets, Airedales, Norfolk Terriers, Lakeland Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, Standard and Giant Schnauzers.

As a judge, Flyckt-Pedersen has officiated around the world, including Crufts in England. This will be his fifth Westminster assignment, and he has officiated at the AKC National Championship and The Kennel Club of Philadelphia events.

His professional life included farming and serving as an executive with Skandia Transport. He is now retired and living with his two Norfolk Terriers.

2023 JUDGING PANEL

Seven Group Judges will select their picks for the Best in Show competition over two nights at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

On Monday, May 8, the following judges will select four group winners to advance to the Best in Show competition: Edmund Dziuk of Columbia, Missouri for the Hound Group; Cindy Vogels of Greenwood Village, Colorado for the Toy Group; George Milutinovich of Fresno, California for the Non-Sporting Group; and Thomas W. Coen of Great Barrington, Massachusetts for the Herding Group.

On Tuesday, May 9, the following judges will select the remaining three group winners to advance to Best in Show: Frank Kane of Cleveland, England for the Sporting Group; Paula Nykiel, of Washington, Missouri for the Working Group; and Connie H. Clark of Rio Del Mar, California, for the Terrier Group.

The Best Junior Handler award will be decided on Tuesday, May 9 at Arthur Ashe Stadium by Junior Showmanship Finals Judge, Vicki Seiler-Cushman of Xenia, Ohio. The eight junior showmanship finalists will be determined in preliminary rounds by judges Lydia Armstrong Frey of Wellington, Florida, and Rachel Robertson of Charlotte, North Carolina.

The 10^th Anniversary of the Masters Agility Championship at Westminster on Saturday, May 6, will be judged by Andrew Dicker of Reading, Berkshire, England, and Lori Sage of Oregon City, Oregon. Alice A. Peterson of Boise, Idaho, will officiate the 8^th Annual Masters Obedience Championship at Westminster on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

Pending American Kennel Club approval, the judging panel for the Best of Breed or Variety competitions includes:

SPORTING BREEDS AND VARIETIES

●    Jean-Louis Blais of St. Gilles, Quebec, Canada: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers.

●    Wayne R. Cavanaugh of Kalamazoo, Michigan: German Shorthaired Pointers, German Wirehaired Pointers, English Setters, Gordon Setters, Irish Setters, Irish Red and White Setters, Pointers.

●    Britt E. Jung of Houston, Texas: Brittanys, Lagotti Romagnoli, Spinoni Italiani, Vizslas, Weimaraners, Wirehaired Pointing Griffons.

●    Meghen Riese-Bassel of Social Circle, Georgia: American Water Spaniels, Boykin Spaniels, Clumber Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels (all Varieties), English Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels, Field Spaniels, Irish Water Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels, Welsh Springer Spaniels.

●    Dr. Michael J. Woods of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada: Barbets, Bracco Italiano, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Curly-Coated Retrievers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Wirehaired Vizslas.

HOUND BREEDS AND VARIETIES

●    Mark Cocozza of London, England: Afghan Hounds, Borzois, Grand Basset Griffon Vendéens, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens, Portuguese Podengo Pequenos, Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

●    Denise Flaim of Sea Cliff, New York: Azawakhs, Basenjis, Cirnechi dell'Etna, Harriers, Ibizan Hounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Pharaoh Hounds, Sloughis.

●    Valerie Hamilton of Brush Prairie, Washington: Greyhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, Whippets.

●    Jason Hoke of Madison, Wisconsin: Basset Hounds, Beagles (both Varieties), Dachshunds (all Varieties).

●    Polly Smith of St. Stephens Church, Virginia: American English Coonhounds, American Foxhounds, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Bluetick Coonhounds, English Foxhounds, Otterhounds, Plotts, Redbone Coonhounds, Treeing Walker Coonhounds.

WORKING BREEDS

●    Sandra Pretari Hickson of San Bruno, California: Akitas, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards, Tibetan Mastiffs.

●    Joan Luna Liebes of Peyton, Colorado: Alaskan Malamutes, Bullmastiffs, Komondorok, Kuvaszok, Leonbergers, Siberian Huskies.

●    Denise Flaim of Sea Cliff, New York: Anatolian Shepherd Dogs, Boerboels, Cane Corsos, Dogo Argentinos, Dogues de Bordeaux, Great Pyrenees, Neapolitan Mastiff.

●    Robert L. Vandiver of Simpsonville, South Carolina: Black Russian Terriers, Chinooks, Doberman Pinschers, German Pinschers, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Portuguese Water Dogs, Samoyeds.

●    Ann Ingram of Rochestown, Cork, Ireland: Boxers, Giant Schnauzers, Great Danes, Rottweilers, Standard Schnauzers.

TERRIER BREEDS AND VARIETIES

●    Kathleen J. Ferris of Holland, Pennsylvania: Bedlington Terriers, Border Terriers, Cesky Terriers, Glen of Imaal Terriers, Irish Terriers, Miniature Schnauzers.

●    David J. Kirkland of Sanford, North Carolina: American Hairless Terriers, Dandie Dinmont Terriers, Parson Russell Terriers, Rat Terriers, Russell Terriers, Scottish Terriers, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, Standard Manchester Terriers.

●    Dr. Jerry Klein of Chicago, Illinois: Airedale Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers (both Varieties), Kerry Blue Terriers, Lakeland Terriers, Miniature Bull Terriers, Smooth Fox Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Welsh Terriers, Wire Fox Terriers.

●    Louise Leone of Franktown, Colorado: Australian Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Norfolk Terriers, Norwich Terriers, Sealyham Terriers, Skye Terriers, West Highland White Terriers.

TOY BREEDS AND VARIETIES

●    Ted W. Eubank of Dallas, Texas: Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, English Toy Spaniels (both Varieties), Havanese, Miniature Pinschers, Pekingese, Pomeranians, Pugs.

●    Ann Ingram of Rochestown, Cork, Ireland: Toy Poodles.

●    Douglas A. Johnson of Bloomington, Indiana: Chihuahuas (both Varieties), Chinese Cresteds, Italian Greyhounds, Papillons, Russian Toys, Shih Tzu, Toy Fox Terriers.

●    Sandra M. Lex of Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Affenpinschers, Biewer Terriers, Brussels Griffons, Japanese Chin, Maltese, Silky Terriers, Toy Manchester Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers.

NON-SPORTING BREEDS

●    Dr. Joyce Dandridge of Washington D.C.: American Eskimo Dogs, Chinese Shar-Pei, Chow Chows, Finnish Spitz, Keeshonden, Schipperkes, Shiba Inu, Xoloitzcuintlis.

●    Ann Ingram of Rochestown, Cork, Ireland: Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Miniature Poodles, Standard Poodles.

●    Patricia A. Sosa of Madisonville, Louisiana: Bichon Frises, Cotons de Tulear, Dalmatians, Lhasa Apsos, Lowchen, Norwegian Lundehunds, Tibetan Spaniels, Tibetan Terriers.

HERDING BREEDS AND VARIETIES

●    Peggy Beisel-McIlwaine of Ann Arbor, Michigan: Australian Shepherds, Bearded Collies, Beaucerons, Bergamasco Sheepdogs, Berger Picards, Briards, Collies (both Varieties).

●    Carrie A. Chase of Martinsburg, West Virginia: Border Collies, Bouvier des Flanders, Canaan Dogs, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Norwegian Buhunds, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Shetland Sheepdogs, Swedish Vallhunds.

●    Stephanie S. Hedgepath of Lexington, South Carolina: Australian Cattle Dogs, Belgian Laekenois, Belgian Malinois, Belgian Sheepdogs, Belgian Tervuren, German Shepherd Dogs, Pyrenean Shepherds.

●    Barbara A. Pessina of Putnam Valley, New York: Entlebucher Mountain Dogs, Finnish Lapphunds, Icelandic Sheepdogs, Miniature American Shepherds, Mudik, Old English Sheepdogs, Polish Lowland Sheepdogs, Pulik, Pumik, Spanish Water Dogs.

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About the Westminster Kennel Club

The Westminster Kennel Club, established in 1877, is America's oldest organization dedicated to the sport of dogs. It hosts the iconic, all-breed Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the second-longest, continuously held sporting event in the U.S. after the Kentucky Derby, and since 1948, the longest nationally televised live dog show. The Club’s mission, which enhances the lives of all dogs, celebrates the companionship of dogs and promotes responsible dog ownership and breed preservation. The Club advocates for purpose-bred dogs, with an understanding that each breed has a legacy and history that deserves to be taught, honored, and preserved. The Club uses education to raise awareness and encourage owners to conscientiously select dogs that are the right match for their families. The annual dog show—a conformation competition for purpose-bred dogs—and the Masters Agility Championship and Masters Obedience Championship—where dogs from all backgrounds are eligible to compete—make Westminster Week with over 3,000 dogs from the U.S. and around the world, a pinnacle experience for any dog lover. America’s Dog Show has captivated canine enthusiasts for more than a century. WESTMINSTER. There's only one.® Visit us on, westminsterkennelclub.org, on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Talkin' Pets News

September 3, 2022

Host - Jon Patch

Co-Host - Jasmine the Dog Trainer, Tampa Bay, FL

Producer - Philip Staub

Network Producer - Ben Boquist

Social Media - Bob Page

Special Guest - Dr. Louis DelGuidice, The National Emergency Specialty Director at AmeriVet Veterinary Partners will join Talkin' Pets to discuss the transmission of MonkeyPox

Brave Paws offers brand new solution for stressed-out dogs suffering during fireworks and thunderstorms.

Brave Paws Anxiety and Stress Support Chewables for Dogs:plant-based chewable offers calming support for everyday stress and anxiety in dogs, including noise phobia.

(Greensboro, NC): The team at Brave Paws^™ knows that dogs are an important part of the family. Like any other member of the family, our furry friends experience nervousness and anxiety, especially during fireworks, thunderstorms and travel. Since no one likes to see their pets in distress, this can be a stressful time for everyone.

Brave Paws Anxiety and Stress Support Chewables for Dogs is a clinically studied and patented botanical that may help ease stress and anxiety in dogs. The plant-based chewables are made from a sustainably sourced blend containing naturally occurring compounds, including betulinic acid, which have been found to promote a sense of calm and relaxation in dogs.

Many things can cause anxiety in dogs, such as noise phobia, separation from their owner, travel or even the aging process. Noise phobia is one of the most common types of anxiety in dogs, affecting roughly 45% of canines. Loud random noises, such as thunderstorms and fireworks, can trigger dogs with noise phobia. For dog owners, summer fireworks celebrations and thunderstorms come with more than just fun and games. Dogs with a fear of loud noises such as thunder can cause danger of harming themselves trying to escape the noise.

“Dogs suffer from anxiety just as much as we do, if not more. Our chewables offer a sustainably sourced, plant-based solution that may help ease anxiety from noise phobia, separation from their owner, and everyday stress,” says Mark Hill, CEO of AABEX Animal Health, the owner of the Brave Paws brand. “We’re dog lovers too, and we just want our pups to be comfortable when faced with stressful events,” says Hill.

“The active ingredients in Brave Paws Anxiety and Stress Support Chewables for Dogs, Souroubea Spp. and Platanus Spp., are supported by both clinical and safety studies,” says Dr. Shannon Gregoire, veterinarian, media personality, and editor of Pet Candy Magazine. “The research is promising. These chewables may help calm dogs through stressful events like fireworks shows and thunderstorms,” says Gregoire.

Although both humans and dogs experience anxiety, dogs show it in different ways. These include panting, drooling, pacing, excessive barking, restlessness, and sometimes even aggressive or destructive behavior. Dogs can become anxious during thunderstorms, vet visits, road trips, loud noises, when the dog is separated from their owner, and—of course—during fireworks. While owners are always encouraged to take basic steps to ease their dog’s anxiety—such as giving them love and comfort and using training to help desensitize them to stressful stimuli—some dogs need additional support. That’s where Brave Paws Anxiety and Stress Support Chewables for Dogs comes in. For best results, the appropriate dose should be given to the dog 60 minutes before a stressful event, such as a storm or fireworks show. This product can be used daily, up to three times per day.

Brave Paws Anxiety and Stress Support Chewables are formulated with a clinically-studied and patented blend. The active ingredients that make up the patented formula include:

• Souroubea spp.—Souroubea, a genus of flowering plants native to Costa Rica and other tropical areas, has traditionally been used in Central American cultures for its calming properties to treat nervousness and anxious behavior.
• Platanus spp. bark—Platanus, also known as the North American Sycamore Tree, was traditionally used by Native Americans and early settlers for its purifying properties, to relieve internal pain, and for conditions such as colds and coughs.
• Betulinic acid––a pentacyclic triterpenoid with anxiolytic properties
• Alpha- and beta-amyrin—triterpines with anxiolytic, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The team at Brave Paws says that these chewables are veterinarian recommended, fast-acting, and non-drowsy. “Our product is not a sedative. Pet parents don’t want to tranquilize their dogs; they just want them to be calm during stressful events,” says Hill.

Brave Paws is also environmentally conscious and responsible with its sourcing. The Anxiety and Stress Support Chewables for Dogs are made with plant-based ingredients that are sustainably sourced from the United States, Canada, and Costa Rica. Brave Paws partners with Coopecuna, a woman-led co-op in rural Costa Rica that practices regenerative farming to improve soil composition, ecological biodiversity, and the local community.

Brave Paws Anxiety and Stress Support Chewables are available in bottles of 30 chewables for $29.99, and 3-packs with 90 chewables for $76.50 (a 15% discount off the list price). To order online, find more information on the brand and its story, or check out the science and behavior tips on their blog, visit www.mybravepaws.com, or on their Facebook or Instagram pages @mybravepaws.

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About Brave Paws:

Brave Paws^™ offers clinically studied nutraceuticals for pets which are sustainably sourced, plant-based, and responsibly made. We are passionate about caring for pets, people, and the planet, and we continually strive towards greater use of renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable solutions, as well as reducing our carbon footprint. Learn more at www.mybravepaws.com.

Dr. Shannon Gregoire

Dr. Shannon Gregoire is a lifelong animal lover, who grew up on a working farm in rural Massachusetts, complete with horses, farm-fresh eggs, and an apiary. She is a graduate of Western University College of Veterinary Medicine and is an Associate Veterinarian with Woodstock Veterinary Clinic in Woodstock, Connecticut. Not only does she provide hands-on care to animals in need, Dr. Shannon is also the Editor of Pet Candy Magazine, a modern pet lover lifestyle brand and an indispensable resource for the best, unbiased experiences, product recommendations, and expert advice.

 Dr. Terry Fossum, a board-certified veterinary surgeon with 35 years of experience as a clinical surgeon, researcher, academic administrator, and entrepreneur. Experience in clinical trial design, naturally occurring animal disease, drug and device development, animal health, and good laboratory practices. Proven track record as an executive leader, program developer, and fund-raiser. Broad experience in company start-up, R&D, corporate finance, consulting, and program management. Author of the best-selling veterinary textbook, Small Animal Surgery.

Dr. Fossum is currently the CEO and Co-founder of Dr. Fossum's Pet Care and the CEO of Epic Veterinary Specialists. Dr. Fossum was the Vice President of Research and Strategic Initiatives at Midwestern University and was formerly the Vice Chancellor for Global and Corporate Partnerships for the Texas A&M University System, as well as a co-founder of Rescue Therapeutics, Inc. (a TAMU spin-out company developing novel therapeutics for cancer and immune-mediated disease). 

Dr. Fossum received her D.V.M. degree in 1982 from Washington State University, completed a surgical residency and Master of Science degree in 1986 from the Ohio State University and received a Ph.D. in Veterinary Immunology from Texas A&M University in 1992. She received Board Certification in Veterinary Surgery in 1987 and joined the faculty of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M later that year. In 1992, she completed a Ph.D. in Veterinary Microbiology. 

Dr. Fossum also established the no longer active National Veterinary Cancer Registry (NVCR) in 2013, which is a national database formed to identify and register pets diagnosed with cancer in order to facilitate and promote medical treatments that lead to advances, higher success rates and eventual cures for cancer in pets and people. A joint effort between the CARE Foundation, Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC) at Dallas and the Texas Veterinary Oncology Group – the NVCR advances veterinary cancer research by gathering information from pet owners whose pets are diagnosed with a naturally occurring cancer and pairing them with emerging medical treatments.

Jaguar Health Announces Launch of the First U.S. Canine Cancer Registry and Canine Cancer Care Index

"Canine Cancer: Take C.H.A.R.G.E." (Canine Health And ReGistry Exchange) Based on Nationwide Gallup Poll of Pet Owners and Initial Assessment of More Than 35,000 Canine Medical Records

Initial Data from Gallup Poll of More Than 3,500 Dog Owners Suggest Nearly Five-Fold Greater Incidence of Canine Cancer Than Human Cancer; More Than 80 Percent of Respondents Believe a Registry is Needed to Help Dogs with Cancer

Take C.H.A.R.G.E. Scientific Advisory Board of Veterinary Oncologists and Experts Support Adoption of New Comparative Oncology Diagnostic Codes to Strengthen Registry Impact

Join us TODAY for Special NYC Media Event and Performance to Celebrate the Launch of Take C.H.A.R.G.E. on National Canine Cancer Awareness Day

SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / May 23, 2022 / Jaguar Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAGX) today announced the launch of Canine Cancer: Take C.H.A.R.G.E. (Canine Health And ReGistry Exchange), a first-of-its-kind national Canine Cancer Registry and Canine Cancer Care Index to provide the veterinary community and dog owners with important incidence and prevalence data to help guide canine cancer diagnosis and treatment decisions. Launched on the first National Canine Cancer Awareness Day and co-sponsored by Jaguar Animal Health, TogoRun, and Ivee, the initiative will initially access information about canine cancer from two key sources: a nationally representative multi-year Gallup survey of U.S. dog owners, and a retrospective review of more than 35,000 anonymous canine patient records uploaded into a secure customized database with more than 830 confirmed cancer diagnoses.

The Gallup survey, conducted in March 2022, estimated the prevalence - the percent of U.S. dogs with cancer in 2021 - was 3.4 percent, less than the approximately 5 percent prevalence in humans that year. The survey also found that the incidence - the percent of U.S. dogs newly diagnosed with cancer in 2021 - was 2.8 percent, which is approximately five times the 0.57 percent incidence of newly diagnosed cancer in humans that year. This finding is startling since researchers have assumed that canine cancer rates mirror human cancer rates.

"We established Take C.H.A.R.G.E. to fill a major research gap among the veterinary community and dog owners in the United States because, until now, there has been no nationally based dog owner survey or registry focused on canine cancer," said Jaguar Health founder, president and CEO Lisa Conte. "The information from Take C.H.A.R.G.E. will provide the first ever national representation of the incidence and prevalence of canine cancer and will help inform decisions that advance the quality of life of both dogs with cancer and their owners. The data may also provide insights to help better understand cancer in humans."

Other key findings from the Gallup survey include:

• More than 8 in 10 dog owners favored the creation of a canine cancer registry to better understand the disease and advance treatments
• After mixed-breed dogs, the 10 most represented breeds in the survey were: 1) Labrador, 2) Chihuahua, 3) Pitbull, 4) Golden Retriever, 5) German Shepherd, 6) Yorkshire, 7) Dachshund, 8) Boxer, 9) Beagle, and 10) Shih Tzu
• 68 percent decided not to treat their dog for cancer due to the age of their dog (54 percent), treatment cost (39 percent), treatment side effects (38 percent), or other reasons
• Across all dog owners, the vast majority (92 percent) said they did not have pet insurance at the time of diagnosis
• Nearly 3 in 4 dog parents who experienced canine cancer in the past 10 years were satisfied or very satisfied with their overall experience during treatment, even though only 39 percent reported that their dog was actually cured or went into remission
• While a high proportion of dog owners (46 percent) ‘strongly agreed' that their dog received high quality cancer care, only 30 percent strongly agreed that they knew what to expect during their dog's cancer treatment
• When asked to imagine how difficult it would be for members of their household to manage various chemotherapy-related side effects, the percent of all dog owners rating them as difficult or very difficult were: pain (60 percent), urinary incontinence (43 percent), diarrhea (41 percent), vomiting/nausea (39 percent), decreased appetite (20 percent), and fatigue/lethargy/lack of energy (19 percent)
• Dealing with canine cancer has a major impact on dog owners' well-being, including depression, anxiety, lack of sleep, and missing work or other obligations; for example, 63 percent of respondents reported feeling a lot of stress and 58 percent reported feeling down and depressed a lot during their dog's cancer
• Dog owners' ability to manage their dog's side effects from cancer treatment, such as pain, urinary incontinence, and diarrhea, is the best predictor of key well-being outcomes of the pet owner
• However, many dog parents find managing treatment side effects especially challenging:

• 92 percent of dog owners with no canine cancer experience and 65 percent of those with canine cancer experience said they knew little or nothing about side effects
• Only 22 percent ‘strongly agreed' that they have been able to manage their dog's cancer treatment side effects well, and only 29 percent have a clear understanding of potential side effects of treatment
• Having a veterinarian who cares about a dog's comfort, high quality of care, and thorough explanation of treatment options were most critical to overall treatment satisfaction, whereas management of side effects was the most important factor in determining the negative impact canine cancer has on dog parents' well-being

The complete results of the Take C.H.A.R.G.E. Gallup survey of pet owners can be found here.

Canine Cancer Care Index

In addition to assessing canine cancer incidence and prevalence, and dog owners' perceptions, emotions and experiences related to canine cancer, Gallup used data from the survey to calculate a Canine Cancer Care Index that reflects three dimensions related to canine cancer care: knowledge, quality of care, and canine comfort. Ranging from 0 (the worst possible score) to 100 (the best possible score), the Index will help assess whether canine cancer care experiences are improving, worsening, or staying the same for dog owners and their dogs over time. Gallup determined that the baseline for the Canine Cancer Care Index is 80.5 or a B-, indicating a clear need for improvement.

"Protecting dogs from cancer begins with knowing its impact by breed, type, age, gender, and location," said Take C.H.A.R.G.E. Scientific Advisory Board co-chair Dr. Terry Fossum, DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate ACVS. "The U.S. has lagged behind other countries where there are multiple canine health registries and there have been several attempts by other groups to establish a U.S. registry without success. We have to do better for our dogs and we believe Take C.H.A.R.G.E. finally will give us the tools we need to advance canine cancer care."

Take C.H.A.R.G.E. Scientific Advisory Board

The Take C.H.A.R.G.E. Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) includes eight leading U.S. veterinarians specializing in canine oncology and surgery. One of the SAB's first and most important activities is driving adoption of a consistent canine cancer diagnostic coding system and supporting the goals of the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute Comparative Oncology Program.¹ Comparative oncology is the study of naturally developing cancers in pet dogs and other animals as models for human cancers. It provides a novel approach to generate new information about cancer, for example environmental risk factors, genetic determinants, and evaluation of new treatment approaches. In support of comparative oncology, the SAB is encouraging veterinary clinics to adopt coding practices that align with the recently published Veterinary International Classification of Diseases for Oncology Canine Tumors First Edition, or Vet-ICD-O-canine-1,² which is based largely on the most recent version of the human cancer coding system, ICD-O-3.2.³

"The heart of any cancer registry is its cancer coding system," said SAB co-chair Dr. Craig Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology). "As we continue to enhance the Take C.H.A.R.G.E. registry, we will incorporate Vet-ICD-O-canine-1, as it is a user-friendly, easily accessible, comprehensive resource for veterinary doctors, researchers, and specialists. This will allow us to make more ‘apples to apples' comparisons of canine cancers in the United States and other countries and regions, which in turn will help us better understand and treat canine cancer."

The Take C.H.A.R.G.E. SAB members include:

• Dr. Craig Clifford, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), SAB Co-chair. Director of Blue Pearl Science and Medical Oncologist at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Malvern, PA.
• Dr. Theresa (Terry) W. Fossum, DVM, MS, PhD, Diplomate ACVS, SAB Co-chair. CEO and Co-founder of Dr. Fossum's Pet Care and CEO of Epic Veterinary Specialists.
• Dr. Susan Ettinger, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), also known as Dr Sue Cancer Vet®. Practicing veterinary cancer specialist, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Fidu, a teleconsulting company for veterinarians.
• Dr. Trina Hazzah, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), CVCH. President and co-founder of the Veterinary Cannabis Society, the first US-based non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization building awareness of cannabis as medicine for pets.
• Dr. Chad M. Johannes, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM, Oncology). Associate Professor, Colorado State University, ACVIM Oncology Specialty President Elect.
• Dr. Doug Thamm, V.M.D., Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology). Barbara Cox Anthony Professor of Oncology at Colorado State University and Director of Clinical Research for the Flint Animal Cancer Center.
• Dr. David Vail, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology). Professor of Oncology, Barbara A. Suran Chair in Comparative Oncology, Director of the Barbara A. Suran Comparative Oncology Research Institute, University of Wisconsin.
• Dr. Rachel Venable, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology). Owner, Pet Cancer Care Consulting, Arizona.

Take C.H.A.R.G.E. Website

Data from the Registry will be accessible to the public via an interactive, easy-to-use dashboard on the Take C.H.A.R.G.E. website, with open access for clinical practitioners and academia to all canine cancer medical record data for research purposes. The Registry will continue to grow as veterinary clinics and pet owners upload medical records of dogs with cancer at no cost to the clinic or pet owner. The data is de-identified, anonymized, and protected following General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) guidelines to ensure participant information privacy.

Take C.H.A.R.G.E. will also focus on raising awareness of canine cancer by promoting the first annual National Canine Cancer Awareness Day on May 23^rd so dog owners will have access to the latest information on types of cancers by breed, symptoms, and treatment options.

Take C.H.A.R.G.E. SAB member Dr. Sue Ettinger said, "Recent advances in chemotherapy, as well as advances in managing chemotherapy side effects such as vomiting, poor appetite, or diarrhea, should be discussed with veterinarians and canine oncologists to ensure dogs are benefiting from the latest canine cancer science."

Take C.H.A.R.G.E. Launch Event

Dog owners and members of the veterinary community are encouraged to visit TakeChargeRegistry.com for more information, including how to upload canine cancer medical records and how clinics can participate in the Registry. The public and media also are invited to a special event and performance by multiple Broadway stars, including Academy-award nominated actor Chazz Palminteri and Grammy-award winning actress Jenn Colella, at Madison Square Park in New York City on Monday, May 23^rd, 2022, from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. EDT to celebrate the launch of Take C.H.A.R.G.E. Those who cannot attend the event can still watch virtually here.

About Jaguar Health, Inc., Jaguar Animal Health, Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. & Napo Therapeutics S.p.A.

Jaguar Health, Inc. is a commercial stage pharmaceuticals company focused on developing novel, plant-based, non-opioid, and sustainably derived prescription medicines for people and animals with GI distress, specifically chronic, debilitating diarrhea. Jaguar Animal Health is a tradename of Jaguar Health. Jaguar Health's wholly owned subsidiary, Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., focuses on developing and commercializing proprietary plant-based human gastrointestinal pharmaceuticals from plants harvested responsibly from rainforest areas. Jaguar Health is the majority shareholder of Napo Therapeutics S.p.A., an Italian corporation established by Jaguar Health in Milan, Italy in 2021 that focuses on expanding crofelemer access in Europe.

For more information about Jaguar, please visit https://jaguar.health. For more information about Napo Pharmaceuticals, visit www.napopharma.com.

About TogoRun

TogoRun is an award-winning, full-service strategic communications agency specializing in global health and well-being. Woman-owned, independent, and named after Togo, the hero sled dog from the 1925 Race for Mercy, TogoRun works in partnership with clients committed to advancing innovative solutions that support a healthier planet, close health disparity gaps, and embrace a vision of equitable abundance. TogoRun is part of the GMJ Global network of companies and a proud signatory of CEO Action of Diversity & Inclusion. The TogoRun Team has collectively been responsible for more than 220 industry awards. Visit Togo here: www.TogoRun.com.

About Ivee

Ivee (Intelligent Veterinary Enhanced Experience), is an animal health data-focused software company and is a product of Snowcap Innovations Inc. For more information about Ivee, visit www.Iveesoftware.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements." These include statements regarding Jaguar Health's expectation that it will host a launch event May 23, 2022 for the Take C.H.A.R.G.E. initiative, the belief that Take C.H.A.R.G.E. data may provide insights to help better understand cancer in humans, and the expectation that the Registry will continue to grow. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "aim," "anticipate," "could," "intend," "target," "project," "contemplate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements in this release are only predictions. Jaguar has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations and projections about future events. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified and some of which are beyond Jaguar's control. Some of the factors that could affect our actual results are included in the periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by applicable law, Jaguar does not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

RALEIGH, NC (August 5, 2021) - The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the health of all dogs and their owners, announces that Dr. Cynthia Otto is the recipient of the 2021 Asa Mays, DVM Excellence in Canine Health Research Award.

Named for Dr. Asa Mays, a member of CHF’s first Board of Directors in 1995, the award is a biennial honor presented to a research investigator who demonstrates meritorious achievements in furthering the mission of identifying, characterizing, and treating canine disease and ailments. Stephanie A. Montgomery, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Chair of CHF’s Scientific Review Committee, will present the award during the 2021 AKC Canine Health Foundation National Parent Club Canine Health Conference on Saturday, August 14. The conference, sponsored by Purina, will follow a virtual format this year and features distinguished researchers presenting the latest medical and scientific advancements in canine health.

The cornerstone of Dr. Otto’s AKC Canine Health Foundation funded research has been the 9/11 Medical Surveillance Study, now in its 20^th year. Since 2001, Dr. Otto has received almost $600,000 in funding to study the physical and behavioral consequences of search and rescue dog deployment to the 9/11 disaster sites. To date, the work has produced 11 peer-reviewed publications describing the short and long-term effects of deployment on toxicology, behavior, mortality, the dog-handler relationship, and more. Findings will help us protect not only the health and safety of search and rescue dogs, but provide valuable translational information benefitting the health of human handlers and first responders.

“Dr. Otto’s groundbreaking research and dedication to advancing the health of working dogs and their handlers exemplifies the AKC Canine Health Foundation’s mission and vision,” says Dr. Montgomery. “This One Health approach can accelerate medical discoveries that impact both species. We are honored to present Dr. Otto with this award and look forward to our continued collaboration to benefit the health of all dogs and their owners.”

Data analysis from the 9/11 Medical Surveillance Study is ongoing with funding through CHF Grant 02322: Analysis of the Health, Behavioral, and Longevity Data Collected in the 9/11 Medical Surveillance Longitudinal Study. This work is part of CHF’s $11.4M active research portfolio encompassing all aspects of canine health. View CHF’s Research Grants Portfolio at akcchf.org/portfolio.

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About CHF
Since 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation has leveraged the power of science to address the health needs of all dogs. With more than $62 million in funding to date, the Foundation provides grants for the highest quality canine health research and shares information on the discoveries that help prevent, treat and cure canine diseases. The Foundation meets and exceeds industry standards for fiscal responsibility, as demonstrated by their highest four-star Charity Navigator rating and GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. Learn more at www.akcchf.org.

THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB’S WILDLY POPULAR

‘DOWN AND BACK’ PODCAST RETURNS FOR SEASON 2

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club (AKC^®) is proud to announce the return of the popular podcast series, “Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives”. Season two kicks off today.

AKC Historian Bud Buccone returns with all-new stories of purpose-bred dogs that will continue to delight a new generation of listeners. The first episode, “Top Dogs and Underdogs,” explores the 2020 breed popularity list, a favorite topic among the dog-owning public. Other episodes this season include: “How Dogs Become Recognized,” “Dogs of Myth and Legend,” “Canine Heroes of 9/11,” and “Form Follows Function.” Each episode is a riveting look into the history and milestones of our canine best friends.

“No one tells a story quite like Bud Buccone,” said Gina DiNardo, AKC Executive Secretary. “We’re thrilled at how well-received season one was and cannot wait to continue bringing the world of dogs to people in this innovative way.”

“Down and Back: Stories From the American Kennel Club Archives” can be found on all podcast platforms (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, Tunein, Castbox, Google Podcast) and on akc.org/podcast TODAY!

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About the American Kennel Club

Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization, which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.  Along with its more than 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 22,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite and the AKC Museum of the Dog. AKC Clubs comprise America’s largest rescue network. For more information, visit www.akc.org.

AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.

Become a fan of the American Kennel Club on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @AKCDogLovers