AKC Canine Health Foundation Announces $170k Donation from Irish Setter Club of America Foundation

RALEIGH, N.C., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all dogs through research and discovery, is excited to announce a $170k gift from the Irish Setter Club of America (ISCA) Foundation.

The Health Committee of the ISCA, formed to address matters of well-being for Irish Setters, conducts surveys to determine prevalent health problems in the breed community and provides research funds for the topics of most importance. CHF is proud to be the main recipient of this research funding from the Irish Setter Club of America Foundation.

Included in the gift is full funding toward a new research grant at the University of Pennsylvania on "Water-based cooling strategies for dogs experiencing exercise-induced hyperthermia." This gift is in honor of Sue Mertens, a breeder and ardent lover of Irish Setters, who passed away in late 2020. Sue and her Heartsong Irish Setters excelled in AKC performance events and conformation.

"No doubt Sue would be delighted that a study being done by Dr Otto, which will have a great impact on how owners can assist their dogs by using cooling strategies, is being supported in her honor," said Anne Marie Kubacz, Chair of the ISCA Health Committee.

The ISCA Foundation was attracted to fully fund this grant because it would give owners techniques they could use if their dogs suffered from hyperthermia at an event or at home. The remainder of the donation will be put toward eight other grants across multiple research programs. With this donation, the Irish Setter Club of America has contributed $1.477 million to the AKC Canine Health Foundation since 2002.

"We are honored to be trusted with this incredibly generous donation from the Irish Setter Club of America Foundation. This gift will be put to good use, funding research that improves the lives of Irish Setters and all dogs everywhere," said Dr. Stephanie Montgomery, Chief Executive Officer, AKC Canine Health Foundation. "Every donation, big or small, makes a permanent impact on canine health and furthers our vision to create a world where all dogs can lead healthier, more vibrant lives."

For more information about Irish Setter health or the health of all dogs; or to join the mission of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, visit www.akcchf.org.

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 $75 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 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency. Learn more at www.akcchf.org.

SOURCE AKC Canine Health Foundation