The Canine Research Foundation (CRF) is the official research vehicle of ANKC.

It is a Public Charitable Trust with research conducted at Australian universities from funds generated via the levy on puppy registrations, fund raising functions, tax-deductible donations and bequests from the public.

The CRF was founded by the VCA in 1992 and 70 research grants have been awarded for projects through to those commencing in 2008. Funding is now flowing to CRF from most ANKC Member Bodies, and excluding CCCQ which has a separate research program in conjunction with the University of Queensland.