Smith F.O.

Frances O Smith, DVM, PhD became a Diplomate of the College of Theriogenology in 1986. Since that time she has been in private practice as a small animal practitioner specializing in canine reproduction. Dr. Smith is the only board certified theriogenologist in private practice. Her expertise in genetic counseling, chilled and frozen semen and reproductive infertility of the male and female canine are known throughout the United States. Dr. Smith frequently speaks to breed groups, veterinary associations and the general public.

Diplomate American College Of Theriogenology

Dr. Fran Smith grew up in a military family that bred German Shepherd Dogs.Her commitment to veterinary medicine began at 7 years of age and was confirmed in her high school yearbook which stated her goal was the patter of 40 little feet (not human).

Dr.Smith obtained an Associate of Arts Degree from Normandale Community College and was accepted into the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1976. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1978 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 1980. Dr. Smith was offered a residency in Small Animal Reproduction at the University of Minnesota in 1980 where she worked with Dr. Shirley Johnston and Dr. Ray Zemjanis. She completed her residency in 1983. Her PhD was completed in 1984 with a thesis titled “Cryopreservation of Canine Semen – Technique and Performance.” In1986, she became a Diplomate in the American College of Theriogenology the reproduction specialty. She is one of the only board certified small animal reproduction specialist in private practice in the United States.

Dr. Smith breeds Labrador Retrievers under the registered kennel name Danikk. She serves on the board of directors of the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc, where she is the health committee chair. She is the President of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animal – the foremost animal health data base in the world. She competes in hunt tests, conformation dog shows, obedience trials and occasionally field trials. She is an approved hunt test judge. She is a nationally recognized lecturer and author. She has served Minnesota as a member and President of the Board of Veterinary Medicine.