You certainly love your dog. He’s been a friend and companion for years, but he is hardly a purebred, just an affectionate mutt.
But what if you want to try something different? Does breeding count? For anything more than looks, anyway? And just who should you rely on for advice on such matters?
In the United States, there are a number of dog registration services. The two major services are the American Kennel Club (AKC) and American Pet Registry, Inc (APRI). Both of these services maintain a registry of purebred canines, define breed standards, and offer shows, information, and advice to breeders and owners.
So, you may be wondering just which dog registry to consult when shopping for a purebred companion animal.
American Pet Registry
First, let’s take a look at America’s Pet Registry Incorporated.
This organization is relatively new, being founded in 1992 by a group of professional dog breeders. In its mission statement, it declares that it strives to be the world’s best registry of purebred dogs, providing the highest quality documentation at reasonable prices.
It offers a One-Call Program to offer breeder information in order to improve the health and quality of every dog on registry.
Like the AKC, APRI also sponsors dog shows but claims that these exhibitions are designed to be more family-friendly, focusing on education rather than the dog’s looks or performance.
And like all registry services, APRI registry offers information on the animals pedigree, listing parents and grandparents for generations. Being the new kid on the block, they present themselves as less stodgy than the competing AKC, more like the fun uncle than the taciturn grandfather.
But this very freedom and flexibility may make them suspect to some individuals, as they are less stringent about breed standards, or even the breeds themselves.
Many of their detractors point out that APRI was founded in Arkansas, a state noted for its proliferation of puppy mills, and that this organization was founded by a group of professional breeders, but this is no more than guilt by association.
American Kennel Club
Next, let’s take a look at the granddaddy of them all, the American Kennel Club.
The AKC was founded in 1884 as a resource for all dog owners, whether they be showers of champion dogs or simply owners of loving, and loved pets. It is currently, as it has been for some time, the largest and most recognized dog registry in america.
The AKC documents purebred dogs, and their pedigrees. (A pedigree is a dog’s family tree, going back for generations)
This organization provides education for breeders currently operating, and advice for those individuals wishing to become breeders. AKC has a reputation for being strict about breed standards, thus maintaining quality throughout bloodlines. It is also strict about just what dogs can be registered as purebred, requiring that both parents be AKC registered.
The American Kennel Club is the world’s oldest and largest dog registry service, recognizing 190 specific breeds, with new ones added as they become established. This organization also offers many services for dog owners and breeders.
Its Canine Health Foundation allocates millions of dollars a year for research into common canine problems, such as hip dysplasia, cancer, heart disease, thyroid conditions, and visual problems. It operates a Rescue Network, which oversees the operation of about 450 breed-specific rescue groups.
Over five million pets are enrolled in its Reunite program, which has allowed about 470,000 tattooed or microchipped pets to be returned to their owners, and AKC Library offers 18,000 volumes on everything dog related.
About one only criticism aimed at the AKC has to do with its conservatism. It is very stringent about applying breed standards and loath to recognize the popular “designer” dogs, such as the Cockapoo.
Apri Vs Akc
While the AKC and APRI are both registry services, there are differences.
AKC registration requires that the dog to be registered is a pureblood, as well as its parents. You must prove this by submitting AKC registration numbers for both parents.
A lot of people find that this option is the more desirable of the two, as it provides proof of an established pedigree and puppies that qualify for registration with the American Kennel Club are usually registered at birth.
The american pet registery registration is easier to obtain. Your pet is listed as a new registration if it qualifies. No registration information on the parents is required, and registration can be granted on appearance alone to see if a pet conforms to breed standards. This is ideal for previously registered dogs whose papers have been misplaced.
In conclusion, let us point out that registering your pet is entirely optional, and up to you.
If you are simply looking for a pet, and have no plans to breed or show the dog, having proof of champion bloodlines and ancestry is mere window dressing.
That being said, it certainly does no harm to have such proof of his being an outstanding example of his breed. And if you are planning to show your dog, such documents are a necessity.
The same is, of course, true if you plan on breeding him. You want to be sure that he comes from a strong and healthy genetic line, and that such good genes will be passed on to his pups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Dog Registry?
Because of its longevity of operation and the stringent requirements it enforces, Many find the American Kennel Club registration to be the best, and most prestigious, registration for a purebred canine.
Can An Akc Dog Be Apri Registered?
A dog previously registered with the AKC can be APRI registered. This is known as a dual registration. You will need to provide a copy of the AKC registration papers at the time you make your request for an apri registration.
Can I Register My Dog Without Papers?
The American Kennel Club requires both parents of the pup in question to have registration papers before it will consider issuing a registration document. If you were told by a breeder that your dog was purebred, but was not given any registration papers, pursue the matter with them. The parents may, in fact, have papers but, for some reason, the breeder chose not to register the litter.
What Does Ckc Stand For?
Many people assume that the CKC refers to the Canadian Kennel Club. In truth, in the United States, we are most likely talking about the Continental Kennel Club.
How Much Does It Cost To Akc Register A Dog?
The cost to register your dog with AKC varies from $30 to $79.99. The basic $30 price includes a single registration certification. The Silver package ($42.99) adds a Reunite benefit, giving your pet a custom collar tag that will help to bring him home if he is lost. The Gold level ($59.99) adds a complimentary vet office visit and a lifetime enrollment in the Pet Poison Helpline. The most expensive package, Platinum level ($79.99), includes all of the above, plus enrollment in the GoodDog Training Helpline and an AKC Certified Pedigree suitable for framing.
References
https://www.aprpets.org/breeders/dual-registration/
https://spendonpet.com/akc-registration-cost/
https://www.akc.org/about/
