Registering you dog with the American Kennel Club

If you are thinking about getting a pup, then you may be wondering what the purebred fuss is all about. It is not necessary to have a purebred dog, or to even have him registered for that matter, but there are perks to the "seal of approval." If you are considering registering your dog in the United States, then you'll need to register with the American Kennel Club. Below are a few reasons why you should register and tips on how to register with the AKC.

Registering with the AKC does not guarantee that your pet is of the highest lineage. Instead, it means that the breeder reported a purebred litter. Just because a pet is registered with the AKC, does not necessarily mean it is a purebred. I'm sure you have heard of the variety of problems that surround puppy mills, backyard breeders, and pet stores, especially problems concerning profits, malnutrition, and deceit. The breeder may say that your puppy is purebred, but he could be lying even if registration papers are involved. If you purchased the pooch from a reputable breeder, then you may have also received a health guarantee or proof of purebred lineage. If you were refused these items, then you should second guess the breeder.

Now, if your puppy has papers, you can receive AKC perks, whether he is truly purebred or not. The AKC offers a free 60-day insurance policy for registered members. You can choose whether you want to continue the policy after the 60-day period. Perhaps the greatest thing about AKC registration is the fact that, once he is registered, your pooch can compete in any AKC competition. This includes dog shows, agility trials, herding events, obedience trials, etc.

Once you pick up the pup from the breeder, there are things you and the breeder both have to do to get the dog registered. When the litter was born, the breeder should have taken the first step in the registration process: he or she should have registered the litter. Now, even though the litter is registered, your individual dog is not. The breeder will give you the second portion of the registration form. It is up to you and the breeder to jointly fill out the information, and then it is up to you to submit it to the AKC along with the registration fee. The breeder is responsible for the more in-depth part of the registration. He or she must supply the AKC with information such as sex, color or markings on the dog, and registration type. Your portion of the form is pretty basic. You must supply a unique name, payment information, and owners and co-owners signatures. The AKC will send you a certificate of registration approximately three weeks from when they receive the form. When you get the certificate, look it over and make sure all the information is correct. If there are any discrepancies, contact the AKC to get things straightened out.

If your pooch gets sick later on or grows into a dog that he is not supposed to be (for instance, he does not fit the standards of his breed), then contact the breeder. Talk to the breeder about the pooch's parents and any problems they may have had. If you think that the breeder is not practicing legitimate breeding standards, contact the AKC. They have the means to investigate negligent breeders. Perhaps months after you leave, you realize that the breeder was more of a backyard breeder than a true one; the dogs' environment was unhealthy or inadequate. In a case like this, you need to contact a local animal shelter or the police. In many communities, these organizations have the authority to intervene in poor animal practices.

AKC registration does not guarantee that your pet is of the highest quality, but registering with the AKC can provide you with useful tools. As a registered member, your pet can qualify for a free 60-day insurance policy and take part in all the AKC competitions. When you pick out your pet from a breeder, the breeder should supply you with all the registration paperwork. He or she will also help you complete the paperwork. If you suspect that the breeder is not legitimate or if the dogs' environment is of poor quality, then contact the AKC and a local animal shelter. These organizations can help put a stop to irresponsible breeders.

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