Why I Cringe When Someone Asks If My Dogs Are AKC Registered
When someone asks if my dogs are AKC registered, I cringe a little inside. The answer is yes, they are. But the only reason I bother with AKC registration is because many people mistakenly believe it signifies a well-bred dog. In reality, I'd prefer not to support the AKC at all.
The public has been led to believe that an AKC registration means a dog is of superior quality and well-bred. However, this is far from the truth. An AKC registration merely means the dog is listed in their database—it says nothing about the dog's lineage, health, or suitability as a breeding candidate. Sadly, it's alarmingly easy to fake AKC papers, which undermines any trust placed in this certification.
What’s more concerning is that if someone suspects a breeder of faking papers and wants the AKC to investigate, the complainant must pay a $500 fee just to initiate the process. This hefty fee clearly indicates that the AKC has little interest in maintaining the integrity of its records. They seem more interested in the financial gain from registrations than in the well-being of the dogs.
The AKC also actively opposes almost, if not all, proposed breeding regulations, which would hold breeders to higher standards and ensure transparency. They fight against bills that would require breeders to maintain accurate records and meet higher welfare standards. Why? Because the AKC benefits from having as many breeders as possible registering their litters. More registrations mean more money for the AKC, regardless of the breeding practices behind those dogs.
This stance unfortunately supports unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills, who can continue to operate without stringent oversight. If the AKC truly cared about the well-being of dogs and the integrity of their registrations, they would be the first to support laws that protect animal welfare and promote responsible breeding practices.
So, how can you tell if you’re getting a well-bred dog? Here are a few key pointers:
Conformation: Both parents should have good conformation, meaning they should have the correct body structure for their breed. This ensures that the puppies will also have good physical attributes. You can look at your breed’s parent club to learn about correct conformation.
Health Testing: Both parents should be health tested to ensure they are free from genetic disorders that could be passed on to the puppies. Look for breeders who can provide proof of health tests.
Temperament: Good breeders prioritize temperament. Both parents should have stable, friendly, and appropriate temperaments for their breed.
Health Guarantee: Reputable breeders offer a health guarantee for their puppies. This demonstrates their confidence in the health and quality of their dogs.
Contract: A good breeder will have a contract that protects both the buyer and the breeder. This contract should include health guarantees and terms of sale.
Transparency: Breeders should be transparent about their practices. They should be willing to provide information about the parents, and answer any questions you have.
Support: A good breeder should be able to provide guidance and training support to ensure their pup’s success in their new home. You may want to visit the breeder’s website for evidence they can offer such support. Consider working with a breeder that has plenty of experience.
Return Policy: Avoid breeders who don’t have a written policy to take their dog back. Even if you know you’ll never give your pup back, other people will. So by working with that breeder, you’re giving financial support to someone who allows their pups to end up in shelters.
“Rescuing” From A Breeder: I often hear about people who purchased a puppy from a breeder in order to “rescue” them from a bad situation. Although I can understand the sentiment, it breaks my heart to hear this. In “rescuing” that puppy, they’ve kept an unscrupulous breeder in business to continue breeding more pups. Instead of doing this, rescue all of the dogs in that breeding program by reporting them to Animal Control and adopting the pup directly through them. Avoid ever putting money in the hands of an unscrupulous breeder.
In conclusion, while AKC registration might seem like a mark of quality, it’s not a reliable indicator of a well-bred dog. To ensure you’re getting a healthy, well-bred puppy, focus on the breeder’s practices, health testing, and the overall care and welfare of their dogs. Don’t be swayed by a registration certificate—look for the real markers of quality and responsibility.
To learn more about what you can do to help change the face of breeding as we know it visit Herzog’s Heroes.