AKC Registration
The American Kennel Club was founded in 1884 and is the largest purebred dog registry in the world. The AKC is what most people think of when they think of a dog registry because of its reputation and longevity. When we purchased our first purebred pups several years ago, this was the only registry that we encountered. When speaking to breeders that had switched to or used other registries they stressed that the AKC had become a challenge to work with. When inquiring further most had concerns with the DNA testing that must occur if a dog sires more than 7 litters per year. They said that the costs incurred with litter registry, as well as the DNA registry for their sire, they were not able to clear as much profit as they could with using another registry.
The AKC has nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and affiliated organizations. The AKC conducts regular inspections of many breeding facilities. The following details about these inspections can be found on their web site. (http://www.akc.org/about/depts/investigations.cfm )
“ AKC field inspections involve several steps. Inspectors begin by examining the dogs as well as the condition of their environment. Inspectors check to ensure all the dogs have proper identification. They review breeder records, which must be maintained for at least five years.
AKC inspects breeders who register seven or more litters per year. AKC also randomly selects some breeders who register between four and six litters a year for inspection.
In addition, AKC inspects breeders based on written, signed and substantiated complaints.
Inspectors enforce the AKC Care and Conditions policy to ensure that dogs have access to adequate food, water and shelter and that kennel space provided them is appropriately constructed and not overcrowded. If a dog appears to have a health issue, inspectors make sure it is being addressed.
Through kennel visits, inspectors seek to work with breeders to help correct any deficiencies, as well as help new breeders develop effective practices and procedures. The standard penalty for anyone convicted of animal cruelty involving dogs is a 10-year suspension and a $2,000 fine.”
The AKC also conducts DNA tests during these inspections to ensure parentage of puppies. The AKC’s Frequently Used Sire program (FUS), reguires DNA tests for dogs that sire seven or more litters in a lifetime or more than three litters in one calendar year. On average, 45 percent of all AKC litters that are registered each year come from an dog that has been DNA tested. The AKC has over 425,000 DNA profiles in its DNA database.
The AKC will not register dogs based on other dog registries paperwork. The AKC registrations are accepted by most of the other registries.
