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Mar 21 2008, 9:35 AM EDT (current) bigdoglover03 1326 words deleted
Dec 10 2007, 5:55 PM EST Novel_Weims 6 words added, 3 words deleted

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Courtesy of: http://www.wonderpuppy.net/kc.htmIn Webster's Dictionary, registration means a record is made of something. Few people would think a car good just because it's registered. Most people would shop for a type of vehicle that would suit them, is in safe condition, and sells for good price. Just that the car is registered is NOT usually a main selling point. So why are these dog registry abbreviations in these dog ads used as a main selling point? Breeders who don't know better, or are just plain irresponsible, often think it's a license to breed their dogs. Puppy buyers often think they're getting something special when they're not, and they can pay a high price for it. There are many unscrupulous or ignorant breeders out there ready to fill their own wallets. Unlike cars where there is usually only one registry per state, there are many registries for dogs, and it can be pretty confusing. AKC is the largest and most well known, but they are not alone out there. Some registries are better than others, as I hope to explain here. What is a registry? First and foremost, dog registries keep records about dogs. A registry will record information such as the dog's name, breed, color, who owns him. They will track this information with a registration number. These records usually also include a pedigree, and any titles earned by any of the dogs involved. Sometimes it now includes DNA profiles. These records are sometimes collectively known as a dog's "papers". There are multi-breed registries such as the AKC, and single breed registries such as ASCA (the Australian Shepherd Club of America). Most registries started for one breed, or group of dogs. Over 100 years ago, AKC started for sporting dogs. ASCA still registers only Australian Shepherds, but allows all dogs to compete in their trials. There are still many one-breed clubs that are quite reputable. Some multi-breed clubs are one-breed clubs in disguise, they have started because they want to promote a single breed. This "breed" is often a mix, then these registries "recognize" all the other breeds. You can often detect this by being at least a bit familiar with breed names, and checking out any unfamiliar breeds on their "recognized breeds" lists. The more reputable one-breed clubs have formed in order to prove dogs in trials and improve the breed (a better Jack Russell Terrier, or a better Border Collie), and not just to make money selling dogs. There are some registries such as AMBOR (American Mixed Breed Obedience Registry), which do not register dogs for breeding purposes at all - a dog must be spayed or neutered - but only record trial results and titles only. Some registries have formed to cater to a specific special interest group, such as a commercial breeder's association, or a pet store chain. Good registries also have programs and information available to help dogs have better lives. While all are private corporations, the better ones are usually not for profit. What types of registrations are there? There are often different types of registrations available with some registries. Litter registration is a temporary record, to be later replaced by a full or limited registration. For a full registration, the registry will keep records of this dog's pups, and this dog's pups can be registered too. A dog with a limited registration is not supposed to breed, and the registry will not register pups from this dog. This means that pups can not be registered if either of their parents have a limited registration. An AKC limited registration can be converted to a full registration if the breeder allows it. Many wonderful dogs are now being sold on limited registrations. This helps protect the quality of family lines, and helps prevent "substandard" dogs, or dogs who end up with less than responsible owners, from being bred. A breeder can refuse to convert the limited registration to a full registration if they don't feel the dog or the situation is a good one for his breeding program. This in NO way means there's one thing wrong with the dog or owner, it's just a safeguard against possible future problems and the limitation is reversible. There are also other limited registrations where the dog must be spayed or neutered, and this provides a way for owners of dogs with unknown pedigrees to compete with their dogs. What is a pedigree? A pedigree is a record of a dog's ancestors. If all of the ancestors are of the same breed, then the dog is considered purebred. If the dog's ancestors are not all of the same breed, that dog still has ancestors that can be recorded and a pedigree can still be written up. But, this dog would not be purebred, even though he's now got a pedigree. Having a pedigree only means a dog's ancestors are known, not that the dog is purebred. Some breeders count on people not realizing this, and sell mutts as if they were purebreds, saying they are "pedigreed". Some of the things I look for when looking at a registry/kennel club site: Encouragement of health testing (beyond just a vet check), screening for genetic defects (such as OFA, CERF, etc..), and DNA profiling for breeding stock Different levels of registrations available, such as various limited registrations. That every breed have a standard, a "parent" breed club who sets that standard, and that the club consists of more than a couple of breeders Encouragement of spay and neuter for mix breeds and purebreds who do not meet their breed or working standards That breeders be encouraged to prove their dogs meets their standards in the conformation or trial ring That the kennel club has or sponsors shows and trials where the dog's qualities can be proven, for all breeds. That breeders are encouraged to carefully plan breedings, sell pups to only carefully checked and appropriate homes, and participate in rescuing at least dogs of their own breeding and breed Has a code of ethics, or encourages breeders to join breed clubs that have a code of ethics Emphasizes improving the breeds, not just selling dogs The atmosphere is about the welfare and enjoyment of dogs, not classified ads and money. Red Flags!!!!! Be careful of kennel club/registry sites that have: Recognizing mixed breeds (such as Cockapoo) for breeding purposes Been founded around a single new breed that someone has recently "created", often not even set in breed type or has vague standards - that can mean the breed isn't "breeding true". No competitions to prove the dogs' qualities (or links to competition pages that go nowhere and the site is not very new). No suggestion or education about OFA type health testing/screening, and none or very few of the breeders seem to know what it is. No limited registrations available. Advertising sections for breeders, and most ads don't mention health clearances beyond a vet check if at all. Listing private breeders as "breed clubs", or breed clubs are composed of a very small group of just a few breeders. Breed standards missing or have very, very broad descriptions - can cover up the fact that the dogs are really mutts. Multiple breed standards recognized by single registry, for a single breed, can cover up lots of problems too. Clubs that have same or similar initials to more reputable clubs (to confuse people who haven't done their homework). UKC can be United Kennel Club or Universal Kennel Club, CKC can be Canadian Kennel Club or Continental Kennel Club, FIC can easily be confused with FCI, etc.... Supported mainly by a pet store, pet store chain, or other special interest groups who's interest may not be the welfare of dogs, but the welfare of their wallets. Clubs and registries who have emphasis on what the registration certificate looks like ("includes a gold seal for only $5 more") Courtesy of: http://www.wonderpuppy.net/kc.htm