Dog Registries

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The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) are the oldest and most recognized purebred dog registries in America. It is easy to turn your anger towards them and ask, "Why do they let puppy mills register their puppies?" but you must put things into perspective.

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Let's say that you just spent $20,000 on a brand new car. In the first month of owning it, it broke down six times, had 2 flat tires and only got 5 miles to the gallon of gasoline. Who would you call? Who would you blame? Who would you expect to be responsible for making sure that car company didn't do this to someone else? The car company itself? The dealership? The Better Business Bureau? A lawyer? Your elected officials?

Whom ever you choose to call, I would bet that you don't call the license bureau? AKC and UKC are the equivalent of the Department of Motor Vehicles. So, while it is easy to turn your anger toward AKC and UKC, you must look at the alternatives.

Since DNA became available for identifying the lineage of dogs, AKC has begun to do random DNA testing when inspecting kennels. In Missouri, where 1/3 of the country's puppies are produced, DNA testing and AKC inspections are resulting in an alarming number of suspensions. In July of 2000, AKC began a mandatory DNA requirement on all frequently used sires (male dogs producing more than 3 litters in a year or 7 litters in a lifetime). This sent the commercial breeders into a frenzy and many decided to boycott AKC.

Of course, they are still going to sell 'registered puppies', so what are they left with? Please take the time to visit some of the registries below to see what is required to register a 'purebred' dog. Some registries don't even require the dog to be purebred! The are registering mixed breed dogs also.

Many breed clubs have their own registry in addition to the AKC registry. Often times the code of ethics prohibits the sale of puppies/dogs through auction or through commercial outlets, such as brokers or pet stores. Whenever possible, you should check to see if the breed you are interested in has a registry, and you should try to find a breeder who either dual registers with their breed club and AKC, or registers strictly with their breed club. AKC maintains a list of breed clubs HERE.

AKC	AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB
UKC	UNITED KENNEL CLUB
CKC**	CONTINENTAL KENNEL CLUB **NOTE:  Do not confuse this registry with the Canadian Kennel Club (also known as CKC).  The Canadian Kennel Club is the equivalent of the AKC or UKC in America and is very respected in Canada.
APRI	AMERICA'S PET REGISTRY INC. Advertises free registration for commercial breeders.  Non Profit 'dedicated to the preservation of the professional pet industry'.
ACA	AMERICAN CANINE ASSOCIATION Advertises that over 3000 adult breeding canines are registered each week.  Only registry endorsed by Petland.  Caters to commercial breeders.
UKCI	UNIVERSAL KENNEL CLUB INTERNATIONAL Caters to the commercial dog industry and promises 'Complete Privacy Protection' for all breeders.
NAPDR	NORTH AMERICAN PUREBRED DOG REGISTRY
DRA	DOG REGISTRY OF AMERICA
APR	AMERICAN PUREBRED REGISTRY
WWKC	WORLD WIDE KENNEL CLUB
WKC	WORLD KENNEL CLUB
FIC	FEDERATION OF INTERNATIONAL CANINES
UABR	UNITED ALL BREED REGISTRY Advertises free registration of adults when you register a litter.  Caters to the commercial breeders.  Started "Gold Label Pets"
CRCS	CANINE REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATION SERVICES Caters to commercial breeders.  Free registration and free litter registration.
GKC	GLOBAL KENNEL CLUB
MBDCA	MIXED BREED DOG CLUB OF AMERICA
NPR	NATIONAL KENNEL CLUB

Related further reading list:
Breed Standards Index
Dog Registration Statistics
Kennel Dog Clubs and Organizations - World Wide List (Including FIC and Non FCI)

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