understanding your dog's papers - lesser registries that are red flags on your dog's papers
Why were lesser registries created? Answer: Money. The irresponsible breeders, driven by profit don't care about the quality of the dogs they produce, only the quantity and profit. They're in the business of making money, and dogs are the product they sell. Here is an excerpt from Jeanne Hale's article that is very well written. {Sample of Lesser Registry certificate to come}
Dog Registries: who’s who and who’s not
By: Jeanne Hale
reprinted with permission 3/08
"There are many registries, organizations and 'networks' popping up all over the internet. A good rule of thumb when trying to evaluate the validity and integrity of any organization is to examine their purpose (i.e., mission/goals) and to also investigate their standards and practices, making sure that you VERIFY the information they present. A breeder whose puppies are registered with any of the following "alternative" registries is not a breeder you want to deal with. Most of these registries were begun in response to the AKC’s Frequently Used Sires Requirement and inspections of large kennels producing more than 7 litters in a year for AKC and 10 litters for UKC. This requirement has resulted in the litters of many puppy mills and backyard breeders being turned down by AKC because the breeders refused to positively identify the father of the litter through a DNA test. Many others are boycotting AKC because complying with this requirement costs money. A responsible breeder with a male who is used often enough to fall under this requirement, will not object to having their dog DNA certified and paying the fee. Dogs not registered with AKC cannot compete in AKC dog shows in comformation. They may compete in performance events if spayed or neutered and issued an AKC ILP number.
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? Here are some of the alternative registries, with whom anyone at all can register a dog regardless of its parentage as long as you pay the fee. Many *register* mixed breeds and require no proof of parentage and are promoters of the commercial breeder and puppy reseller (broker to pet stores). Please note that some of the registries have similar or the same initials as the older and well established registries. This can cause confusion for consumers. Don't be fooled.
Names of Lesser Registries and What Dogs They Register
ACA - American Canine Association Advertises that over 3000 adult breeding canines are registered each week. Only registry endorsed by Petland. **Caters to commercial breeders.** Refers puppy seekers to pet stores.
APRI - America's Pet Registry, Inc. Advertises free registration for commercial breeders. Non Profit 'dedicated to the preservation of the professional pet industry', dogs and cats. Founded by retailers of pets (commercial breeders and resellers).
CKC-Continental Kennel Club (do not confuse with Canadian Kennel Club!) CKC will recognize a cross between any two purebred dogs, and will issue a registration certificate on their offspring. These crosses are not registered as purebred dogs but are registered as the offspring of purebred dogs. CKC accepts no responsibility for any inaccurate, false, or fraudulent information submitted on registration applications. They sponsor no shows or championships. They also give big fee breaks to large kennels registering lots of dogs (such as Puppy Mills). Will register dogs not registered with other recognized registries.
UKCI - Universal Kennel Club International Caters to the commercial dog industry and promises 'Complete Privacy Protection' for all breeders. Does not have a Code Of Ethics and brags about that. Does not currently impose any fines or penalties upon its members for violations of its policies, rules, regulations, guidelines, programs, restrictions and systems. * Registers* mixed breeds for breeding purposes. Will register unknown pedigree. NAPDR - North American Purebred Dog Registry Dog that does not have registration papers or proof of pedigree may be registered with NAPDR
DRA - Dog Registry of America No DNA certification, registers unregistered/unknown/mixed pedigree dogs, brags about added value for sellers and confidentiality.
APR - American Purebred Registry Will register unknown pedigree dogs/cats, does not sponsor any shows, no proof of purebred required.
UABR - United All Breed Registry Advertises free registration of adults when you register a litter. Caters to the commercial breeders. Started "Gold Label Pets" for commercial operations, and promotes retailers.
WWKC - World Wide Kennel Club Will register dogs registered with *any other* kennel club
WKC- World Kennel Club Registers ALL dogs that are *pure-bred*, which may or may not be registered with any other kennel club or those that have no previous history of their Sire or Dam.
FIC - Federation of International Canines Special bulk discount for volume breeders
ARU- Animal Registry Unlimited Guarantees they will register your pets of unknown pedigree, encourages cross breeding. Special prices for bulk.
CRCS - Canine Registration and Certification Services Caters to commercial breeders.
NKC – National Kennel Club Appears to registered unknown pedigree dogs with *inspection*.
Finally, USDA registered puppies come from commercial breeding farms, commonly referred to as puppy mills. Mills sell to stores and brokers, and this is commonly where pet store owners get their puppies. No breeder associated with a breed club and bound by a breeder’s club Code of Ethics will sell or consign a pup (or kitten) to a commercial pet store."