i dont think it cost that much..i dont have akc pups mine are CKC but my golden was akc and to register him myself was only like 30 so i cant think its much more for breeders maybe $50
most breeders are proud to say akc...if they argue it they are porbably not akc breeders maybe they were once..sounds like she didnt get a long with them and she might even trick you into buying saying she will mail the papers later
i would take that has a red flag and look else where..(and im not one to nit pick at all

..but her statements bother me)