I always encourage people to register, whether or not they plan to breed. I believe in the AKC and the registration fee is only $20.00. For an extra $15.00 they get lifetime lost and found with a tag and phone number to call that offers a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week service. You can contact them if your dog is lost, and they contact local agencies, and vets. Also, if your dog has a microchip they will record this number as well.
The AKC is the only registry that does routine unannounced kennel inspections, these inspection cost money, and I believe that the AKC is trying to rid themselves of bad breeders. Registration also helps keep breeders honest. Many times a person has tried to register their dog, and later found out the dog was not eligible, or the DNA didn't match up. Many breeders tell buyers that registration cost hundreds of dollars and why bother if they aren't breeding, but they know that if there is record of how many pups they are producing, they will be more apt to have as frequent kennel inspections and DNA proof is required if they produce more than a certain number of dogs.
Besides doing over 5000 kennel inspections a year, the AKC supports the Canine Health foundation, (CHF) which funds research projects focusing on the genetics of disease. AKC supports professional and volunteer canine search-and-rescue (SAR) organizations throughout the United States through its national program, DOGNYSM — America’s Tribute to Search and Rescue Dogs. SAR dogs came into the spotlight after the attacks on September 11, 2001. But few people are aware of how instrumental SAR dogs are in maintaining the safety and security of our communities on a daily basis.
Furthermore, the AKC has built the world’s largest database of canine DNA profiles for the purposes of parentage verification and genetic identity. AKC uses DNA certification to ensure reliable registration records vital to the preservation and advancement of purebred dogs. I'm hopeful in the future this database will help scientists understand of genetic diseases better, as this type of information has proven extremely valuable in human studies. The AKC needs to be supported not just by just breeders, but the larger population of pet owners. |