Quote:
Originally Posted by Mardelin  I tend to disagree with you that a Registry doesn't mean anything if you aren't interested in showing. The AKC is very much involved in Kennel inspection.....They do have on ongoing Suspension List. And yes, they are actively involved with Health Testing and working on Research........They are also actively involved in Pet Legislation. Canine Responsible Ownership, etc. |
Mardelin, I never said it doesn't mean
anything. I said it
didn't mean much. HUGE difference there.
We aren't talking about the various add-on that any caring dog organization does, we're talking about what the concept of what
a registry certificate is worth. I am not arguing if the AKC does or doesn't do anything or more then the CKC does for animals. I do however believe that you cannot simply take the simple idea of a printed slip of paper and assume that it means that any animal is healthy, free from genetic defects or come from decent living conditions. You cannot simply say, "AKC registered, that means they're a great breeder and a good choice. Done."
That is what I mean when I say that a registry doesn't mean
very much if you aren't interested in showing or breeding. That registry doesn't insure that your dog comes from a clean home, one that involves the necessary testing, or that your dog is free from issues. It is up to the person as the potential owner to seek out this information as much as possible. While I can certainly say that the percentage of good breeders who are AKC registered is much higher then those who have no affiliation at all - it is far far from a fail safe. After the fact, they can certainly investigate and take action! Time however can't be turned back time and there is no magical fix any situation that existed before they took action. They certainly aren't going to pay for medical issues resulting from it either.
There are a lot of AKC kennels out there that have dogs in horrid conditions, and we both know that no organization is perfect and everything is only as good as the people who serve it. I've recently just gone through this myself both with the AKC and local animal control over kennel conditions and animal neglect. I do know of their commitment, but I have also seen it fail. Nothing in life is fail safe, and AKC registration is no substitute for
personal research.
That is my meaning when I say that any registration doesn't mean much. The AKC is a lovely
organization, but a paper registration in itself can easily be.. just a paper registration. AKC registration and approved kennel visits do not necessarily make a good breeder nor a healthy dog.