I just read this interesting article on AKC. I don't know a lot about AKC except from what I read on here. All of my pets have been family pets and not show dogs so AKC registration was never important to me.
Worst in Show: The Dark Truth Behind the Westminster Dog Show | Alternet
I personally am against using animals as performers for human amusement and entertainment. I no longer go to venues that use animals as performers. I don't ride elephants or horse drawn carriages as these animals are usually abuse or neglected. Every time we take a child to see animals perform, we prolong the agony of those animals who have to perform for the amusement of humans......it is sickening.