The AKC (American Kennel Club)
maintains a registry of purebred dogs in over 150 recognized dog breeds.
The AKC is actually a
non-profit organization that was established in 1884 to begin and
maintain the registry, specify standards in dog breeds, sanction events,
and promote responsible ownership of dogs. It is the responsibility of
the breeder or owner to register with the American Kennel Club. There
is a fee, application, and many rules and standards that even include
allowable pet names. If applicants are approved as purebred in one of
the recognized dog breeds and meet all other requirements, the AKC will
issue certificates. The dogs are then allowed to compete in American
Kennel Club sanctioned events.
The AKC determines if they
will add new dog breeds based on many factors, including popularity.
There are also American Kennel Club standards, such as accepted
coloration, coat, size, and body type. Ever watch a competition on TV
and wonder why a judge stands in front of a Chihuahua for five minutes
or seems so interested in a Beagle's tail? Judges must be familiar with
and make decisions based on the breed standards. The guidelines are
very specific - a Golden Retriever can be disqualified for having an
overbite!
What if your dog isn't AKC
registered - or even one of the American Kennel Club recognized dog
breeds?
Your dog doesn't have to
be AKC registered as a purebred in one of the recognized dog breeds to
be a good pet. The American Kennel Club registry is simply a
genealogical database to determine the background of dogs. It's just as
fun to watch the competitions on TV and guess at the background of your
mixed breed!
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