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REGISTRATION
PAPERS & PROBLEMS
Puppy Registration Papers, like a
car title, can signify quality or junk, depending on the breeder and the
Registry.
Owning a purebred dog implies opulence and
elegance, much the same as a Lexis sedan or a
 Rolex
watch. However, in truth, while a dog’s lineage may be pure, its quality and
conformity to the breed standard can be questionable.
The show ring is one
of the best ways to test excellence, and in order to earn a championship, a
dog must conform as closely as possible to their respective breed standard.
But even show ring titles are no guarantee concerning health issues.
Breeders often use “papers” as a marketing tool to give the impression of
excellence. Many times, this is true. However in the vast majority of cases,
“registered” only means a puppy is of a specific breed, but not necessarily
the best representative.
Conversely, not being
registered does not automatically mean a dog is not a purebred. Some
breeders will purposely withhold papers on puppies they don’t feel are of
sound enough quality to reproduce. This practice is often met with suspicion
within the sport.
“Papers mean that the breeder has done the basic paperwork,” said
Esther Underkofler of Minarets Poodles. “Breeders who can't be bothered
with that probably aren't going to be doing the testing, training, and
exhibiting that is necessary to produce a line of healthy animals.”
While registration is vital in proving the pup’s genetic purity, it also
fills another essential purpose by indicating the family tree. Armed with
greater genetic knowledge, breeders today are able to use numerous tests to
identify and avoid many diseases.
Marsha Nelson, the owner of Miss Diva, a black Standard Poodle stated, “Because
of having her papers, I was able to register her with the Poodle Health
Registry when it was discovered that she has genetic chronic active
hepatitis.” By entering her into the database, other breeders who may be
considering Miss Diva’s line are able to avoid breeding back on this genetic
disease.
So there are plenty of benefits for both purchasing from registered litters,
as well as submitting that registration paperwork once you have obtained
your new puppy. Not all registries are equal. There are basically only two
generally recognized all-breed registries in the United States; the American
Kennel Club (AKC), and the United Kennel Club (UKC). Both are over 100 years
old, with longstanding studbooks to prove the purity of the dogs registered
with them.
In order to register a dog with AKC or UKC, the owner must submit either the
litter registration certificate given them by their puppy’s breeder or by
presenting a valid registration from another recognized registry, such as
the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) or The Kennel Club (England).
The problem today is that there are numerous pseudo-registries such as the
American Canine Association (ACA), National Pet Registry (NPR), American Pet
Registry (APR), or Continental Kennel Club (CKCI) and all will give you a
certificate stating that your dog is “registered”. But within the purebred
dog fancy, they are seen as counterfeit.
“APRI, CKCI, ACA, etc. papers aren't worth using as piddle pads, in my
opinion,” says Dott Smith, a show breeder and exhibitor. “They are
pet registries for high volume and small backyard breeder operations who
can't or won't use the AKC.”
Most of these organizations grew with the internet, and though they claim to
offer reputable services, their acceptance requirements do not meet the high
standards quality breeders require. Beyond taking the word of the owner, and
a few submitted pictures, they do not call for absolute proof of purity,
leaving the lineage of the dogs they accept in question.
For example, the North American Purebred Dog Registry even states on their
website, “A purebred dog that does not have registration papers can be
registered with the NAPDR. If you are 100% sure of your dog's breed, fill
out the information you know and write ‘Unknown’ on the other places.”
Nearly all of these organizations will even register mixed breeds, such as
“puggles” – a Pug and Beagle mix – or “labradoodles” – a cross between a
Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. Neither the AKC nor the UKC will accept
mixed breeds for registration.
The title “champion” can also be deceiving. Many of these same registries
hold dog shows and other events in order to lend credence to their practice.
However, because the dogs they register are generally not of the same
quality as those competing within AKC or UKC, the titles earned are, in a
sense, meaningless.
Breeding dogs registered with one of the pet registries can create serious
problems for the resulting puppies. Not only is their genetic health at
stake, but also the guarantee of purity and conformance to a breed standard.
When you go to purchase a Cocker Spaniel, you want to be completely sure
you’re getting a Cocker, and not just something that sort of looks like one.
So how does the wise buyer avoid these pitfalls when seeking a new pet? Dog
enthusiast June Brumm advises, “The point is to know all possible when
deciding on a puppy's quality. Seeing the dam – and hopefully the stud –
having proof of pre-natal testing and knowing as much as possible about the
breeder’s ethics are all critical parts when making a decision. It takes
time and patience and self control to consider all of them rather than
letting yourself fall in love with a sweet puppy.”
- David J. Arthur |
