Is AKC Registration Worth It? [COMPLETE HOW TO GUIDE]

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the oldest and most prestigious canine registration in the United States. It provides owners, veterinarians, and breeders with a mechanism to track the genetics and lineages of their dogs by verifying the ancestry of registered dogs and providing a means to do so. But is AKC registration worth it?

Yes. AKC registration is totally worth it. A canine companion that is registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) has been granted its own legitimate branch on the dog family tree. Verification has been done on the dog's parents, as well as on the parents' parents, and so on and so forth.

In order for your dog to be eligible for any title offered by the American Kennel Club (AKC), it must first be recognized by the club. Do not dismiss the possibility of having a title, even if you have never given it any thought before. Your new pup is like a blank slate; it is up to you to help him realize his full potential and become the best version of himself.

AKC History

The American Kennel Club is the most prominent canine registrar in the United States; it was established in the 1880s and maintains its offices in New York City. At this time, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes and registers a total of 190+ breeds and varieties of dogs. Establishing a breed entails a series of steps, including recruiting breeders in various regions of the country and disseminating information on the breed to the general public. The American Kennel Club, in addition to regulating dog shows and canine events, sponsors "Meet the Breeds" events in various locations where dog enthusiasts may meet breeders and their pups and discover which breed is best suited to their needs.

Is It Necessary To Register With The AKC?

If you pose this question to a group of people who are passionate about dogs, you will likely receive a variety of responses.

The core of the issue is that the answer is conditional on your future plans for your dog.

If you plan to breed your furry buddy, registering it with the AKC is one of the most important steps you can take to identify yourself as a reliable and respected breeder. It is generally accepted that puppies with documented genealogies are more desired than puppies that have not been registered, and registration indicates that you are transparent and honest on your end.

Registration with the AKC is necessary in order to participate in any of the organization's dog shows or events, including obedience competitions, agility experiments, and field activities.

Even though it is not required by law, registering a family pet, an animal that provides emotional support, or a working dog with the AKC is still a smart option. Having official proof of your dog's parents may help you plan for any health problems, better understand your pet's genetic makeup, and even put you in touch with other members of your dog's extended family.

In addition, the money you pay to register your dog with the AKC goes toward supporting the valuable work that the organization conducts, such as inspecting kennels and supporting research into new developments in veterinary treatment.

Advantages For Both You And Your Pet After Akc Registration

One of the most significant advantages of registering your furry pal is access to additional services and care that may help ensure your dog's continued good health and contentment. These are the following:

• Newly registered pups are eligible for a free trial of AKC Dog Insurance for the first month after their registration. After registering, you will not have to wait long to receive further instructions on this unique perk.
• Certificate of AKC Registration suitable for breeding, and your dog's name is entered into the AKC Registry.
• AKC offers optional membership packages that include a dog management and training DVD, AKC pedigree, and a one-year membership to AKC Family Dog magazine.
• A gift card is good for one free first consultation at the veterinarian's clinic.
• The world of AKC canine sports is yours to explore once you register, from the immensely popular activity of agility to the less well-known sport of lure coursing. For those with no intention of participating in sports at this time, registration will provide them access to their halters, lead ropes, and a pair of suitable shoes if they change their minds. It is essential to keep in mind that all dogs, even those of mixed breeds, are welcome to compete in dog sports.
• In the past few years, the American Kennel Club has contributed close to $30-32 million to finance essential projects that aim to improve the lives of dogs and the communities in which they live.
• The American Kennel Club (AKC) also conducts an investigation and inspection operation that is both systematic and persistent. Every year, the American Kennel Club carries out hundreds of inspections to verify that the standards that promote the health, welfare, and happiness of dogs, as well as the habitats in which they reside, are adhered to.  While these may not immediately affect your brand new puppy, they will affect health, legislation, and other significant variables that will impact how you interact with dogs in the years to come.

Difference between Full AKC Registration and Limited AKC Registration

Limited AKC registration

The American Kennel Club defines a Limited Registration as one in which a pooch is registered with the organization, but the litters that the canine companion produces are not eligible for the registration itself. The dog's owner is needed to submit an application for this registration, and that application must include a request for such limitation. Once they have been registered, the dog's progeny will no longer be eligible for additional registrations.

Full AKC Registration

Full registration is a certificate granted by the AKC to owners who raise stock dogs and whose pups actively compete in dog shows. This certificate is only given to owners who meet specific criteria. Full registration is only necessary for breeders. Dog owners who do not actively participate in breeding their dogs need not be concerned about obtaining a full dog registration certificate.

What Do You Need To Get Your Dog Registered With The Akc?

You need the following things to get your dog registered with AKC:

• Breed
• Litter number
• Date of birth
• Person's name and location from where the pup was purchased.
• Name of breeder
• Gender, coat color, and other identifying marks
• Identifiers (Name and numbers) for both the sire and the dam

How Much Does It Cost To Register A New Dog With The AKC?

When it comes to costs, the AKC is entirely open and honest about everything. However, keep in mind that the fee payment is non-refundable after it has been made.

Registering your furry buddy online can range anywhere from $30 to $85, depending on your chosen licensing package.

• Platinum Registration Package: $83.
• Gold Registration Package: $63.
• Silver Registration Package: $46.
• Basic Registration Package: $33.

If you register your puppy one year after its birth, you'll have to pay an extra charge of $35; if you enroll it two years after its birth, you'll have to spend $65 instead. Therefore, registering your puppy with the AKC as soon as possible is in your best interest.

Conclusion

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is the only purebred/mix-breed dog registration in the United States that conducts an investigation and inspection operation that is both systematic and persistent. Every year, the American Kennel Club carries out hundreds of inspections to verify the standards that enhance dogs' health, security, and wellbeing.