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If my
dog is AKC Registered does that make him a quality dog? All AKC registration means is a dog is registered with AKC in their registry. AKC is just a registry, that’s it. It is the breeders who have the responsibility of producing healthy, quality dogs. AKC does some kennel checks, but considering the huge amount of kennels out there, and the small amount of people that AKC probably employees for doing these checks, it just goes to reason that they cannot keep tabs on all the people out there who are registering dogs. AKC does not require breeders to do any health checks before breeding. It will just record the information on AKC papers if you have secured certification numbers. When AKC inspects a kennel they will require proper records, proper ID of each dog, reasonable cleanliness and reasonable care of the dogs. They don't require hereditary health checks on the breeding stock or any type of socialization of the pups. Socialization and health certifications are done by conscientious breeders for the love of the breed. Breeders do X-rays for hip dysplasia, regular vet exams, check for sound patellas, do eye exams to screen for hereditary eye disease, thyroid testing, screening for heart defects in some breeds, and many other things. So yes, the pups might be AKC registered, but all that this tells you is that both parents were also AKC registered. It does absolutely nothing to guarantee quality or health. It is up to you as the buyer to find a good breeder and ask questions and secure proof of health tests on the dogs. Proof of the quality and the natural ability of a dog can be in the form of an AKC Championship in conformation, or titles in performance events or in the performance of an excellent hunting dog and companion. I bet if you go out and ask the folks at any pet shop selling AKC pups to supply you with proof of health tests on the parents they won't have a clue what you mean. It is not acceptable to be told that "the parents are just fine and we've never had a moments sickness out of them". You need to see proof from the registries that certify the various health tests that the dogs were tested and certified as free of these health problems. There are some diseases that can be DNA tested for now. Many diseases do not show up in the dog until 1 year of age and as late as 5-8 years of age. This is well past the age of this dog having produced pups that are now at risks of having these problems also. This is why reputable breeders test their breeding stock, and do not breed a dog unless it has all the health clearances. There's just so much more involved in a quality puppy then having sent in the $15 to register each parent and saying, “my dog is a pedigree dog with AKC” so therefore I have a quality puppy for sale. Being AKC registered is not a valid reason of itself to breed a dog.
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