ASK AKC

Dear AKC: I have a question about the possibility of registering my Scottish Terrier with AKC. At the time of purchase I was given an application from another kennel club's registry because the father of the puppy was AKC registered but the mother was not. Does this mean my Scottie can NOT be AKC registered? If YES, then please tell me how! Also, what is the difference between the two registries? It seems that dogs with AKC papers are more desirable. — Paper Trained Owner

Dear Paper: Unfortunately, your pup can't be AKC registered since both parents of a puppy must be AKC registered to qualify, but you can certainly still enjoy many of the other programs and services AKC offers. You and your dog can take the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, microchip and enroll your dog in AKC Companion Animal Recovery, and once you spay or neuter your pet, you can apply for an Indefinite Listing Privilege (ILP) number which allows you and your pet to compete in AKC Companion events such as Obedience, Rally, Agility and Tracking.

I'm often asked “What's the difference between AKC other purebred dog 'papers'?” Besides being the largest and oldest, AKC is the only, not-for-profit, purebred dog registry in the world. Therefore, AKC uses your registration dollars for many public education initiatives including promoting responsible dog ownership. All of the competing registries are for-profit companies.

AKC Registration dollars also:

• Created and support the AKC Canine Health Foundation, which funds research projects focusing on the genetics of disease, the canine genome map, and clinical studies. AKC has donated more than $15 million to the Canine Health Foundation since 1995.

• Award $240,000 in scholarships annually to veterinary and veterinary technical students and youths active in the sport of purebred dogs.

• Conduct approximately 5,000 kennel inspections annually to ensure the integrity of the AKC registry and monitor care and conditions at kennels across the country.

• Operate a Canine Legislation department that provides input for federal, state, and local legislation governing responsible dog ownership.

The other major difference is that as a new AKC registrant, puppy buyers can enjoy a complimentary trial pet healthcare plan, Dog.com e-certificates, a free veterinarian visit certificate, participation in AKC events and be recorded as part of your breed's history with an attractive AKC Registration certificate.