What is the AKC?

The American Kennel Club is the oldest  dog registry in the United States, and the largest purebred dog registry in the world.  The AKC is a not for profit organization, and is the standard by which all other registries are measured.

The AKC sponsors 16,500 dog events per year including conformation (like Westminster or the Eukanuba National Championship), agility, obedience, rally, tracking, lure coursing, earthdog, field trial, hunt test, and coonhound events.

The AKC awards $260,000 in scholarships to veterinary students and youths active in the sport of purebred dogs.   The AKC supports thousands of volunteers and teachers across the country who teach responsible dog ownership and safety around dogs.

The American Kennel Club features a Canine Good Citizen program which is a 10-step test that certifies dogs who have good manners at home and in the community.

The AKC conducts more than 5,000 kennel inspections annually to ensure the integrity of the AKC registry and monitor care and conditions at kennels across the country (including kennels inside homes).

The AKC offers the largest, most comprehensive set of DNA programs for the purposes of parentage verification and genetic identity to ensure reliable registration records.

The AKC began AKC Companion Animal Recovery (CAR), which has reunited more than 250,000 lost pets with their owners.

The American Kennel Club operates a Canine Legislation department that provides input for federal, state, and local legislation governing responsible dog ownership.

AKC's Mission Statement

The American Kennel Club is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.  Founded in 1884, the AKC and it's affiliated organizations advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and promote responsible dog ownership.

What about all the other dog registries?

The AKC is the only registry that monitors its breeders through inspections and DNA certification.  They are the premier registry because they go to great lengths to ensure their registry is accurate.  They will revoke the papers of any dog whose parentage is shown to be incorrect through DNA sampling.  The AKC is more expensive for a breeder to use than any other registry, but they are unquestionable the best registry, and the only one I would consider using.  

Many of the other registries require no proof of purebred parentage.  No other registry requires DNA sampling or  inspect their breeders.  I have heard many cases of breeders who were not willing to comply with the AKC's requirements, or who had their dogs papers revoked by the AKC,  who then chose to register their dogs with other registries like the Continental Kennel Club (CKC), America's Pet Registry, Inc. (APRI), American Canine Association (ACA), Universal Kennel Club International (UKCI), United All Breed Registry (UABR), Federation of International Canines (FIC) or Canine Registration and Certification Services (CRCS).  Almost all puppies sold in pet stores are sold with the above registries' papers.

When you register with the AKC you and your Maltese puppy get:

Your maltese puppy's official AKC Registration Certificate.  It's the best way to ensure lasting recognition for your Maltese puppy.

60-day trial pet healthcare insurance plan Underwritten by National Specialty Insurance Company.  You'll be eligible to try this coverage for 60 days with no cost or obligation.

The opportunity to support these AKC programs for purebred dogs:

Canine Good Citizen program, encouraging responsible dog ownership

AKC Canine Health Foundation, working for the health of all dogs

Search and Rescue dog teams, managing  permanent charitable fund

Canine Legislation, supporting dog-friendly legislation at all levels

AKC registration opens the door to fun events for you, your family and your Maltese dog.

Dog shows, Obedience, Agility, Junior Showmanship, and Performance Events

Click here for the AKC's scoop on why to register your Maltese puppy with the American Kennel Club:  http://www.akc.org/public_education/regpromo.cfm 

What AKC events are happening in your area this weekend?

Click here to search the AKC's event calendar:  http://www.akc.org/events/search/