The Difference Between Registries, Clubs and Associations

Being an owner of a purebred dog is a little more than just being an owner. If you choose to register your dog in a dog club, association or registry; you need to be aware of what makes each dog breed or hybrid breed unique. What are registries? They are agencies that register or evaluate the certain dogs that are in a breed. Three very popular organizations are known the Canadian Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club. These are known as the most sought after dog registries. The job of the registries is to keep record of every single dog as well as their registered owners. Dog handlers that are interested in entering their dogs in dog shows need to purchase a puppy whose parents are purebred. If your puppy is a purebred dog, you will need to register your puppy.

The very first thing that you will receive is a letter of litter registration and a transfer of registration. This letter needs to be completed and sent to the respective Kennel Club or Clubs to transfer ownership and enter an official registration record. Even if your dog is a purebred registered dog, Kennel Clubs also maintain different standards used to judge how closely they meet the ideal breed standard. These guidelines are also used by judges to determine championships. Kennel Clubs have there own standards and therefore, can choose who they allow in or out.

It is good to be aware that your dog does not have to be a purebred to be registered. Some registries allow dog owners to register hybrid breeds that are trying to become established as a true breed. Some of these registries have different categories for different breeds. An example of a dog registry would be the American Canine Hybrid Club, Dog Registry of America, Canine Kennel Club and the National Hybrid Registry. Keep in mind that when a person registers a canine with one of these organizations, this does not mean that the canine can be registered with a Kennel Club.

Some dog owners are so fond of a specific breed that they join together to form Dog clubs and associations dedicated to them. These clubs or association will adopt Kennel club breed standards and create their own individual shows and events. This allows them to join a Kennel Club once that specific breed is recognized.

Many of these dog clubs and dog associations are non-profit organizations. They will host special events to show their dogs and to increase dog rescues and adoptions. Dog owners who join dog clubs or associations do so, for the information and to socialize with other dog owners of the same breed. Breeders and handlers often belong to Clubs and Associations so they can create connections with future dog owners who are interested in the same breed of dog. You can find out more information about dog registries, dog clubs and dog associations by searching online.