American Kennel Club Reviews

Permanently Record Your Dog's Place in Breed History: Registering your purebred dog with the AKC allows you to permanently record your name and your dog's place in breed history.

Complementary Services: Registration includes a frameable AKC Registration Certificate, optional registration packages with an AKC collar tag, a three-generation AKC pedigree, and a one-year subscription to AKC Family Dog magazine.

Health and Welfare Programs: The AKC supports various programs such as the Canine Health Foundation, kennel inspections, and the Canine Good Citizen program, which aim to improve the health and welfare of dogs.

Eligibility to Participate in Dog Sports: Registration opens up opportunities for your dog to participate in various dog sports, including agility and lure coursing.

Eligibility to Earn Titles: Your dog can earn titles like the Canine Good Citizen title by being registered with the AKC.

AKC Registration Certificate: Permanently records your dog's name and place in breed history.

DNA Certification: Ensures reliable registration records through DNA profiling for parentage verification and genetic identity.

AKC Pet Insurance: A 30-day trial of pet health insurance for newly registered puppies.

Complimentary First Veterinary Office Visit: A certificate for a free first veterinary office visit.

AKC Collar Tag with 24/7 Lifetime Recovery Services: Includes a collar tag with recovery services for lost pets.

AKC Dog Sports: Registration opens up participation in various dog sports like agility, obedience, tracking, and conformation shows.

Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Program: Dogs can earn a CGC title by passing a 10-step test, which is recognized as the gold standard for dog behavior.

Kennel Inspections: Regular inspections ensure the health, safety, and welfare of dogs and their environments.

Canine Health Foundation: Funds research projects focusing on canine health, genetics, and clinical studies.

AKC Library & Archives: Houses one of the largest libraries devoted to dogs, containing approximately 18,000 volumes.

Public Education: Provides resources and information on responsible dog ownership, breed traits, and health information.

AKC Marketplace: Offers free litter listings and priority placement in search results for Breeders of Merit, helping them advertise their puppies and breeding programs.

Breed-Specific Information: Detailed information on each breed, including breed traits, history, and health information.

DOGNYsm Program: Supports professional and volunteer canine search-and-rescue organizations through fundraising efforts.

Customer Service Issues: Many customers have reported dissatisfaction with the AKC's customer service, citing problems with registration and support.

Association with Puppy Mills: The AKC has been criticized for its association with puppy mills and its handling of breeder issues, which has led to concerns about animal welfare.

Cost: The registration process can be costly, with additional fees for each puppy in a litter and for new owners to register their dogs.

Limited Health Certifications: The AKC registration does not guarantee health certifications, which can be a concern for buyers looking for healthy puppies.