What Does AKC Registration Really Mean?
What does it mean to you and your puppy if it’s AKC registered? Does it ensure a healthier puppy? No, it does not. AKC registration is simply a piece of paper that a breeder buys from the AKC, and in some cases, breeders have even lied to obtain it. Many Maltese out there don’t resemble what the breed is supposed to look like anymore, and most people aren’t even aware of that! Unfortunately, these are often AKC-registered dogs. So how did this happen? Keep reading, and I’ll explain.
The True Meaning Behind AKC Papers
An AKC-registered puppy or dog simply means the puppy had two parents of the same breed. AKC registers dogs and provides breeders with papers, which helps them sell the puppies. But that’s all it is—a piece of paper. For example, I once called a Maltese breeder to ask about the weight of the parents. She got very defensive and said, “They are long and tall like they’re supposed to be!” I told her that after many years of breeding, I knew Maltese weren’t supposed to be long and tall. At that point, she asked for my name and number, which I found amusing. There are likely many breeders out there selling long and tall Maltese, and they are AKC puppies.
Breed Standards and Misrepresentation
Maltese dogs are also not supposed to have a curly coat, but I’ve seen many with curls, which can indicate that Bichon or Poodle has been mixed in. Yes, even with AKC papers, there could be other breeds in the lineage. Once, I asked a breeder if the dew claws had been removed from his puppies, and he replied, “Ma’am, these are dogs, not cats”! This breeder clearly had no idea about basic dog care, yet he was an AKC breeder!
Dew Claw Removal Practices
Speaking of dew claws, I used to remove them from puppies but eventually realized it was inhumane. Dew claws are the extra claw some dogs have, and many breeders remove them at 2 days old, claiming it doesn’t hurt. However, I’ve found it’s easier to simply remember to clip this nail to prevent problems, rather than removing it altogether.
Weight Issues in Purebred Dogs
I can’t tell you how many people have told me their Maltese weighs 17-20 pounds, which is far too heavy for a purebred Maltese. A true Maltese should weigh 4-7 pounds fully grown. When they weigh more, it’s clear they have something else, like a Bichon or Poodle, mixed in. Yet, these are AKC puppies, and their owners believe they are purebred because they have papers.
The False Security of AKC Registration
I’ve heard countless horror stories about AKC-registered puppies that died just days after going to their new homes. People are often devastated to find out their AKC registration didn’t protect them from buying a sick puppy. Although AKC or CKC (Continental Kennel Club) papers are necessary for showing dogs, for most pet owners, they’re just a piece of paper.
A Personal Experience With AKC
I once bought an AKC Maltese from a breeder who promised the papers were in the mail. While waiting for them, the mama dog had a litter, and I was desperate for those papers. Sadly, one of my other Maltese females was hit by a car, and two AKC breeders suggested I use her papers for the new mama, so I could sell the puppies as AKC. I didn’t do it, of course, but it showed me how easy it is to lie and manipulate the system.
Why I No Longer Use AKC
I no longer use AKC. While some of my parent dogs are still AKC-registered, I stopped after an inspector told me I had to track my mixed breeds for the lifetime of the dog. When I asked why it was their business since my Maltipoos weren’t registered with AKC, there was no reasonable explanation, just policy. Additionally, AKC is expensive and inspects puppy mills, giving them passing marks despite the terrible conditions.
The Truth About AKC
Veterinarian and author Dr. Michael Fox once said, “The best use of pedigree papers is for housebreaking your dog. They don’t mean a darn thing. You can have an immune-deficient puppy that is about to go blind and has epilepsy, hip dysplasia, hemophilia, and one testicle, and the AKC will register it.” This sums up my experience with AKC registration—it’s not as meaningful as people believe.
