What Is the Difference Between Papered and Non-Papered in Purebred Dogs?

Open the classified section of any newspaper, and you̵7;ll find ads touting phrases such as ̶0;papered purebred puppies̶1; and ̶0;non-papered purebred puppies.̶1; But like many sales tag-lines, these phrases can be deceiving. The American Kennel Club was among the first purebred registries to issue papers verifying purebred standing. Today, approximately 10 different organizations issue paperwork claiming to verify a dog̵7;s purebred standing. Unfortunately, varying organizational requirements make the difference between papered and non-papered puppies less significant than you may think.

  1. What Papers Mean

    • Not all organizations are created equal when it comes to purebred paperwork. For example, to receive AKC paperwork, the breeder must show that both parents are registered AKC members. AKC papers also require proof that the lineage of a purebred puppy is ̶0;unbroken,̶1; meaning the parents, grandparents and great grandparents were registered AKC purebreds. In contrast, the United Kennel Club, known as the UKC, issues papers to any litter whose breeder pays the registration fee and provides the names and breeds of the parents.

    When You Need Papers

    • Papers are necessary if you want to show your dog in a purebred competition circuit, such as AKC agility, or if you plan on breeding your puppy with another papered purebred from the same organization. For example, if a male Maltese registered with the Continental Kennel Club, also known as the CKC, produces puppies with a AKC-registered Maltese, only the CKC would issue papers for the litter (ref. 7 & 8). This is because the AKC provides papers only when both parents of a litter are registered with the AKC.

    What Purebred Papers Don't Verify

    • Depending on the organization, purebred papers can indicate the genetic purity of a pup̵7;s lineage. What papers don't confirm, however, is the health of the puppy. As the AKC itself explains that, ̶0;AKC does not breed or sell dogs, it cannot guarantee the quality or health of dogs in its registry.̶1; In other words, just because a purebred puppy comes with papers doesn̵7;t mean he̵7;s well-bred. Like humans, many canine diseases and abnormalities have genetic roots. These issues range from Demodex mange to hip dysplasia, blindness and arthritis. Responsible breeders will test their dogs for any genetic deficiencies before breeding them. No purebred registration or paperwork can confirm whether a breeder has performed such tests.

    Going Beyond Papers

    • Finding a healthy purebred dog requires research and time. The litter of two purebred cousins might have papers, but they̵7;ll also have a host of genetic and possibly behavioral issues. Don̵7;t limit your research to breeders who claim to have paperwork certifications. First and foremost: Never buy a puppy without seeing the parents. Don̵7;t accept excuses such as the parents live on ̶0;an upstate farm̶1; or a ̶0;nearby ranch.̶1; Ask questions about the genetic tests conducted on the parents, as well as the contact information for the breeder̵7;s vet. Reputable breeders will ask you as many questions as you ask them. Finally, be prepared to wait. A well-bred litter birthed from two healthy, purebred parents can take months of waiting because responsible breeders limit how frequently their female dogs breed. A breeder claiming to have multiple breeds of ̶0;papered purebred puppies̶1; available at any time is a red flag for irresponsible practices and unhealthy litters.