Difference Between Registered & Non Registered Dog Breeds

Dog breeds can be registered with many different organizations, although in the United States the American Kennel Club (AKC) is generally recognized as the legitimate organization that recognizes and registers breeds. There are dog breeds that are recognized by the public and by dog breeders but are not registered with the AKC, and so are not considered a registered breed. At any given time there are also breeds that are in the process of meeting the registration requirements of the AKC, and so are not registered breeds although they probably will be in the future.

  1. Non-AKC Registered Breeds

    • There are organizations that specialize in registering dog breeds for profit, but dog breeding professionals usually look down upon recognition of a breed by these groups. These organizations will accept new breeds that owners and breeders recently created by mixing two recognized breeds, or a breed that the owners have been developing for a long time but which the AKC does not yet accept.

    AKC Requirements

    • The American Kennel Club will register a breed if there is sufficient evidence, in its opinion, to justify adding that breed to its list of registrable breeds. That evidence must include accurate and complete documentation that the breed has been "breeding true" for many generations. Also, there must be proof that there is sufficient interest in the breed throughout the United States. In addition, a national club must already be operating that can act as the "parent club" for the breed according to AKC requirements. The American Kennel Club may also take other factors into account when making a decision.

    Foundation Stock Service

    • The American Kennel Club created a record service to keep track of the members of a breed not yet recognized by the AKC. They call this service the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) and its purpose is to create a record of dogs that are bred by rare breed fanciers. The service is optional, and in addition to keeping a record of breed members, it may also provide club contact information, information on the breed standard and history of the breed.

    Dog Shows

    • Registering a breed with the AKC allows dogs of that breed to participate in AKC dog shows. The AKC does not allow unregistered dogs to participate in its dog shows, and a dog cannot be registered with the AKC unless it is a member of a registered dog breed and is the offspring of two dogs that are already registered. Some communities hold independent, non-AKC dog shows or competitions that focus on agility, tricks or appearance but the dogs usually compete with all other dogs rather than only against dogs of their breed.

    Value of Puppies

    • Puppies that are the offspring of dogs that are registered with the AKC and which are members of a registered dog breed are usually sold for much more money than dogs that are members of a non-registered breed. However, there are rare breeds that are not yet recognized by the AKC which are still highly valued by breeders and the puppies of these breeds sell for a great deal of money.