A Guide to Genetic Health Issues for Dog Breeds
Kennel Club(KC) registration means that the breeder completes a KC registration form and receives from the KC an Owner Registration Certificate for a puppy. Each puppy registered costs a breeder £16.
Each puppy may also have a Pedigree Certificate which records the name of the breed, colour, date of birth, sex, unique pedigree name (this includes the breeding kennel name followed by the dog’s official name), KC registration number, name and address and signature of the breeder. Five generations of ancestors are recorded by pedigree name and whether a dog has achieved championship status, (for example, Ch.Bradwot Ronaldo Googy) The Kennel Club charges £10 for a 5 generation pedigree certificate or £23 for an ‘enhanced’ pedigree certificate. When a puppy is sold and transferred to a new owner, in order for it to be re-registered in the new owner’s name an additional fee of £16 is charged.
An Owner Registration Certificate will also record a DNA profile number (if any); microchip number; and the results of DNA tests, or Health screening tests of the parents.
Note that failure to carry out DNA tests or Health screening does not prevent a breeder from registering puppies with the Kennel Club.
The information provided to the Kennel Club by a breeder is taken on trust and although the majority of breeders will be honest, some are not.
Regarding genetic health, there is no guarantee that KC registered puppies will be any healthier than those not registered. In fact the KC have a disclaimer to this effect on its website.
The main advantage of KC registration is identity and traceability of a puppy’s ancestors and the breeder’s details.
The KC has a Code of Ethics for breeders, which includes item 6: Will agree not to breed from a dog or bitch which could be in any way harmful to the dog or to the breed.
Click here to view the KC’s General Code of Ethics.
It should be noted, however, that the Code of Ethics in practice is not binding on breeders.
The Kennel Club maintains three dog registers.
Clubs Offering:
Register your purebred dog with the AKC®. It’s fast and easy.
Permanently record your name and your dog’s place in breed history. Become part of the nationwide AKC voice championing canine health research, search-and-rescue teams, acceptable care and conditions for dog kennels, and responsible dog ownership.
When you register your purebred dog with the AKC, you receive:
Does it matter if your dog is not KC registered?
Does it matter if a puppy is not KC registered? Being Kennel Club registered does not mean that a dog comes from a responsible breeder; neither will it guarantee that you are buying a healthy, happy puppy. … Whatever type of puppy you’re buying, it’s important to be puppy smart.