Information about AKC registry including how-to register purebred dogs without "papers".

The AKC (American Kennel Club) Is More Than Just A Dog Breed Standards Registry

Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Member of AKC Herding Class Ranks 25 in popularity

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is more than just a registry for dog breeds. It is also a clearinghouse for reliable information about the top dog breeds.

Founded as a non-profit in 1884, The American Kennel Club (AKC) has many missions. Of course, it is most famous for keeping a purebred dog registry. The organization also holds dog shows and obedience competitions.

The AKC also feels it is important to promote responsible dog ownership.

Here's an amazing Video about the 2009 AKC Dog Agility Competition

Does a purebred dog need to have "papers"?

When you hear that a purebred dog has "papers", it simply means that the animal is "registered" with the AKC.

Registry keeps track of ownership and breeding information including parentage. The breeder will tell you if the dog is eligible to be registered. If you intend to breed your dog, registry is a good idea. So yes, you need papers if you intend to breed the dog.

You need not bother to register a dog that you intend to neuter. Today, because of the overpopulation of unwanted dogs, it is your responsiblity to neuter your dog (or cat) as soon as the the Vet says it is OK. Bottom-line, if you're not going to breed the dog --- get it neutered.

Bottom-line, if you're not going to breed the dog --- get it neutered.

Requirements for registry are simple. The breeder must have AKC papers for both parents. After the puppies are born, the litter is registered as a group, and then, at eight weeks old, the individual puppies are registered. The registration application goes home with the puppy to its new home. If the new owner want to have the puppy registered, the form is returned to the AKC with puppy's new name and the registration fee.

According to the 2008 AKC statistics, here is a list of the TOP 25 of the most popular dog breeds in the US:

1. Labrador Retrievers -(has been #1 since 1988)

2. Yorkshire Terriers - (was #9 in 1988)

3. German Sheperd Dogs - (was #3 in 1988)

4. Golden Retrievers - (was #2 in 1988)

5. Beagles - (was #12 in 1988)

6. Boxers - (was #6 in 1988)

7. Dachshunds - (was #5 in 1988)

8. Bulldogs - (was #23 in 1988)

9. Poodles - (was #7 in 1988)

10. Shih Tzu - (was #11 in 1988)

11. Miniature Schnauzers - (was #14 in 1988)

12. Chihuahuas - (was #8 in 1988)

13. Pomeranians - (was #10 in 1988)

14. Rottweilers - (was #4 in 1988)

15. Pugs - (was #17 in 1988)

16. German Shorthaired Pointers - (was #24 in 1988)

17. Boston Terriers - (was #19 in 1988)

18. Doberman Pinschers - (was #22 in 1988)

19. Shetland Sheepdogs - (was #15 in 1988)

20. Maltese - (was #20 in 1988)

21. Cocker Spaniels - (was #13 in 1988)

22. Great Danes - (was #28 in 1988)

23. Siberian Huskies - (was #18 in 1988)

24. Pembroke Welsh Corgis - (was #34 in 1988)

25. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels - (was #66 in 1988)

Click the link below to get more information about the AKC Top 10 list of the most popular breeds in The Toy Group.

AKC Top 10 Breeds of Toy Dogs