Registering purebred dogs in USA?

Question

We all know that the AKC is the biggest game in town when it comes to purebred dogs. And I think most people are with it enough to realize that most of the other registries out there are scams (Continental KC, American Canine Association, America's Pet Registry Inc., American Purebred Registry, etc).

But the AKC is not the only game in town when it comes to reputable registries of purebred dogs.

What about the United Kennel Club (UKC)? Founded a mere 14 years after the AKC it is the second oldest kennel club in the United States. They have very similarly stringent registration requirements to register a dog for conformation and they offer more (and in many people's opinion more difficult) performance events.

So what are people's views on the UKC? Why are they "less reputable" than the AKC? Or, why are they every bit as reputable?

Answer 1

I love UKC.  I showed my mixbreed in obedience and agility thru them.  We competed on an equal playing field with purebred dogs.  The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed.  Personally, i believe their obedience routine is harder than AKC, particularly the Utility exercises.

I also show my dachshund in UKC agility, obedience & breed.  He's a dual AKC/UKC Ch.  What I liked about showing in UKC breed, is the ring is bigger, giving you room to move and it seemed that the judges we've showed under, really knew the breed standard and really went over our dogs.  

UKC is certainly not "less reputable" than AKC.  I believe the UKC is just overlooked.  Also, I would say they are more of an performance registry.  I love their Total Dog program.  It encourages those who show in conformation to also compete in their other performance events.

Answer 2

I have no problem with UKC, but in my opinion, they are easier in conformation than the AKC.  All of their other trials are about the same.  JMHO

Answer 3

Yep, UKC is also a reputable registry, just often overlooked since not as popular.

Here's more reputable registry in the US that are overlooked as well:

http://www.akc.org/reg/open_registration...

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Answer 4

I have an AKC female and I have also registered her with the UKC.

Personally I feel they are just as reputable as the AKC. They offer many different sports and even some the AKC doesn't.

Julie: Earning a Grande Championship is not easy at all.

The best thing about UKC Conformation, you or your immediate family member has to show the dog, NO PROFESSIONAL HANDLERS ALLOWED.

Answer 5

They are equally as reputable among dog show fanciers, just not as well known.