AKC launches breeder of merit program

[animalcraker]

AKC lauched a new breeder of merit program yesterday. Here's the list of the program requirements and benefits. It's not perfect and there's lots of room for improvement, but it is a start. What are your thoughts on this?

Requirements:
-Has a history of at least 5 years involvement with AKC events.
-Earned at least 4 Conformation, Performance or Companion event titles on dogs they bred.
-Member of an AKC club.
-Certifies that applicable health screens are performed on the sire and dam as recommended by the Parent Club.
-Demonstrates a commitment to ensuring 100% of the puppies produced are AKC registered enabling AKC to maintain accurate records.

Benefits:
-Breeder of Merit registration applications and registration certificates featuring a special designation
-Complimentary access to online reports
-Access to the AKC Direct toll free number
-Online record support
-A certificate of distinction
-Breed-specific web banners that participants can use to proudly promote their involvement in the Program
-Acknowledgement in the AKC Gazette and on AKC.org
-Lapel pin
-And more!

Here's a link for more info American Kennel Club - AKC Breeder of Merit.

 

[Kat09Tails]

I know AKC is hurting for money. That's all I see this as.

If you read the application it really does spell out their intent very clearly.

 

[stafinois]

Wow! A lapel pin!!!

 

[corgipower]

:lol-sign:

AKC do like those lapel pins.

 

[~Jessie~]

Woot! I want to do it just for the lapel pin!

 

[animalcraker]

I know AKC is hurting for money. That's all I see this as.

If you read the application it really does spell out their intent very clearly.

I'm not seeing where they're requiring you to pay to be part of the program. They do require breeders to register all pups form their litters, but IMO breeders should already be doing that if they are selling the pups as purebred. Can you elaborate on what you percive to be thier intent of this program. Is there anything you like about this program or is it all bad?

 

[corgipower]

I know AKC is hurting for money. That's all I see this as.

And like any business, when they need to bring in more money, they come up with new products/services. I don't see anything wrong with that.

I'm not seeing where they're requiring you to pay to be part of the program. They do require breeders to register all pups form their litters, but IMO breeders should already be doing that if they are selling the pups as purebred.

Yea, but more registrations = more money and more publicity.

TBH, I'd be a little pissed if the breeder had registered the dog prior to my purchasing it. I seriously enjoy choosing a registered name myself.

I'm not sure yet how I feel about this program. I'm gonna wait and see how it plays out.

 

[Kat09Tails]

I don't see them as coming up with a money making scheme as a bad thing. I just don't think creating more titles is going to solve their issues.

I do think it's better that limited reg is used vs withholding papers. I do disagree with the title being breeder of merit. I do disagree with the emphasis being put on using AKC's classified section.

Things I would have preferred to see. DNA verification requirements on all breeding bitches and males. Allow transfers in from UKC in all breeds. Making showing/performance a separate self supporting division of the company in all ways financial. Update the registration system to put incentives on automation services.

 

[animalcraker]

TBH, I'd be a little pissed if the breeder had registered the dog prior to my purchasing it. I seriously enjoy choosing a registered name myself.

Personaly I feel that it's the breeders right to choose the registered name if they decide to, though I have no problem with the owner having input into. Owners can choose whatever call name they want, it doesn't have to relate to the registered name.The breeders name is forever attached to that puppy, no matter how many times a dog may be transfered to new owners. Most breeders have litter themes, it's nice to be able to look at a dogs registered name & have some idea of who it's littermates or parents are. Nowdays you also have the issue of owners being able to change the registered name if the dog wasn't individualy registered by the breeder. That means the owner could potenialy remove the kennel name if it's not a registered kennel name. And they can change the name to anything they want, good or bad,as long as it's within the AKC rules.

 

[animalcraker]

I do disagree with the title being breeder of merit. I do disagree with the emphasis being put on using AKC's classified section.

Things I would have preferred to see. DNA verification requirements on all breeding bitches and males.

Is there a different name that you feel would be better than "Breeder of Merit"?

I'm slightly on the fence about the classifed section. I would prefer it not to be there at all, but one of the first things people are told when looking for a purebred is to go to the AKC website and look for breeders. If breeders are too difficult to find then your average pet owner is likely to turn to the newspaper or pet-stores to find a dog. Granted the breeders in the AKC classifeds aren't always the best quality, but at least the AKC have info on what to look for in a breeder and making sure the breed is right for you.

I'm 100% with you on requiring DNA on, at minimum, all breeding dogs and bitches.

 

[JennSLK]

TBH, I'd be a little pissed if the breeder had registered the dog prior to my purchasing it. I seriously enjoy choosing a registered name myself.

I dont know. I think the owners should have imput but alot of times the breeder does a litter theme or a letter. I think the breeder should have power of veto over the reg name.

 

[corgipower]

I dont know. I think the owners should have imput but alot of times the breeder does a litter theme or a letter. I think the breeder should have power of veto over the reg name.

That'd be fine. But:

Full Litter Process: Allows breeders to individually register all the puppies in the litter to themselves at the time of litter registration for a discounted price. As puppies are sold, the breeder will transfer ownership. This ensures that dogs you breed carry your kennel name and have been designated Full or Limited. No subsequent changes can be made to registrations without the breeder’s written consent.

 

[Spiritwind]

That'd be fine. But:

That'd be fine. But:

Quote:
Full Litter Process: Allows breeders to individually register all the puppies in the litter to themselves at the time of litter registration for a discounted price. As puppies are sold, the breeder will transfer ownership. This ensures that dogs you breed carry your kennel name and have been designated Full or Limited. No subsequent changes can be made to registrations without the breeder’s written consent.

I know some breeders that have always registered their whole litter to themselves.... then signed over to the owners as they have placed them.

Honestly I think AKC is just trying to make sure EVERY puppy in each litter is individually registered. I had a litter of 4 back in March and while the litter has been registered, none of the puppies have been individually registered..... yet... and I got an e-mail from AKC a couple weeks ago reminding me to register them LOL

In the past when I have sold pet puppies to some people... and they are given the filled out AKC registration application for that puppy, but some just never send in the papers, because they are pets and they don't care if they are registered. Though this is rare for dogs I've placed. My mom has a rough collie from me, and my brother has a smooth collie from me... and I know neither of them were ever individually registered because they didn't care..

I think this is what AKC wants to try to change....

 

[corgipower]

I know some breeders that have always registered their whole litter to themselves.... then signed over to the owners as they have placed them.

Honestly I think AKC is just trying to make sure EVERY puppy in each litter is individually registered. I had a litter of 4 back in March and while the litter has been registered, none of the puppies have been individually registered..... yet... and I got an e-mail from AKC a couple weeks ago reminding me to register them LOL

In the past when I have sold pet puppies to some people... and they are given the filled out AKC registration application for that puppy, but some just never send in the papers, because they are pets and they don't care if they are registered. Though this is rare for dogs I've placed. My mom has a rough collie from me, and my brother has a smooth collie from me... and I know neither of them were ever individually registered because they didn't care..

I think this is what AKC wants to try to change....

I'm sure it is what AKC wants to change. More dogs registered is more money for them, plus those registered dog owners might then spend money on other AKC services.

I know there are breeders already who individually register their entire litter. I just wonder if this program will make that more common.

I tend to take a year or so to get mine registered, not because I don't want to or forget, but because it takes me that long to decide on a name I like.

 

[Spiritwind]

I tend to take a year or so to get mine registered, not because I don't want to or forget, but because it takes me that long to decide on a name I like.

I am the same way!! I am horrible at coming up with names, and it takes me a while to finally come up with a name I like....