AKC, "to better the breed", and financial worth... - Page 1

AKC is like buying Nike over another brand, its all in the perception of bigger, faster, stronger and so on.  Buy a dog that works and works well. 

Well I think pretty much JanisNovak summed it up so in a nuttshell we register with AKC because well we HAVE to in order to compete at events.  We have no choice also when it comes to breeding dogs because well that's all the public understands.  If you told someone not into GSD's or imports that the dog was not AKC registered but had pink papers they would think the dog was not worth a grain of wheat; when in fact it's really the same damn thing only maybe even slightly better in my eyes because it was bred in Europe.  As for why most working dog people have negative things to say about the AKC events is well because they aren't as intense for one and for another thing most people don't buy a GSD to do agility competitions.  The obedience from what I understand is ok but I'm told in schutzhund the obedience must be perfect.  If AKC implemented events that were comparable to SCH- done in 3 parts for working dogs then I think they'd get more support.  I know people personally who've tried SCH but then decided to do AKC instead.  Why?? Some claim that it was easier for them, others stated reasons as having difficulty in their dog performing well in a phases in SCH, and some just weren't into tracking or doing bitework.  And honestly SCH is not for everyone but that shouldn't mean you can't or shouldn't own a working dog if that's what you like.  As long as the dog is working doing something you both enjoy then go for it.  If AKC events are what tickle your fancy then so be it.  One of these days I may even try one just to see what it's all about; who knows I may even like it?? lol

For      many years AKC would not acknowledge the USA Schutzhund ....they could care less that they existed.....but it is the only registrar and all of the dogs for years have gone thru AKC....to have a traceable pedigree after the dog get here from Europe,,,and to also trace any dogs here over the last several decades,,,,you cant just throw akc away.....It helps keep a trace , and now through DNA, to the pedigrees so highly sought after...

Sure there are a lot of inconsistencies and problems , as in any big organization....AKc now has recognized SCHUt .   which I assume the titles can now go on pedigrees....

This was one big complaint.....no schutz titles were ever rrecognized....now I assume they will be.   and can appear on the certificates...more book work which will increase the fees again...

IMO....The AKC is a good method for ensuring dog owners they are buying/selling purebreed dogs. Without some legit method of tracking a pedigree you would never really know what you have.

Yes I know some people have found ways to cheat.

The AKC does not and cannot govern ever breeding that takes place. IMO this is a good thing as each breeder has to make their own decisions on breeding. On the other side it is good to have specific groups that require breeders to meet their standards in order to belong and breed dogs. Even GSD breeders all over the world argue on the proper breeding standards not only between show/working lines breeders but even within each group. And yes you have corrupt breeders/judges etc in everything  but overall most are honest and trying hard to better the breed as they see it.

Again, this is my opinion and realize some of you will not agree which is fine. Just realize you should not just blame the tool (AKC) but the people. Having a pup that is AKC registered does not mean you are getting a good dog, but then getting a pup from Europe with his pinks does not guarantee you the pup is a good one. Even if both parents are Seiger VA and have Schutzhund titles some of the pups can/will be of lower quality. In the end a smart buyer takes their time, researches carefully and fully understands the type GSd they want, gets help from trusworthy GSD people if possible,asks alot of questions, visits the kennel if possible and makes trip to see the pups once they are at least six weeks old, the older the better imo.

YOU have to find a good dog, no way a club like AKC or SV etc can do that entirely for you.

hope this helps.

I have a question along similar lines:

It was my understanding that in order for GSDs to compete in world events, the dog had to be reg with AKC because FCI recognized AKC as the only legitamite registration organization in the USA.   Now, AWDF is an FCI member  & UScA is a member of AWDF.  Does it then follow that  if a dog is registered with UScA and not with AKC,  FCI will consider that dog a registered GSD and therefore eligible for competition in GSD events limited to registered GSDs?  Or is it that FCI still only recognizes AKC as the legitimite registration organization for USA GSDs?

I bet Chris or Molly knows.

That's it, I'm entering an AKC show in November,

All this AKC talk..........................