FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT PUREBRED DOGS
You may either click on
a question to reveal the answer or scroll down the
page.
Fluffy is pedigreed and AKC registered.
Why shouldn't we breed her? Shouldn't she have at least one litter?
What's the difference between pet and show
quality? Shouldn't I buy the best?
What does "breed standard" mean?
An expert evaluated Fluffy and said she didn't meet the standard.
What are all those letters before and after
the name of Fluffy's father?
Fluffy's breeder said that both her parents
were OFA'D and CERF'd? HUH??
Q: Fluffy is pedigreed and AKC registered.
Why shouldn't we breed her? Shouldn't she have at least one litter?
A: The idea that a dog who has a pedigree and
is AKC registered must be a good specimen is bunk! A pedigree
is just a listing of ancestors. A pedigree maybe a four generation
statement of everything wrong with the dog. The AKC is a recording
facility, not an agency that certifies good and poor specimens.
The idea that a female should be bred at least once is an old
wives' tail. A spayed female will be at much less risk of developing
mammary cancer and other reproductive disorders.
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Q: What's the difference between pet and show
quality? Shouldn't I buy the best?
A: Generally in every litter, some pups are considered
"show quality" and some "pet quality" and
pet quality puppies sell for a lesser price and limited registration.
However, the difference between the two is usually a minor conformation
flaw that is undetectable to anyone but the expert. Examples would
be: too much or too little white, a bite that's slightly off,
a dog 1/2" too tall or short, etc. You'll waste your money
and deceive the breeder if you buy a show quality dog with no
intention of showing him.
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Q: What does "breed standard" mean?
An expert evaluated Fluffy and said she didn't meet the standard.
A: Every breed has a published standard, written
and approved by the national parent breed club which describes
the ideal specimen of the breed, physically and temperamentally.
Before you buy a dog, read the breed standard. You might be very
surprised! Breed standards are available from the AKC, the parent
breed club, or HKC Breeder Referral.
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Q: What are all those letters before and after
the name of Fluffy's father?
A: The letters in front of a dog's registered
name indicate Championships- conformation or performance. The
letters after a dog's name are performance titles earned by the
dog.
For example the dog: CH Wynsalot
Sky's the Limit, CD, SH, CGC
would be a conformation champion (CH), have
an obedience title (CD-Companion dog), a hunting title (SH-Senior
Hunter) and a Canine Good Citizen (CGC). Contact the AKC for further
information about the many titles your AKC registered dog may
be eligible for.
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Q: Fluffy's breeder said that both her parents
were OFA'D and CERF'd? HUH??
A: OFA stands for Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
and this organization evaluates x-rays of hips and elbows for
dysplasia, which is a structural bone abnormality. CERF stands
for Canine Eye Registration Foundation which evaluates eye problems
in dogs. Thus, a dog who is said to be OFA'd and CERF'd would
be independently evaluated to be free of dysplasia and inherited
eye problems--a real plus for the puppy's new owner.
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Don't forget our Breeder Referral Service (256)
532-0515. This service is provided free of charge!
Huntsville Kennel Club
Breeder Referral Number:
256-532-0515
or email:
Breeders@HuntsvilleKC.org
Contact
us at:
Info@HuntsvilleKC.org
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