The American Purebred Registry (APR) has been in existence since 1979. Its stated purpose is to "provide permanent pedigree record keeping services and certificates of registration with our organization." The website acknowledges that the general public considers registered pets more valuable. The APR allows those who make a business selling puppies to charge more money for registered animals.
Function
Unlike the United Kennel Club (UKC), American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), APR does not sponsor any dog shows or working trials for dogs to prove their worthiness against others of the same breed. The organization does not maintain a DNA or health database for breeding or showing stock. APR merely provides a means for puppy sellers to register their dogs and thus charge the public higher prices for registered puppies. Note that in the case of the CKC, there are two registries under those initials. The Canadian Kennel Club is a legitimate registry. The "other" CKC is the Continental Kennel Club.
Significance
There is no significance to an APR-registered puppy. Although the organization states that its registry is for purebred dogs only, it requires no proof that the dog being registered is in fact a purebred. Anyone can register a dog merely by sending in the registration fee and a form on which their signature alone certifies that the dog is in fact a purebred.
Types
There are many types of dog registries. Legitimate purebred registries like the AKC have strict protocols in place ensuring that the registered dog is in fact a pedigreed purebred from AKC-registered parents. The AKC also allows for dogs who are from unknown parentage, like shelter dogs who are probably purebred, to be AKC registered under their Indefinite Listing Privilege. However, they require photographic proof that the dog is a purebred, along with a signed statement from a veterinarian that the dog is neutered. Other registries allow for both purebreds and mixed breeds alike to be registered for different dog sports, like agility, or breed-specific sports like hunting and lure coursing. Registries like APR, which require no proof, and really in existence to give legitimacy to puppy sellers.
Misconceptions
The fact that a dog is registered, whether through APR or the AKC, says nothing about the quality, health, soundness or conformation to breed standard of the dog. Even AKC-registered dogs can (and often do) carry the genes for serious health problems like dysplasia, deafness or genetic heart and eye defects. An AKC-registered purebred may not be a good example of the breed in appearance, structure or temperament. The presence of champions in the lineage, even as parents, does not mean the puppy is worth more, or a better example of the breed. Even with AKC, all the registration means is that both parents were AKC-registered purebreds. With registries like APR, it means even less because there is not even a guarantee that the parents are, in fact, purebreds at all, let alone good examples of the breed.
Warning
APR-registered puppies are often sold in pet stores or by high-volume online puppy sellers. Anyone selling an APR-registered puppy is not a very reputable seller and there is no guarantee that you are, in fact, getting a purebred puppy. Additionally, these sellers often charge significantly more for their animals than reputable breeders. If you have your heart set on a purebred, look for breeders who register litters with a legitimate organization, or contact purebred rescues in your area. Remember that purebred shelter and rescue dogs may also be AKC registered.
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