What difference does it make if the dog is registered or not registered?
I REALLY DON’T CARE!
Well…you should. This is why. To be considered pure bred, both parents of the puppy must be registered with the Canadian or American Kennel Club.
CANADIAN KENNEL CLUB registration papers are your certification that your new puppy is a recognized Purebred Dog. If someone offers to sell you a pure bred puppy with no CKC registration papers for a cheaper price THIS IS NO BARGAIN and you should understand why.
In accordance with the CKC By-laws, Dogs must never be sold on a “with or without papers” basis. The breeder is responsible for the submission of and payment for all registration applications. Such costs may be included in the price of the dog but under no circumstances shall the buyer be asked to submit or pay for any applications to register or transfer the ownership of a dog.
The CKC charges a very small amount to register a litter then an additional small amount to register the individual puppy. They do not charge hundreds of dollars! It is also not legal to sell an unregistered dog as a pure bred so ask yourself, ‘Why would a seller choose to offer a pure bred puppy without registration papers?’
If you make this purchase you more then likely have bought from a person who does not mind selling you a dog under false pretext. Perhaps they have been disciplined, resulting in their being suspended from the Canadian Kennel Club or have bred from a dog purchased on a CKC Non-Breeding Agreement. This is a legal document, which formalizes an arrangement between the breeder and the purchaser, denying the right to breed the dog without the breeder’s consent. Thus, they can’t register.
These types of sellers are concerned with making money, not improving or keeping the ‘standards’ of the breed. Rarely do such persons do genetic health checks on the parents so they have no idea what genetic time bomb may be waiting to pop up with no consideration for all the associated vet bills and emotional pain you might later encounter.
The costs breeders incur are genetic health certification on the parents for hips, elbows, eyes and heart clearances as well as training and competition in shows for Obedience and Confirmation. These competitions prove that the dogs being bred are excellent representatives of the breed. Excellent dogs are bred to other excellent dogs. These things can be costly.
When deciding to purchase a pure bred dog it is generally because you have done some research and found that you like the look, size, coat type, energy level, temperament and purpose of the breed. It is well worth the price of a registered pure bred from a reputable breeder to ensure you get what you want. After all, you will not only be responsible for this animal for next 10 to 15 years, but it will live in your home and play with your children.
$3000 + does sound like a lot of money for a family companion, but really does it? You pay for quality, customer satisfaction and integrity for things much less important.
If the price difference between the registered dog and the unregistered dog is really that great of a factor please consider waiting awhile until you have saved up a little more.