M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T

The American Kennel Club® is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its Registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for

type and function. Founded in 1884, the AKC® and its affiliated organizations

advocate for the purebred dog as a family companion, advance canine

health and well-being, work to protect the rights of all dog owners and

promote responsible dog ownership.

F O U N D E D 1 8 8 4

8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100 • Raleigh, NC 27617-3390 Customer Service: (919) 233-9767

e-mail: info@akc.org

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If you have questions on where to find a local dog club or need information on

obtaining a purebred dog, please contact:

www.akc.org

The Right DogFor You FIND THE RIGHT BREED

Diverse, distinctive and devoted, AKC®-registrable purebred dogs offer a lifetime ofcompanionship and fun. With an AKC-registrable purebred, you can predict a puppy’sfull-grown appearance, whether it will needspecial grooming, its energy level and exerciseneeds. Because characteristics vary greatlyfrom breed to breed, it’s important to choosea breed suited to your own personality,lifestyle and environment.

Choosing the right dog requires research. Agood place to start is the American KennelClub® website, www.akc.org. Also considervisiting an all-breed dog show and viewfirsthand virtually every breed recognized bythe AKC (access a show schedule first so asnot to miss the breeds that interest you). Inaddition to seeing a variety of dogs, you willhave a chance to talk with responsible breeders,people concerned with the welfare andadvancement of their chosen breed. To findout where a dog show will be held in yourarea, contact a local AKC-affiliated dog club.To find the club nearest you, visit the“Clubs” section of the AKC website. TheAKC website also includes a list of AKCevents held around the country, such asConformation Shows, Obedience Trials, andAgility Trials. Please visit the “Events” sec-tion of the website to locate these and otherevents in your state. You can also e-mail theAKC at info@akc.org.

Local veterinarians and groomers can also begood resources. They may be familiar with many

The Right Dog For You • The Right Dog For You

different breeds and may answer questionsyou have regarding the suitability of aparticular breed to your lifestyle andenvironment. Veterinarians should also be ableto answer questions relating to health concernsof a particular breed you are considering.

Whenever a new pet comes into the home, itshould be the center of attention. Make sureyou and your family have the time and energyto help your new pet adapt to the changes inhis life before buying. When you bring yournew pet home, you will soon see how yourhard work and research will reward you withcompanionship, love, and devotion… withthe right dog for you.

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F O U N D E D 1 8 8 4

8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100 • Raleigh, NC 27617 Customer Service: (919) 233-9767

e-mail: info@akc.org

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If you have questions on where to find a local dog club or need information on

obtaining a purebred dog, please contact:

@akcdoglovers@akcdoglovers

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The Right Dog For You • The Right Dog For You • The Right Dog For You • The Right Dog For You

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

It’s important to ask questions before youchoose a dog. What kind of temperament isthe dog likely to have? Temperament is aprimary concern. Most breeds were developedwith specific functions in mind, such as huntingat the side of their master or guarding sheep.The job your prospective pet was bred toperform may provide insight into how well itwill accept visitors into your home or how itwill behave around children. So be sure to findout all you can about your breed’s origin.

What size will your dog be when it is fullgrown? Size is especially a concern if you livein an apartment or a planned community.How much exercise will your dog require?

Some dogs are very athletic by nature andrequire a good deal of exercise and plenty ofroom to run; some breeds are content withfrequent walks.

How much coat care will your dog need?While all dogs need care, some breedsrequire frequent grooming to continue to looktheir best. Long-coated dogs are beautiful, butkeeping their coats in good condition requiresmore attention or regular visits to a groomer.So make sure you know how much coat careyour dog will need before you buy.

Will you have time for training your dog?Basic obedience training is essential for alldogs. While some breeds are better suitedfor more specific types of training, a well-mannered dog makes the best companion.

What health issues exist in the breed? Whattype of health screens have been developedto test for these problems? Like people, allanimals need occasional healthcare. These areimportant considerations that must beresolved before choosing a breed.

Once you have identified the breed that bestsuits you and your lifestyle, review your choice.Make sure you have a clear sense of theresponsibilities involved in owning a dog.Becoming a pet owner is a long-term commitment.Be certain your chosen breed will suit yourenvironment and way of life for manyyears to come.

FIND THE RIGHT BREEDER

Start your search for a responsible breeder atwww.akc.org, and use the AKC BreederReferral Search. Breeder referral contactsdesignated by National Breed Parent Clubswill help you find responsible breeders of thebreed of your choice located as near to you aspossible.

While at the AKC website, also use the AKCOnline Breeder Classifieds service. Search bybreed and state or by breed and zip code tofind and contact breeders in your area.Breeder profiles alongside each listing offerdetails about information such as AKC clubaffiliations, health screenings performed andhealth guarantees.

Before you buy a puppy, be sure you willreceive one of the three following items:

A properly completed AKC registrationapplication.

orThe pup’s AKC registration certificate, properlycompleted, transferring ownership to you.

orIf the AKC registration application is notavailable, but the seller states AKC paperswill be available at a later date, be sure toget a bill of sale listing the sire and dam ofyour puppy and their AKC registrationnumbers, the date the puppy was born, thepuppy’s sex and color, the name and addressof the breeder, and the name and address ofthe buyer.

If the seller cannot furnish the properly completedAKC forms or a bill of sale, don’t buy the dog.

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Be sure your dogis registered with the

AKC. Your dog’s registration supports invaluable canine health researchthat helps dogs live longer, healthier lives. It promotes responsible dog ownership and

programs that make communities better places for dogs, their owners and neighbors. When youregister your purebred dog with the not-for-profitAKC, you permanently record your dog in pure-bred dog history. And you give your dog – andyourself – the chance to participate in exciting

events such as agility, obedience, retrievingtrials, dogs shows and more. Contact

AKC to find out more about howto register your dog.