Registries
Many people are confused about all the canine registries around now. I have listed a few here that might help you understand. This list is in no way a complete list of all the registries out there.
First, dog registries keep records about dogs. A registry will record information such as the dog's name, breed, color, who owns it. Information about each dog is tracked with a unique registration number. These records often include such things as a pedigree, any titles earned, sometimes DNA profiles - and are collectively known as a dog's 'papers'.
AKC - American Kennel Club This is the primary, most recognized registry in the United States, offering the most breeder / owner information of any kennel club. Each breed recognized by the AKC has a 'parent club' that focuses on that one breed and represents the interests of that breed with the AKC. The American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club is the AKC parent club for Cavaliers.
UKC - United Kennel Club This is the 2nd oldest registry in the United States, a pioneer in DNA testing to verify pedigrees. The UKC has a club-wide code of ethics which is printed on all registration forms and helps discourage retail sales of puppies as well as promoting other responsible guidelines.
I personally feel the AKC and the UKC are the most reputable registries in the USA at this time. Most of my dogs are registered with both of these organizations.
UKC - Universal Kennel Club This organization has a strong emphasis on classifieds and Rat Terriers. This is not a registry I recommend.
CKC - Canadian Kennel Club The Canadian equivalent to our AKC - and an excellent registry.
CKC - Continental Kennel Club This is an 'Open Registry' - will register mixed breeds for the purpose of breeding them. Will recognize more than one standard per breed. This is not a registry I recommend.
WKC - World Kennel Club Classifieds message board - infamous in some Internet dog circles - run by a single person, no listing of recognized breeds.
FCI - Federation Cynologique Internationale The Kennel Club for the rest of the world - an organization that keeps breed standards and related records for national kennel clubs in other countries.
FIC - Federation of International Canines a 'bogus' registry. mostly advertising with no mention of health screenings or other responsible breeder information.
ACA - American Canine Association This appears to be another 'Open Registry' where anyone can register any dog - regardless of the registry of the parents. I only learned of this registry in Jan 2010.
ARBA - American Rare Breeds Association Recognizes rare breeds not recognized by AKC. Usually foreign breeds, recognized by FCI, but not by AKC. Main source of competitions for the rare breeds.
There are also breed specific registries which handle information about a single breed, usually for breeds not recognized by / registered with the AKC and/or the UKC yet.
CKCSC, USA - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, USA This is the 'Old Club' - this is the organization that was formed when Cavaliers were first being imported into the USA. They kept the registry of all Cavaliers here, puppies born, and other information, originally with the intent of becoming recognized by the AKC at some point. Before being recognized by AKC, the organization changed its ideas and voted to not affiliate with the AKC. A group of 12 people who knew quite a lot about the Cavalier came together, formed the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club, affiliated with AKC. This club is now the AKC Parent Club for all Cavaliers registered with the AKC. The CKCSC, USA has continued to operate as a separate, if parallel, registry / organization. I personally feel this organization does much to divide and maintain conflict within the breed - instead of putting the welfare of the breed as their primary focus. I do not register my dogs with the CKCSC, USA.
