The Difference Between AKC and ACA
Written by: Muhammad Aziz
NOTE: We dual register most of our dogs with AKC and ACA. Some are strictly ACA. Our dogs, regardless of registry are genetically tested to look for any genetic markers and screened yearly for any disease that would be detrimental to any offspring they produce. We put health first and foremost in our breeding program. Some people think that AKC guarantees quality and this false. It also does not guarantee your puppy did not come from a “puppy mill”. Registry bodies keep family trees. They do not guarantee quality of puppy or breeder.
American dog registries are known around the world for their services. These are the American Canine Association (ACA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC). The American Kennel Club is the oldest dog registry of the United States, having a history of many years. And the American Canine Association founded over thirty years ago. But when we have a look at the quality and number of services, the American Canine Association seems to be far more beneficial than its other competitor. Although in the past, there was a very high competition between the two registries, with the gradual advancement and improvements in the services of dog breeding, ACA has left other registries far behind in popularity among the dog breeders.
AKC and ACA both have competition dog shows, but AKC does have a higher number of the dog show. After deep research of the services provided by both companies, it is observed that the ACA is geared more towards the veterinary health tracking side of the dog. ACA hosts the world’s largest genetic health tracking database on dogs. ACA was founded in 1984 by breeders and veterinarians who desired a much higher and comprehensive level of tracking the genetic health of the puppies the show breeders were breeding. ACA tracks the genetic health through the lifetime of the dogs and reports both positive and negative genetic health-related issues back to the breeder for the dogs.
Prior to the early 1990s, professional breeders were registering their dogs with AKC for the showing their dogs in conformation dog shows and also with ACA for the veterinary health tracking. Then in 1991, professional dog breeders lobbied ACA to begin sanctioning dog shows. ACA then stepped ahead of AKC by recognizing the legitimately earning conformation and working titles of dogs imported into the United States by professional and hobby breeders.
ACA will register an AKC registered dog with ACA with proof of AKC Certificate Registration.
AKC will register an ACA registered dog with AKC with proof of ACA Certificate Registration and pedigree leading back to AKC linage.
The international dog registry Fédération CynologiqueInternationale FCI accepts both ACA and AKC with proof of registration and an officially certified pedigree for ACA or AKC.
American Canine Association was founded in 1984. Since its formation, the ACA has made so much development in the field of dog breeding that it has now become the United States’ most popular dog registry. The level of its quality services can be guessed with the fact that it is the world’s only registry offering health tracking for dogs. AKC was founded by a number of different dog breeding clubs belonging to different nationalities. That was the reason that it could not succeed in providing the Americans with the best level services because of their founders belonging to different nationalities. Although the American Canine Association has crossed the AKC in providing quality services in reasonable fees, the only prominent distinction of the AKC is that it holds many dog competitions and events. But looking at the actual facts, it can be seen that holding more competition and events has nothing to do with providing better and good-level services to the customers and breeders.
ACA acquired MARRS Microchip Corp. and lifetime lostand found service microchip registration is included free of charge with all ACA and ICA registered dogs. The AKC’s microchip division for lost and found protection is known as AKC Reunite. The total charges for the registration of a purebred dog with a lifetime AKC Reunite lost and found coverage is $54.95.
Looking at the above comparison and discussion, it can be stated that ACA, although set up far later than the AKC has more benefits and offer quality services to the customers. Also, the ACA offers services at lesser costs than AKC. Although the AKC was once a top-level dog registry in the USA, it has failed in providing the services according to the modern needs and demands. ACA, on the other hand, is continuously providing customers and breeders with high-quality services that are being improved day by day.
What AKC Registration Doesn't Mean:
- Quality or Health Guarantee: AKC registration does not guarantee the health, quality, or temperament of the dog. It only confirms the dog's lineage and breed.
- Training or Behavior Certification: Registration does not assess or certify a dog's training, behavior, or suitability as a pet or working dog. Dogs may have a wide range of personalities and temperaments, regardless of their registration status.
- Freedom from Genetic Disorders: It does not guarantee that the dog is free from genetic or hereditary health issues commonly found in certain breeds. Responsible breeders should conduct health screenings to reduce the risk of such issues.
- Ethical Breeding Practices: AKC registration alone does not ensure that the dog was bred by a responsible and ethical breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of the dogs. Buyers should do their research when choosing a breeder.
- Exclusivity: While AKC registration is a standard for many purebred dogs, it's not the only breed registry, and not all purebred dogs are AKC-registered. Some breeds may be registered with other reputable organizations.
In summary, AKC registration primarily provides documentation of a dog's pedigree and breed, allowing it to participate in AKC events anyone breeding programs. It does not guarantee the d0g's health, quality, or behavior, nor does it assess the ethical practices of the breeder.
