At this point you've probably decided to adopt a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder rather than go to a pet store.
But does it really matter if it is going to be an AKC Golden Retriever or any other Golden puppy you can find? Are there really so much benefits in owning AKC Golden Retriever? Well, if you have a closer look at it you'll probably find that it is definitely worth going for AKC Golden.
And there are several reasons for it.
As you probably know (or will find out very soon) you dog's health is the major issue that will determine quality of life for you and your dog for the next decade or more.
In Golden Retrievers, like in many other canines, hereditary diseases are fairly common.
So the smartest method of disease prevention is adopting a dog with the quality bloodline.
For this reason it is always good to know that you are adopting a purebred.
While enjoying your time together, you may also want to participate in different events and competitions with your dog.
Finally, you might need support, advice, canine search-and-rescue or may want to contribute to development of Golden Retriever community or participate in responsible dog ownership program.
You can have all these features by adopting an AKC Golden Retriever and applying for AKC membership.
So, why AKC Golden Retrievers are so great? To get an idea about this organization here are several facts.
Fist of all American Kennel Club is the biggest purebred registry in the world.
And it is a non-profit organization, meaning that all the fund it receives are directed for thing like veterinary scholarships, events sponsorship, support of volunteers and teachers who teach responsible dog ownership, support of AKC Canine Healthcare Foundation etc.
What does it have to do with your Golden? Well, let's have a look at how AKC addresses bloodline quality issues.
Although AKC does not have specific health standards for its members, it is the only organization that conducts regular investigation and inspections among the member-breeders to make sure the conditions are appropriate for the dogs as well as in order to examine them.
This can be not only routine inspections but also those based on written complains (such complaint-based inspections ensures customer satisfaction in a way).
Moreover, the inspectors conduct DNA testing to make sure that pedigree is kept accurately and all the breeding documents regarding bloodlines are in order.
Despite the fact, that AKC has no penal or regulatory authority it still has certain means of influence on breeders who won't comply with organization quality standards.
If the differences are minor they will be noted and discussed with a breeder.
The breeder is expected to take care of the issues before the next inspection.
In case a breeder has major kennel differences some AKC privileges (like participation in events and ability or register puppies with AKC) may be lost.
In some case ACK might even have to contact appropriate law enforcement authorities and suspend an AKC registration.
Now, of cause, it doesn't mean that you don't have to check health certificates or spend enough time with a breeding pair and puppies to learn everything you can about them before adopting from an AKC breeder.
But it measures mean that the organization is permanently working toward preserving and improving quality of purebred dogs.
Adopting an AKC Golden Retriever significantly increases your chances for becoming an owner of a happy healthy dog which will bring you many years of joy.
Owning a Golden Retriever is fun, but owning a beautiful purebred AKC Golden Retriever that is up to the highest standards of this amazing canine with all its great characteristics is just incredible.