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What You Should Know About The American Kennel Club


While many people have heard of the American Kennel Club, some assume the organization is only helpful for professional dog breeders and others who wish to engage in the activity of entering pets into competitions and dog shows. The club does offer a wealth of information which is helpful to people who make a living with dogs, the everyday pet owner can also benefit from checking out the resources offered through this organization. Here is a little background on the Kennel Club and what it has to offer.

Beginning in the late 19th century, the club began life as a local organization with only the most basic of structures. In fact, for the first few years of its life, the club did not have a permanent office. Meetings were held in various hosting cities. However, as the AKC began to open chapters around the country, a need for a central office became imperative. By the beginning of the 20th century, the club was headquartered in New York City and remains so to this day.

Early on, the club was a means of allowing professional dog handlers and breeders to interact. This remains the core function of the organization. However, the club has broadened its appeal beyond those boundaries. One of the most important functions of the club today is acting as a clearing house for factual information about many different breeds of dogs. This educational process has benefited many persons who simply want to learn more about dogs, whether they own a dog or not. School children or adults who want to get to know about canines can easily begin with the AKC web site and be connected with a wealth of important information.

The American Kennel Club is also important as a control mechanism within the world of dog care and breeding. As an organization that is composed of people who care about animals, the club maintains strict standards when it comes to membership. Thus, a kennel, veterinarian, or obedience school that has the seal of approval from the club is bound to uphold the same ideals. This has been helpful to many consumers who want to do business with people who are ethical and genuinely care about the welfare of dogs.

Getting to know about the AKC is not hard to do. The web site for the organization offers a brief history of the development of programs and services associated with the club, as well as a wealth of links to sponsored organizations that meet the strict criteria set by the club. Why not spend some time checking out the site and the links? You may learn something from the American Kennel Club, about man's best friend, that you never knew.