Common Multi-breed Kennel Clubs:
(All comments are the personal opinions of this author)
AKC - American Kennel Club - the granddaddy of them all in the U.S. Offers the most breeder/owner information of any kennel club, and has the furthest reach with the general public. Lots of good information on this site, though I wish they could come down harder on irresponsible breeders. Their recent DNA requirements are a big step in the right direction.
UKC - United Kennel Club - pioneer in DNA testing to verify pedigrees. Has a club wide code of ethics, printed on every registration form, that helps discourage retail sale of pups, as well as other pro-dog rules and guidelines. In my opinion, this is the #1 kennel club/registry for operating in the best interest of dogs (but I might be biased, they are also the first registry I had a dog registered with).
UKC - Universal Kennel Club - emphasis on classifieds and rat terriers, lots of self advertising. Promotes a regular vet exam as if this were the same as genetic health screens (it's NOT). Because of lawsuits with the other UKC, they are now trying to use the initials UKI for Universal Kennel Club International. Gotta wonder about a registery that has a "Doggie Love Connection" section for shopping for stud services.
CKC - Canadian Kennel Club - Canadian AKC equivalent.
CKC - Continental Kennel Club - an "open" registry. Will register mixed breeds for the purpose of breeding them. Will recognize more than one standard per breed. Lots of self advertising and breeder advertising.
WKC - World Kennel Club - Classifieds message board here is 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 - not a dog registry, but an organization that keeps breed standards and related records for national kennel clubs in other countries.
FIC - Federation of International Canines - Most ads have no health screens mentioned. Half the pages are selling something, no real useful info for breeders and owners.
ARBA - American Rare Breeds Association - recognizes rare breeds (usually foreign breeds) that are recognized by FCI, but not usually recognized by AKC. Also rare American breeds that have standards and parent clubs as approved by their board of directors. They are the main source of competitions for these dogs.
