What is AKC?
The AKC registers and recognises nearly 193 different dog breeds, however only national breeds based on paternity are registered. The AKC is regarded as one of the most prominent kennel organizations in the world, despite or perhaps because of its severe requirements.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) organises a variety of events, including the National Championship, conformation shows, performance competitions, and companion activities. However, the organization does not register anyone for these events, instead allowing only kennel club members and only with certain breeds to compete.
While the AKC claims to present only the “best,” it does little to verify that pedigreed puppies are reared by skilled breeders or in proper breeding facilities.
Indeed, they have actively opposed legislation in the United States that would prohibit puppy mills from operating. At least two of the AKC’s accredited “Breeders of Merit” were discovered to be keeping dogs in unclean and cruel conditions during an examination by the American Humane Society.
People only get a piece of paper recognising their dog‘s purebred status and the opportunity to show their dog at AKC shows if they register their dog with the AKC. It permits breeders to hike the cost of the puppies they sell.
What is UKC?
Another organization in the United States that deals with dog pedigrees is the United Kennel Club. The UKC has over 300 dog breeds registered and recognized, which is much more than the AKC. This club also registers specific individuals and clubs, giving pedigreed dog owners more alternatives. Rather of registering solely national breeds, the UKC is a global organization that serves over 25 countries.
Each year, a variety of activities for all breeds are provided, including field competitions, hunting programmes, and the UKC’s own championship programme.
The UKC primarily sponsors field trials, which include thousands of coonhound hunts, reflects a high percentage of UKC-registered canines that are used in the field or for hunting.
Pet retailers have a lot of UKC-registered specimens. UKC-registered dogs are not eligible to be bred to AKC-registered dogs or to compete in AKC-regulated shows. Because the UKC is a less renowned registry than the AKC, registration will raise the sale price of registered puppies, though not as much as registration with the AKC will.
People Having their puppy registered with the UKC, on the other hand, will allow them to compete in any of the UKC’s contests.
Difference Between AKC and UKC
- Only national dog breeds are registered with the AKC. The UKC, on the other hand, accepts international pedigrees.
- The UKC accepts all breeds and has fewer registration requirements, whereas the AKC registration process is heavily reliant on a dog’s parentage.
- The UKC recognises more dog breeds than the AKC, which is more stringent.
- The UKC is a for-profit organization, while the AKC is a non-profit.
- Individual member registration is permitted by the UKC, but not by the AKC.
- By comparison, the AKC is more influential and appears to be more popular than UKC.
Comparison Between AKC and UKC
| Parameters of Comparison | AKC | UKC |
| Full Forms | AKC stands for American Kennel Club. | UKC stands for United Kennel Club. |
| History | J. M. Taylor and Elliot Smith formed the company in 1884. Its headquarters are located in New York City. | Chauncey Z. Bennett started it in the year 1898. Its headquarters are located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. |
| Geographic Segmentation | Only national dog breeds are recognized by the American Kennel Club. | The United Kennel Club is a kennel club that registers international dog breeds. |
| Organization | It is a charitable organization (NPO). | It is not a non-profit organization. In actuality, it is a profit-making corporation. |
| Breeds | It recognizes and registers a smaller number of dog breeds than the UKC. | It recognizes and registers a greater number of canine breeds than the AKC. |
| Members | Individual members are not permitted to register; only club members are permitted. | It accepts registrations from both clubs and individuals. |