AKC vs UKC vs CKC vs IABCA What's the difference?

What's with this weird alphabet soup of dog registries? Let's dive in.

Each of these organizations are registries for purebred dogs here in the United States. Each of these organizations has benefits, and each has drawbacks. It is possible to be registered with multiple registries and earn titles from all of them. But which ones are right for you?

AKC

The American Kennel Club

The AKC was started in 1884 when 13 breed clubs decided to join together to form a new organization for maintaining breed registries. The American Kennel Club is the largest breed registry for purebred dogs in the United States. In order to be registered with AKC your dog's parents need to have a registration with the AKC, or have specialized DNA testing completed that shows that the dog is eligible to be registered with the AKC.

AKC is a regulatory body that sanctions events hosted by breed clubs around the country. These events range from conformation to agility to obedience trials to performance sports. Dogs can earn points toward titles at these events and once the number of points needed for the title are reached, owners can apply to AKC for the award to be given to the dog.

UKC

The United Kennel Club

The United Kennel Club was founded in 1898 in contrast to the AKC's philosophy that focused mainly on conformation, UKC philosophy is geared more toward sports and performance titles, although they do offer conformation titles as well.

UKC programs are open to more dog breeds, and they recognize 300 more breeds than the AKC at this point in time.

CKC

The Continental Kennel Club

The Continental Kennel Club, not to be confused with the Canadian Kennel Club, was founded in 1991. This club does not concern itself with pedigrees, instead relying on the owner's word and that of two witnesses stating that this is a purebred dog. If this can be obtained the dog can be registered with CKC.

IABCA

The International All Breed Canine Association

This is a registry that you do not have to be a part of and you can still participate in their events. IABCA shows are a fun experience, and after you show your dog, the judge will sit down with you and explain their written critique of your dog.

So what's the big deal?

The important thing to remember when looking at these organizations is that your decision about which organization you choose to participate with is not going to ever be incorrect. You can join one, or all of these organizations. It is just important that you know what your goals are for your best friend.