Why Register your Purebred Dog with the AKC?

…because you love your dog. The AKC – We’re more than champion dogs. We’re the dog’s champion.
Register your purebred dog with the AKC®.
It’s fast and easy.

Permanently record your name and your dog’s place in breed history. Become part of the nationwide AKC voice championing canine health research, search-and-rescue teams, acceptable care and conditions for dog kennels, and responsible dog ownership.

When you register your purebred dog with the AKC, you receive:

• A frameable AKC Registration Certificate and your dog’s name recorded in the AKC Registry.
• Optional registration packages that include an   AKC collar tag with 24/7 lifetime recovery services, a three-generation AKC pedigree, a one-year subscription to AKC Family Dog magazine, and a dog care and training video.
• 30 days of pet insurance coverage with AKC Pet Insurance*, for newly registered puppies. Details about this special benefit will be sent to you shortly after registration.
• A certificate for a complimentary first veterinary office visit. Submit your e-mail address when registering your new puppy and the AKC will e-mail you a certificate for a complimentary first veterinary office visit along with a list of participating veterinarians.
• Eligibility to participate in diverse and exciting AKC events, including agility, obedience, tracking, field  trials, dog shows, junior showmanship, and many others!

 

What is limited registration? 

Limited Registration means that the dog is registered but litters produced by that dog are ineligible for registration.  In addition, a limited dog cannot compete in conformation shows. It is eligible, however, to be entered in any other licensed or member event, including Obedience, Tracking, Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Herding, Lure Coursing, Agility, Rally, and Earthdog.

The breeder assigns limited registration to a dog by marking (blackening) out the limited registration box on the application. The limited box should not be marked if the dog is being fully registered. When registering a dog on-line, you will be prompted to enter the three numbers in the limited box to receive full registration. Failure to do so will result in a limited registration.

Limited Registration certificates are white with an orange border; the Full Registration certificate is white with a purple border.

 

How do I register my dog with the AKC?
The sire and dam of your dog must be AKC registered and the litter, of which your dog is a member, must also have been registered to obtain an individual registration application for your dog.

The registration process is described here:

http://www.akc.org/reg/registeradog.cfm

For more AKC FAQ's please visit the link below:

https://www.apps.akc.org/apps/contact/answer_center/faq_dogreg.cfm

 

How long is the life span of a Golden Retriever?
The typical life span of a Golden in the 1990's and early 2000's was 15 years. Today, that average life span has been cut to 10 to 12 years of age. Cancer is the leading cause of death and Goldens certain types of cancer are more prevalent in Goldens than any other breed.

 

What is the difference between males and females?
Other than the obvious, the difference between the male and female Golden Retriever is predominately size. Females are normally between 50-60 lbs and males are 65-80 lbs. Of course this can vary because of genetics.

 

Is it true that females are calmer and more affectionate?
Absolutely not! Males in most cases are much more affectionate than females. Males are big loving teddy bears. Female Goldens are generally more independent than males.

 

Do all males mark territory and lift their legs?
No, if they are neutered early enough, 6 months to 1 1/2 years, they do not become territorial markers or leg lifters. They will squat like a female.

 

Why should I spay my dog?
There are many reasons you should spay your dog.
If you have your female spayed before her first heat cycle you are protecting her against mammary tumors, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer. Spayed pets will not have heat cycles that soil your rugs. Sterilized pets behave better.

 

Why should I neuter my dog?
The biggest reason for spaying or neutering your pet is pet responsibility. Males who escape their yards can sire litters without their owner’s knowledge. Millions of unwanted pets are euthanized everyday. The primary cause of this is people who fail to spay or neuter their pets, and who abandon or give up pets because of lack of commitment to training a pet.

 

Do Golden Retrievers shed?
Yes they do! Goldens shed most all year round and there are least two times a year that it is a lot. You can expect dog hair everywhere if you own a Golden Retriever. They need to be brushed daily and regular use of an undercoat rake will significantly improve the shedding. Daily brushing also keeps them from matting. If you do not like dog hair in your house a Golden is probably not the dog for you.

 

I can't handle all the hair!  What is your opinion on shaving a Golden?
Do not shave your Golden.  An undercoat rake and a steady routine of brushing will solve the problem.  Goldens actually have two coats of hair. Their coat is designed to keep them comfortable and protect them in both winter and summer.  During the winter, the undercoat grows, and in the spring they being to blow that coat.  The undercoat rake is designed to remove all of the dead undercoat.  When first using one, it will take a few sessions of raking and brushing to remove all of the dead coat, but once you have done that, a weekly routine of brushing and using the undercoat rake will keep shedding to a minimum.  The first time you use it, you will be shocked at the amount of hair you remove.

Combine the undercoat rake with the Porcupine Bristle Brush and you have the tools to keep your Golden's coat looking beautiful and you can control indoor shedding.

 

Do Goldens need exercise?
Yes, letting your dog out for potty breaks only is not considered enough exercise. They are a sporting breed and as such need plenty of exercise. Throwing tennis balls, swimming and romping with other dogs is great exercise. You do need to be careful exercising your Golden under the age of 18 months old. They need exercise but it must not be forced. You should refrain from jogging with them until they are fully grown because you can damage their joints.

 

Are Golden Retrievers good with children?
Most Goldens are wonderful with children; however, when they are young and full of energy they can easily knock small children down from excitement. It is important not to leave small children alone with a dog unattended because of children that might pull on their tail or poke them in the eye.

 

When do Goldens grow up?
Golden Retrievers are usually physically mature by 2 years of age. Mentally, it depends on the dog but usually not before 3 years of age.