Does Continental Kennel Club register mixed breed dogs, and if so, why? Yes, Continental Kennel Club does register mixed breed canines. Owning a mixed breed dog is very common, and CKC offers services for these dog owners. Many mixed breed canines are rescued from shelters by responsible owners looking to provide a good loving home for these dogs, and Continental Kennel Club encourages registration of these dogs for a number of reasons. CKC registration services provide proof of ownership, allows the dog to participate in our performance events, allows CKC to record the accomplishments of the owner and these canines, as well as the many other benefits of CKC membership. Continental Kennel Club has designed its applications to ensure the public understands the different registration categories by stamping, ‘PUREBRED’ or ‘NONPUREBRED’ on puppy applications and registrations. Also, the abbreviation, ‘MISC’ appears in front of any mixed breed description. In addition, the numbering system for miscellaneous breeds is different. Computer programs prevent the recording of a mixed breed registered dog as a purebred. Why does Continental Kennel Club allow registering dogs that have limited breeding rights with other registries? There is no field on CKC registration forms that requires information regarding membership with another organization. And, as with other registry organizations, individual and canine membership status is solely determined by activity within the CKC registry. CKC does have a preferred breeders program for breeders who wish to restrict the breeding rights of dogs they sell. And, in an effort to educate the CKC membership and the general public, CKC also publishes information via the CKC website, quarterly magazines, monthly newsletters, and seminars about puppy buying, breeding dogs, and dog training. If a CKC breeder wants to limit the breeding rights for a dog, what should they do? If a breeder does not want a dog to be bred, they should create a written agreement, stating that the person buying the dog from them does not have the right to breed the dog. This contract will be between the breeder and his client, and it is the breeder’s responsibility to enforce the contract if it is broken. Of course, the most permanent option for breeders that do not want certain offspring to be used for breeding is to spay or neuter those dogs. Continental Kennel Club offers Limited Registrations for breeders in the Preferred Breeders Program. CKC Preferred Breeders are able to assign a puppy that they produce a Limited Registration which means that the puppy will not be able to produce offspring registerable through CKC and will not be able to compete in any conformation events. Does Continental Kennel Club condone puppy mills? Continental Kennel Club does not condone puppy mills, or any form of animal abuse in any way. The majority of CKC’s business comes from individuals, not large commercial breeding operations. As stated in the CKC rules and regulations, “CKC reserves the right to refuse registration to any person or to revoke or suspend the club member privileges of any member who is convicted of a crime of cruelty to animals in any state, province, or country.” And, also stated in the CKC rules and regulations, “CKC reserves the right to refuse registration to any person or to revoke or suspend the club member privileges of any member who acts in a manner that CKC deems unethical, fraudulent, or dishonest.” Continental Kennel Club works hard to inform dog owners and prospective puppy buyers about responsible dog ownership and what to look for when buying a puppy through our website, magazine, and direct mail. CKC also supports other organizations which have similar goals of educating the public about proper dog ownership for all dogs, not just purebred dogs What does Continental Kennel Club do about unethical breeders? As stated in the CKC rules and regulations, “CKC reserves the right to refuse registration to any person or to revoke or suspend the club member privileges of any member who acts in a manner that CKC deems unethical, fraudulent, or dishonest.” CKC takes all complaints received about a CKC member seriously and will begin an investigation immediately. If necessary, CKC will make on-site inspections, collect sample DNA swabs, and collect documentation from professionals such as veterinarians, groomers, or breeders. Education is crucial in raising the standards set for breeders, and CKC provides information through many avenues about buying puppies and quality breeding practices. CKC also has great programs such as the Preferred Breeders Program that promote high breeding standards and education to the public about where to go for quality dogs. Does CKC inspect breeders and their facilities? CKC inspects breeder facilities within the Preferred Breeders Program. The breeders in this program are held to the highest standards, and by maintaining this elite list of Preferred Breeders CKC is able to point prospective puppy buyers to good, quality breeders and dogs. CKC also has a strict set of Registration Rules that must be adhered to and are enforced among the CKC membership. CKC takes all complaints received about a CKC member seriously and begins investigating these complaints immediately. As stated in the CKC rules and regulations, “CKC reserves the right to investigate any club member to ensure compliance with CKC registration rules, guidelines, policies, and procedures.” If necessary, CKC will make on-site inspections, collect sample DNA swabs, and collect documentation form professionals such as veterinarians, groomers, or breeders.