The adjectives that describe the dogs in our lives frequently also apply to ourselves — whether that’s reserved or energetic, loyal, or stoic. Consciously or not, we are often drawn to breeds that reflect our perception of ourselves and our values, both inside and out. And though those qualities can certainly appear in all dogs, in a purebred dog they are far more consistent and predictable. As we celebrate National Purebred Dog Day on May 1, the American Kennel Club (AKC) takes a closer look at some of the temperaments, history, and aesthetics that draw us to specific breeds.
Purpose-bred and Lovingly Owned
The purebred dogs in our lives are living, breathing, wagging symbols of the people and places that brought them into being. When you brush your hand across the wiry, weather-resistant coat of a Scottish Deerhound, you evoke the blustery moors that those hardy sighthounds traversed with their springy gait, all the better to navigate the endless expanses of heather. And when your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel perches atop your knees, you are channeling the British royalty and landed gentry who developed these excellent lap-warmers for their limpid-eyed beauty and affectionate temperament.
From Breeder to Owner
A breeder’s deep understanding of her chosen breed is what prompts her intense scrutiny of prospective buyers. As the AKC points out, for a responsible breeder, the point of breeding is to carry on the baton that was handed to her by those who came before. And that starts with placing the right puppy in the right home. Because purebred dogs are usually so predictable, a good breeder can gauge whether a would-be buyer will be able to cope with a dog’s full-grown size, temperament, energy level, and grooming demands.
By being savvy matchmakers — which includes turning away those who just aren’t the right fit for their particular breed — breeders dramatically increase the chances of a home being forever. And if a dog does wind up in a shelter, each AKC parent club has a rescue organization whose volunteers get dogs out of harm’s way, foster them while they receive any medical or behavioral help needed, and then place them in loving homes.
Owners, in turn, are ambassadors for a breed, whether they intend to be or not. Every time their dog is in public, they are shaping opinions of the breed. Many may not know the history of their breed, why it is a certain size or color, and how these attributes helped their dogs’ ancestors do their jobs. These owners just know that they have a special connection with the breed that they have chosen. And because the only thing that stands between a breed thriving and possible extinction are loving owners, this strong connection is vitally important.
Registering your Purebred Puppy
The AKC is the only purebred dog registry in the United States that maintains an investigation and inspection effort. The AKC conducts thousands of inspections each year to ensure compliance with standards that support the health, safety, and welfare of dogs and the environments in which they live.
You can register your dog here, and you will receive your official AKC certificate in the mail. There are many other benefits, including a complimentary first vet visit, 30 days of pet insurance, and eligibility to compete in AKC events and sports.
Find the right puppy for you by visiting the AKC PuppyFinder.
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