SPORTING DOG REGISTRIES

Canine Registries “register” purebred dogs.  That is, based on the “registration” of the sire and dam, a pup can be registered in the United States (certain countries, such as Germany, have more stringent requirements).  Furthermore, because these registries maintain archives of registrations, the registries can produce multi-generational pedigrees.  For each breed, the registries also maintain a synopsis of the breed standard and sanction competitive events of various sorts.  Within the United States, the American Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club, and the Field Dog Stud Book are the major registries for sporting dogs.  Note that these registries often permit “dual registration.”

            The American Kennel Club was established in 1884 and currently recognizes some one-hundred and fifty breeds.  It is the largest registry of purebred dogs in the United States.  The first registration of Labradors by the American Kennel Club was in 1917.  The German Shorthaired Pointer was first admitted to the American Kennel Club Stud Book in 1930.  The American Kennel Club publishes the Gazette, AKC Events Calendar, Family Dog, and Awards.  Those most interested in competing may wish to subscribe to the Gazette, Events Calendar, and Awards.  Family Dog is a fine publication, focusing on numerous aspects of training and caring for dogs.  Note that the American Kennel Club sanctions competitive events (e.g., Hunt Tests, Field Trials, Shows) and publishes a “breed standard” for each breed.

The United Kennel Club currently recognizes more than three hundred breeds, including the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Labrador Retriever.  The United Kennel Club was established in 1898 and is the second-largest registry of purebred dogs in the United States.  The Labrador Retriever was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1947 and the German Shorthaired Pointer was recognized in 1948.  The United Kennel Club publishes Bloodlines and Hunting Retriever Magazine.  The United Kennel Club also sanctions various types of competitive events and publishes a “breed standard” for each breed as well.

The Field Dog Stud Book is the oldest purebred dog registry in the United States.  Its records date back to 1874 and comprise several million dogs of all breeds.  The first German Shorthair registered in the United States (Senta v. Hohenbruck) was registered with the Field Dog Stud Book (in 1925).  American Field is the premiere publication of the Field Dog Stud Book.  It is published each week, and contains numerous photographs and articles.  Field Trials are an important component of the Field Dog Stud Book’s activities.

The Canadian Kennel Club is the premier authority on purebred dogs in Canada.  The Canadian Kennel Club registers and maintains archives and databases of purebred dogs in Canada.  Breed standards are also maintained and published.  Competitive events (field and show) are sanctioned and publicized.  The major publications of the Canadian Kennel Club are Dogs in Canada Magazine and the much touted Dogs Annual. 

For fanciers of the German Shorthaired Pointer, Germany’s Deutsch Kurzhaar Verband will be of interest.  For the registries of various additional countries, see the segment of this website referred to as “Weltverband.”  Note that the North American Deutsch-Kurzhaar Club retains a formal affiliation with Germany’s Deutsch Kurzhaar Verband.

The Kennel Club is the major dog registry of the United Kingdom, with some 200 breeds now recognized.  The Kennel Club’s first organized dog show occurred in 1859.  The first separate classification of the Labrador (as a sub-variety of Retriever) was in 1905.  Currently, the Kennel Club sponsors various sorts of events, including dog shows (e.g., the famed Crufts) and field trials.

            The Westminster Kennel Club is a “Dog Show,” not a registry (i.e., it does not “register” dogs).  It is, however, the oldest dog show in the United States and arguably the most prestigious.  The first Westminster Dog Show occurred in 1877 at Gilmore’s Garden (the forerunner of Madison Square Garden) in New York City.  It is an annual event, drawing thousands of registered dogs of most recognized breeds.  A “Best of Breed” is selected for each breed.  In addition, since 1907 a single dog is chosen as “Best of Show” as well.  Two German Shorthaired Pointers have won “Best of Breed” at Westminster: Champion Gretchenhof Columbia River (1974) and Champion Kan-Point VJK Autumn Roses, “Carlee” (2005).