Why It's A Good Idea To Make Sure Your German Shepherd Is AKC Registered
German shepherd puppies can be a real joy to own. They're fun to watch play, easy to train, and adorable to look at. There are a lot of great breeders of German shepherds from whom you can buy puppies. To a large degree, deciding which puppy is right for you depends on your family's needs and your own preferences. But there is one specific thing you should check for before buying a German shepherd puppy. Make sure it is an AKC-registered pup. Here's why that's so important.
Puppies can only be registered if their parents are registered
If you purchase an AKC registered German shepherd puppy, then you know that they are actually a purebred German shepherd. A puppy can only be registered as German shepherds with the AKC if their parents are registered as German shepherds. While you might think you could tell the difference between a purebred German shepherd pup and one that had another breed mixed in, this is not always that easy. For example, a dog that's 3/4 German shepherd and 1/4 Labrador retriever may look a lot like a purebred German shepherd when it is young. Choosing an AKC-registered pup ensures you get a purebred German shepherd pup.
Your can eventually breed your puppy if you want
Maybe you don't want to breed your German shepherd. But if you think you might want to do so, you should absolutely opt for an AKC-registered puppy. This way, you will know you're passing on good, strong German shepherd bloodlines when you breed. There will also be more demand for the pups you breed since other responsible owners tend to want AKC-registered pups, too. This will allow you to be more selective and only send your pups to good homes.
Your dog can compete in shows and athletic competitions
German shepherds are a really athletic breed. Even if you are not a professional, you may want to compete with your dog in some agility competitions, disc competitions, or other events. When they are AKC-registered, you can enter competitions just for AKC-registered German shepherds. It's often more fair and more fun to compete against other dogs of the same breed, and you need an AKC registered dog to do so.
If you want a German shepherd puppy, make sure you look for one that is AKC registered. This is the best way to get a dog that will fully suit your needs as an owner. Contact a local breeder, such as German Shepherds of the Ozarks, to learn more.