All of my dogs and their progeny are registered with AKC & you should only look to breeders who follow this same very simple rule of thumb that AKC registration is a matter of course.
Why? Because AKC registration provides some confidence for you that the breeder at least aware of AKC rules and regulations when it comes to matters of registration. Why does that matter? The rules and regulations that apply to registrations have built in assurances for the buyer:
All breeders who register their litters with AKC are subject to AKC inspections. This includes but is not limited to the breeders record keeping:
All dogs that hold an AKC registration and are bred with their litters being registered with AKC are entered into the AKC Stud Book, (a data base that keeps track of all dogs regardless of gender that are AKC registered). This and this alone can verify the linage of the dog if ever necessary - if there is ever a question regarding linage the AKC can and will demand the breeder allow the sire and dam to be DNA tested. Why should that matter to you - because you are purchasing in good faith what has been represented to you as a purebred Golden Retriever from a particular pedigree. AKC also demands that all male dogs who sire 3 litters in 12 months or 6 litters in a lifetime be DNA profiled. No other registry requires this...
AKC demands that all litters be identified as to which the parents are, and in the case of a breeder having multiple litters of the same breed this could be important to you.
In addition the AKC is the largest supporter of a variety of dog-related funds that benefit all dogs! The AKC donates millions of dollars annually to its affiliated organizations, the AKC Canine Health Foundation, the AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog, the dogs do benefit as well as people. AKC registration dollars go toward inspection of breeders, promoting responsible dog ownership through public education, and advocating for the rights of responsible dog owners and breeders.
AKC affiliation does not guarantee that a breeder is ethical or responsible so please look to affiliation with GRCA (Golden Retriever Club of America) & a local Golden Retriever Club.
And in closing here is another good site to read up on what is a registry: http://www.wonderpuppy.net/kc.htm
