American Kennel Club Reviews 

We have been buying the 22“ x 22“ dog training pads for a couple of years. They were fine up until a few months ago. They’ve taken some of the layers out and they’ve made it where it’s not very dependable leaks everywhere. they have substituted quality for profit. I’ll be finding new pads.

I had an issue with a breeder where my 7 month dog developed 2 degenerative neurologic and orthopedic issues and another orthopedic issue requiring surgery. I had reached out to the breeder to see if they would take the dog back given significant vet costs and need for frequent vet appointments. Had contacted AKC but did not hear back from them. Breeder eventually did reach out to me and offered to resolve the issue. I appreciate the breeder's attention to this exceptional circumstance. AKC, however, took no action when a concern was raised.

There is no words to describe feelings
Of a place that spouse to be everything you need betrayed you when you need them the most!
They will lure you for so long till you will not care anymore
Let’s say if you need any refunds from them be ready to wait to a point
You forget about that already
To any of you out there wondering
If it’s no insurance or to be with them, you know already the answer

I contacted the AKC to report a backyard breeder who is supposedly "AKC registered," and markets himself as a high-quality GSD breeder.

We lost our family dog at just five years old due to the unethical practices of one of the AKC's registered breeders. Our dog, and his entire litter, have severe orthopedic defects like hip dysplasia and weak bones. By the time our dog had turned five, his bone had no cushion and were rubbing together. He was far too big for a healthy German Shepherd, had the hips of a 13 year old dog, and was suffering. This heartbreak could have been avoided with ethical breeding. I made the private report in hopes of helping other families never have to go through what we are.

When the AKC replied, they said this is more of a "civil issue" rather than an issue they'd investigate further. They are turning a blind eye to a serious issue. I was told they would document the report, but what good is this doing? At the very least, this breeder should not be registered or have any credentialing. Between the false advertising, accidental litters, breeding dogs well beyond the age they should be, etc., this breeder needs to be investigated.

How am I supposed to handle this at a civil level? We made reports to him and do not feel safe taking it further. His solution was to euthanize the dog and trade for a different one.

I would go as far to say that the AKC is a money grab, which allows backyard breeders to feel a sense of pride. Those three letters mean nothing, so please do not trust a breeder who flashes it to get your money. Do the research, hear the experiences of past customers, and tour the breeding facility before buying from a breeder.

Since there is not a listing for AKC Reunite, I will park my review right here. AKC Reunite will be totally helpless, and side with the breeder, if you are seeking their help in getting your microchip transferred to yourself. I purchased a puppy from a breeder 4 years ago, and have been fighting with her over the microchip since. We had no contract or agreement that she would be the primary contact on the microchip that is inside a dog I legally own. The breeder announced AFTER I paid for the puppy and got the puppy home that she would be retaining control over the microchip for the crime of me not wanting to stay friends with her. Although I am listed as the alternative, the breeder is psychotic, unreasonable, and a control freak. There is no reason for her not to transfer that chip to me. I did manage to register the chip number with another registry that handles multiple microchip companies, AKC Reunite included; got her chipped again (no guarantee my chip gets scanned); an airtag for her collar; and on the back of her ID it states she has two microchips and I am the legal owner. I am still fighting with AKC Reunite and the breeder, and will be suing the breeder. I don't think AKC Reunite will do anything without a court order. I have vet records, and the AKC registry certificate for proof I own this dog. But I don't need the drama of a psychotic breeder playing games, reporting my dog lost or stolen, removing me as the alternate contact, etc. all because she controls the microchip!

If you love GSD BEWARE: most of these Shepards born in USA have hip dysplasia that has strong genetic trait (moderate estimate 60 % inheritance). Do NOT buy a puppy from irresponsible breeders who did not screen their dogs either in OFA or PennHip. AKC is just a profanation. They do not enforce health standards. When your very much-loved puppy will become a disabled immobile dog around 3 years old …your heart will be broken!!

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has become a scandalous organization, having lost much of its former credibility. It’s a real shame, given that the AKC was once an iconic American institution—respected and trusted by dog lovers nationwide.

Today, it seems the AKC is willing to sacrifice its integrity for corporate dollars, selling “exclusive sponsorships” to companies whose credentials and credibility are highly questionable. A prime example is the AKC's recent partnership with Zesty Paws, a distributor of pet supplements. The AKC logo now prominently appears across Zesty Paws’ (probiotic) marketing materials, representing the AKC's endorsement of Zesty Paws potions. In my opinion, this is nothing more than a cash grab—one that betrays the values the AKC once stood for.

Of all the potential probiotic partners, Zesty Paws may be among the worst choices by the AKC (but, clearly, Zesty Paws was willing to cough up the cash to AKC, for a scandalous endorsement)). According to experts in veterinary medicine and nutrition, Zesty Paws lacks an in-house team of veterinary scientists, researchers, or nutritionists. This is in stark contrast to companies like Purina, which maintain robust R&D departments staffed by qualified professionals, including in-house veterinarians, and in-house Board Certified veterinary nutritionists. Zesty Paws, instead, relies heavily on their marketing and PR machine —offering more hype than substance. Moreover, Zesty Paws customer service has reportedly declined sharply over the past year, reflecting a deeper lack of accountability and credibility.

Unlike the American Dental Association (ADA), which only lends its seal of approval to rigorously vetted products, or the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which applies strict scientific standards, the AKC appears to be stamping its approval on branding smoke and mirrors. There is no depth or credibility behind the AKC’s endorsement of Zesty Paws probiotics, or to Zesty Paws.

In short, the American Kennel Club has lost its way. Under new leadership, it has deteriorated into an organization with no discernible credibility—one that has, sadly, sold its soul.

It’s Friday night and I’m really tired and have far. I don’t want to write very much here.
Just checked the experiences from other breeders in this moment, and I can say that I totally agree with all what the Customers here are writing!

My wife and I are speechless how they treat you. And that everybody here (Except one person With only three) Rated with only one star is not by chance!

These people From the AKC are ruining even more the bad reputation the USA already has.

It’s not worth it to talk to them.

Total scam! They basically canceled the registration, didn’t refund, because “their registration says it’s not guaranteed” and their excused was that the dog may not be a purebred, yet they refused to do a DNA test because AKC dna doesn’t determine breed, gender or colors.

Basically a total scam! DNA does NOT determine the breed of the dog yet they said the puppy/dog may not be purebred, how can they determine that without a DNA testing that can show the relationship between the parents and the breed. If the DNA doesn’t provide the breed, at least should tell you if the sire and dam are related. They refused to do a testing.

They basically take your money and a few years later cancel your registration if you don’t spend money on their cheap products.

Total scam! Stay away from AKC. The testing is by pictures that anyone can get from google searched. A joke!

It’s laughable how they do business! It’s not even credited with the Better Business Bureaus bbb.org only have 1 star with Better Business Bureaus.

I paid for litter registration on January 6th...papers have not shown up. I started calling on the 21st, to find out where the paperwork is....i have called 13 times, and still do not have the paperwork that i paid for....if i do not receive them by Monday February 3rd, i will be contacting my lawyer on this matter.....13 times i have been lied to about this....i paid you,and you cant do the right thing....no worries, if i don't receive them, my lawyer will be on it next....good luck to you

Paid $35?for registration, didn’t list color of my dog so I called after and they say I need to pay more to change, complete bill crap, anything to get more money from the people, robbery at its finest

Everything that could happen in the sale of a registered animal, went south. Went to the AKC Marketplace Website, since they clearly advertise that, "Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports." This is false and misleading since I purchased a pup from a breeder whom they acknowledge had registered my pup parents with them, gave three different DOB, and then the pup becomes unregistered when the breeder sells me the pup for full price, and no papers. ON the night of the sale, the breeder and her husband came to my home, gave my son an envelope, while handing me the pup, left and shortly upon leaving, after opening the envelope, found no sellers papers or contract in the sale of this AKC Register Pup. I contacted the seller, now she comes up with an elaborate lie that she made a mistake and could not register the pup. I then contacted AKC Marketplace, and to my surprise, they did have the pup registered but told me I need owner to give me the papers, signed on the back transferring the ownership to me. A short time later after this did not happen, AKC contacts me back to say the owner will take the pup back, and I can get my money back for the pup. Pup and my family have bonded. Was told upfront by AKC that the dog did indeed have papers. Now the AKC and owner is taking their word back and saying a mistake was made by them both. Sounds fishy to me. Stop doing business with the shaggy, fraudulent, misleading advertising marketplace, unless you want to pay full price for a pup you can adopt for 3/4 the price. I was swindle out of a large amount of money, with no where to go for help. Tried reporting them to the BBB, which offered little help. Where do you turn when they are all crooks? Please run, run, run from the AKC Marketplace, as this company is not an old established non profit business, they are a new way to steal money from the consumer, and they support the crooked breeders who false advertise on their website. Everything bad that could happen in the sale of this pup to me, happened, and left me mentally scarred for life. Just run, and keep on running from the AKC Marketplace, DO NOT TRUST THEM!!!

The AKC’s breed standards for the Doberman include pinned ears. On AKC website I found “we recognize ear cropping and tail docking, as prescribed in certain breed standards, are acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character……..”etc. Mutilating a dogs ears (and or tail) is illegal in other parts of the world but in America it’s not only okay, it’s widely practised and displayed. People who condone, practice and display this make me sick, I hope none of you people have one of these special breeds or any other animals if you’re willing to place your selfish vanity for appearance above not subjecting animals to cruelty! Disgrace to mankind. You should be utterly ashamed.

I recently bought a pup whom I foolishly took home without the paperwork. I trusted Top Dogg Giant Schnauzers. 2 months later after asking I get the paperwork. To my surprise the AKC Litter Certificates says my pups parents AND the grandparents were brother and sister from same litter. Upon contacting AKC they said they do not have a policy on "inbreeding" they leave that up to the discretion of the breeders. Really! Doesn't that increase the chances of the pups from such a litter being genetic cesspools? Buy a pup from a breeder that has a "Genetic" and "Health" guarantee.

Very unfriendly. Too political. Stuck in the past. Not helpful.

Purchased a dog and went to register her. In doing so much info was mixed to where my ownership had the incorrect names listed. Called to get corrected. Claimed what was showing on their end isn’t what I should have got. We’re going to have names corrected and resent. It’s now over 2 weeks and no certificate.

UPDATE: Email promptly received from AKC Shop, refund for missing item looks like it will take place in less than “several weeks,” it states refund should show up in 3 to 5 business days.

Cumbersome and not a trim online shopping experience.
Can take “several weeks” to get refunds has been explained to me.
When needing to follow up on an order placed for pet products, I was shocked that I was transferred to speak with a third-party company, Third Party Pet (see review), who wasn’t disclosed on the AKC shopping website but fulfills the particular items I ordered.
An oddity, this same third-party company handles avenues of business for AKC...a relative?
Currently working with AKC for refund on item missing from order, forthcoming update.
An upside, AKC employees answer the phones.

What a sad pathetic excuse for a website. ALL SITES, ALL SOFTWARE REQUIRE CONSTANT MONITORING. It is more than obvious that AKC does not monitor their site at all. I have spent an entire week attempting to register my dog with the online pin number GENERATED BY AKC AND PRINTED ON HIS PAPER FORM, but their site says his pin number is "invalid". Their site also declares my valid email address as invalid. I have emailed AKC.org, no response. I have called AKC.org, no response. AKC needs to shut down that pathetic lame website.