Quote Originally Posted by wolfsoul
Yes, most call the Continental Kennel Club the ConKC. Don't ya just love how they made their initials exactly the same lol.
It's disgusting because the general public has no clue about registries so they generally don't have a clue which reg. is reputable and which is not.

There are many more besides the ConKC and CanKC. I can name others off the top of my head. FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) and FIC (Federation of International Canines), UKC (United Kennel Club) and UKCI (Universal Kennel Club International), etc.

Additionally, there are puppy/kitten retailers (i.e. pet stores) who copy off reputable clubs like the IKC (International Kennel Club).
Here's one version of IKC: http://www.ikcdogshow.com/

Here's another: http://www.internationalkennel.com/

And another: http://www.ikcpups.com/

It's frightening and infuriating to say the least..

As for the question: "What constitutes a good breeder VS. puppy mill?"

A good breeder is one who breeds for the betterment/improvement of the breed. It does not matter if the dog is proven in the field or in the ring. I hate it when people stipulate that a dog must earn championships in the ring. That is most definitely not the only requirement.

A breeder who does not breed for the betterment of the breed is not necessarily a "bad" breeder, but s/he should definitely not be breeding. Then there are some breeders who breed for money. I call these people "greeders". Puppy mills and many BYBs are Greeders, not breeders.