AKC registering

[binka_nugget]

You do need to send the papers in to have her registered. There really aren't any benefits unless you plan on showing in conformation, AKC agility, etc. If you're thinking about the possibility of doing agility with the AKC down the road, I'd send the papers in anyways since you never know how you'll feel down the road. It's much more expensive sending them in late.

[Logan]

That seemed to be the thing to do when I had Honey and Lilly as puppies, even though I never showed them, bred them or ever needed their Pedigrees or registrations. AKC made some money off of me! LOL!!! But, sometimes people like to track that line and the AKC can help with that. But, to tell you the truth, when we got Mack, we never did register him. It just seemed silly since he was here as a pet, not a show dog and we definitely did not want to breed him, although we had people ask about us doing that. I'm glad now that we didn't ever consider it.

[Freedom]

Agility: if you think maybe, some day, you MIGHT. Then consider this:

There are several groups which offer Agility. AKC is just one. From what I know, AKC will only permit 'pure breds' to compete. The other groups allow mixes.

The way I see it: Heck, if you are willing to spend the time and train your dog, why not allow you to compete?

You may also want to check into what is available near you. There are very few AKC Agility competitions in my area. Two of the others groups are quite prevalent.

[Suki Wingy]

I WOULD. It's just good to have in case you decide down the road to compete in any sports. There are other outlets but AKC is the easiest to find and will therefore require less traveling from show to show.
I'd never guess five years ago that I'd want to do weight pull, but now I'm looking for a club.

You never know when you may need registration, so if you can aford the extra $20 I really would.

My dad actually had to show the humane society his Cornish Rex's (cat) pedigree and registration and a cat breed encyclopedia to get his cat back- the shelter thought he had abused Rex because of his funny hair.

[Giselle]

You know, even if you don't register Ginger right now, you can always ILP (or is it PAL now?) her, which will allow you to compete in every competition except for conformation. That includes agility, obedience, lure coursing, earthdog, JR showmanship, etc.

So, even if you don't register her, she's obviously a purebred Golden and will easily get her ILP/PAL and you'd be able to compete and earn titles regardless.