FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a kennel?

Traditionally, a kennel is an area where dogs are kept and bred. A hobby breeder who owns two Welsh is a kennel. A kennel may also be an establishment in which several hundred breeding dogs are kept to supply pups for commercial sale. Many pet stores call themselves "kennels" although the puppies for sale are from commercial establishments which breed puppies for resale. Some kennels are large scale retailers who breed their own stock for retail sales. The best rule of thumb in determining what kind of "kennel" you are dealing with is to see the mother of the pups and see the conditions under which the pups have been raised.

What does a pedigree mean?

A dog's pedigree lists his ancestors, usually five generations. A pedigree is important since it shows the relationships between the dogs in a puppy's background and their accomplishments. A Ch. in front of a dog's name indicates that the dog is an AKC Champion and has proven itself to be an outstanding example of the breed. CD, CDX and UD following a dog's name indicate - an Obedience Title: Companion Dog, Companion Dog Excellent and Utility Dog. Breeders use a kennel name and the registered names of the dogs they breed include that name. Thus, a pedigree can show who bred the dogs listed in it. In planning a litter, a quality breeder carefully evaluates the characteristics and pedigrees of the dogs being bred.

What does AKC registration mean?

AKC (The American Kennel Club) registerable means that the puppy is a pure bred dog who is eligible for registration with The American Kennel Club. The American Kennel Club is a registration body and does not sell puppies or license, endorse or register breeders. AKC REGISTRATION IS NOT AN INDICATION OF THE QUALITY OF THE PUPPY OR THE BREEDER OR THE SELLER. CAUTION: Read registration documents carefully and make sure the registration is with THE AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB. AKC registration is your guarantee of a pure bred puppy. In order for a puppy to be eligible for AKC registration, the sire (father) and the dam (mother) must both be AKC registered with an unlimited registration. The owner or lessee of the dam is the breeder of record. The owner of the sire, the owner of the dam and the breeder must be in good standing with the AKC in order to register a litter. A conviction for cruelty to animals or failure to keep proper records of animals owned and bred may result in loss of AKC privileges which entitle an individual to register dogs which he has bred. This can lead to the revocation of the registration of dogs he has bred. After a litter is born (whelped), a "Litter Registration" is applied for from the AKC by the breeder. This application contains the signatures of the owners of both the sire and the dam and indicates the number of pups in the litter and their sexes. The litter is then given a litter number and an application for individual registration is issued for each pup in the litter. This "Dog Registration Application" gives the litter number, date of birth, names and AKC registration numbers of the sire and dam. It also has the name and address of the breeder. It is sent to the breeder.

A puppy cannot be AKC registered without a "Dog Registration Application". Litters must be registered within six months from date of birth. The "Dog Registration Application" is then sent to the AKC (with the Individual Dog Registration fee) and the pup becomes "AKC registered". Normal processing time is two weeks. Dogs must be registered within one year of the date of issue of the "Dog Registration Application" without payment of a late fee. Only the name of the sire and dam are given on registration forms. If a pedigree has not been provided by the breeder or seller, one can be obtained from the AKC for a fee.

What are "papers"?

The most important "paper" is the "Dog Registration Application". According to AKC policy, there should not be a price differential between a dog "with papers" or "without papers." The "Dog Registration Application" gives the puppy's date of birth, names, AKC registration numbers numbers of the sire and dam, and the name and address of the breeder. This information should also be on the bill of sale. If a puppy is sold without the "Dog Registration Application", the contract/bill of sale should clearly state how and in whose name the puppy will be registered and how the registration will be transferred to the new owner. Many ethical breeders withhold "Dog Registration Applications", or register the dog in their own names until the conditions of the contract have been met. Others use AKC's Limited Registration. A breeder may designate a dog as only eligible for limited registration by checking the limited registration box and signing the limited registration line on the "Dog Registration Application". In some cases the breeder will list himself on the "Dog Registration Application" as co-owner.

All terms of sale should be in writing. In addition, the buyer should receive a four-generation pedigree and a complete medical record, including vaccinations and dates. The medical record should give the name and address of the examining veterinarian.

What is Limited Registration?

When a breeder receives the "Dog Registration Application" for a litter, the breeder has the option to register the pup with "Limited Registration". Limited registration means that the pup is a pure bred AKC registered dog. However, no offspring of the dog may be registered with the AKC. A Limited Registration may be changed to an unlimited registration ONLY BY THE BREEDER. This allows a breeder to ensure that only the best stock is bred. A dog with a Limited Registration may not be shown at a dog show in conformation but may be shown in obedience trials. Why not a pet shop Welsh? Welshies in pet shops come from commercial dog breeders and brokers, The most accurate way to identify a commercial breeder is by a US Dept. Of Agriculture license. USDA LICENSING IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THE QUALITY OF THE PUPPY OR THE BREEDER. Under the Animal Welfare Act administered by the USDA, anyone owning more than three female dogs used for breeding and selling puppies to the wholesale trade (for resale) or buying and selling dogs for resale, MUST be licensed as a "Pet Dealer". Dealer's facilities are subject to USDA inspection (hence the claim by pet stores that their stock comes from "USDA inspected kennels"). Licensed "Pet Dealers" may also, by law, sell puppies and adult dogs to research facilities for use in experimentation. The requirements of the Animal Welfare Act are minimal, frequently less than those required for livestock on farms. Inspections are infrequent and violations common. There are no requirements for socialization with humans.

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Additional Information

Buy from a responsible breeder
NOT A PUPPY MILL!

National Animal Poison Control Center

Net Vet - Veterinary Resources & The Electronic Zoo

Dog Owners Guide - Information for  Pet, Obedience & Show

Wales / Cymru - Land of Inspiration - The Welsh Tourist Board

"Welsh-L" is a large, moderated list populated by pet owners and some WTCA members. It is both a social and informative group, with many messages each day. WTCA adds this link as a service to the larger Welsh Terrier public.
Welsh-L is not owned, controlled or overseen in any way by WTCA.
For information contact: welshterrier@yahoogroups.com

The Welsh Terrier Club of America wishes to thank Bardi McLennan for the information related to the Welsh Terrier. In addition we wish to express our appreciation to the Scottish Terrier Club of America and the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America for allowing us to use their copyright protected material on this page.

The pictures used on this page are the copyright © protected property of their owners and photographers.