Most accountable breeders are entrenched in activities revolving around their dogs and their breeds, demonstrating how passionate they are. They belong to their national and regional breed and performance clubs and often clubs outside of Canada. These clubs are established to preserve, protect and showcase their breeds and breeders want to support these efforts. Dedicated breeders also compete with their dogs in conformation and performance events, including obedience, agility, lure coursing and many more fun and exciting events. Depending on the breed’s original purpose, your breeder may train and work their dogs in activities such as hunting, herding, scent detection and tracking.
 
Membership in CKC and national breed clubs is important because it demonstrates the breeder’s commitment to following best practices as set out by the clubs. CKC, for example, is a national, member-based non-profit organization, incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act of Canada, providing registry services for purebred dogs. Members of CKC must adhere to bylaws, policies & procedures, a Code of Ethics as well as a Code of Practice for breeders, all of which detail standards of care when it comes to raising, breeding and selling dogs. Membership also ensures that both parents and the puppies are registered with CKC. Canadian law requires that any breeder selling a dog as a purebred must register the dog with a registry body incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act, such as CKC, and provide the new owner with the registration certificate within six months of the date of sale unless contractually delayed based on the timing of spaying or neutering the dog. It is the responsibility of the breeder to complete all paperwork required and pay for the registration.