--- title: "AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know" id: "255673" type: "post" slug: "know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening" published_at: "2026-04-01T14:00:00+00:00" modified_at: "2026-04-01T20:05:36+00:00" url: "https://www.petland-dalton.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/" markdown_url: "https://www.petland-dalton.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening.md" excerpt: "New puppy parents quickly encounter many unfamiliar terms. Two of the most common are AKC registration and health testing. Because these terms appear often, and refer to two different things. Understanding each can help you make confident choices when welcoming..." taxonomy_category: - "Blog" - "Petcare" - "Petland" - "Veterinary" taxonomy_post_tag: - "dog health" - "genetic screening" - "pedigree vs. health" - "puppy health testing" - "responsible breeding" --- ![AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know](https://www.petland-dalton.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/akcregistrationblog.jpg)[Home](https://www.petland-dalton.com/) / [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/blog/) / [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) / **AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know** [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petcare](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petcare/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/veterinary/) # AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know April 1, 2026 · 3 min read · Petland Dalton, Georgia [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petland-dalton.com) ![importance of puppy health screening](https://www.petland-dalton.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/akcregistrationblog.jpg) New puppy parents quickly encounter many unfamiliar terms. Two of the most common are **AKC registration** and **health testing**. Because these terms appear often, and refer to two different things. Understanding each can help you make confident choices when welcoming a puppy into your family. It also helps you know what to look for when choosing where your puppy comes from. Let’s take a closer look. ## **What Is AKC Registration?** The American Kennel Club (AKC) is one of the most well-known and reputable dog registries in the United States. When a dog is AKC registered, it means the dog’s lineage has been recorded with the organization. Registration confirms that a puppy comes from a documented purebred line. AKC registration allows dog owners to track pedigree records. It also gives access to AKC events, training programs, and educational resources. However, it is important to understand what AKC registration does not mean. Registration alone does not guarantee a dog’s health. It simply confirms documented breed lineage. ## **What Is Health Testing?** Health testing focuses on the well-being of a dog and its breed-specific health risks. Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies. Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now. [Meet our puppies](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/) Veterinarians and specialists perform these tests to identify inherited health conditions that may affect certain breeds. Responsible breeders often screen for issues such as hip dysplasia, heart conditions, eye disorders, or genetic diseases common within specific breeds. These evaluations help reduce the risk of passing hereditary health conditions to future puppies. Because every breed is different, recommended tests may vary. If you have a desire for a particular breed of dog, we recommend you research common conditions and diseases that are common to that breed. This will give you a base of information when checking to see if your puppies parents have been health tested for these health-related traits. ## **How AKC Registration and Health Testing Work Together** Although they are different, these two factors often work hand in hand. AKC registration documents a puppy’s lineage and breed history. Health testing helps ensure responsible breeding practices and supports long-term canine health. When both elements are considered together, they provide a clearer picture of a puppy’s background and care. For future pet parents, this knowledge creates greater peace of mind. ## **How Petland Supports Responsible Breeding** At Petland, we believe education and transparency matter. We work closely with experienced breeders who follow responsible breeding practices and prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs. Our team partners with breeders who meet high standards for care, socialization, and veterinary oversight. We also encourage responsible health testing and proper documentation. Still reading? Our puppies are waiting. Healthy, happy pups ready to meet their families — see who's available today. [Meet our puppies](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/) Just as important, we help families understand the information behind each puppy. Our knowledgeable team can explain breed traits, health considerations, and what to expect as your puppy grows. ## **Helping Families Find the Right Puppy** Choosing a puppy should feel exciting, not confusing. Understanding terms like AKC registration and health testing helps you make informed decisions with confidence. At Petland Dalton, Georgia, we are here to guide you through every step of the journey. Our goal is simple: help families connect with happy, healthy puppies while providing the knowledge needed for a lifetime of care. Bringing home a puppy, after all, isn’t just a purchase. It’s the beginning of a new family story. *Hungry for more? The next chapter’s even better! Follow the paw prints below to keep reading.* [Buying a Puppy from Petland: What to Know Before You Bring One Home](/buying-a-puppy-petland-standards) [The Ethical And Welfare Implications Of Buying From Petland Explained](/petland-puppy-ethics/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petland-dalton.com) Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies* Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below. [Browse all puppies](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/) - ![Dachshund - 22921, Dachshund](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792619_800.jpg) Petland Dalton ## [Female #22921](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-22921/) ### [Dachshund](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Dachshund - 22920, Dachshund](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792618_800.jpg) Petland Dalton ## [Male #22920](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-22920/) ### [Dachshund](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Cairn Terrier - 22916, Cairn Terrier](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792615_800.jpg) Petland Dalton ## [Female #22916](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/cairn-terrier/cairn-terrier-22916/) ### [Cairn Terrier](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/cairn-terrier/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Miniature Bernedoodle - 22913, Miniature Bernedoodle](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792626_800.jpg) Petland Dalton ## [Male #22913](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-bernedoodle/miniature-bernedoodle-22913/) ### [Miniature Bernedoodle](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-bernedoodle/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Golden Retriever - 22919, Golden Retriever](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792622_800.jpg) Many interested Petland Dalton ## [Female #22919](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-22919/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Golden Retriever - 22918, Golden Retriever](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792621_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22918](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-22918/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![French Bulldog - 22915, French Bulldog](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792624_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22915](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/french-bulldog/french-bulldog-22915/) ### [French Bulldog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/french-bulldog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Shih Tzu - 22912, Shih Tzu](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792613_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22912](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/shih-tzu-22912/) ### [Shih Tzu](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![English Bulldog - 22910, English Bulldog](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3792000/3792664_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Female #22910](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/english-bulldog/english-bulldog-22910/) ### [English Bulldog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/english-bulldog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Dachshund - 22900, Dachshund](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3790000/3790416_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22900](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-22900/) ### [Dachshund](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Miniature Hippo - 22901, Miniature Hippo](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3790000/3790410_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Male #22901](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-hippo/miniature-hippo-22901/) ### [Miniature Hippo](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-hippo/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) - ![Golden Retriever - 22897, Golden Retriever](https://stprdkm.blob.core.windows.net/public/images/3790000/3790000/3790413_800.jpg) Very Popular Petland Dalton ## [Female #22897](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-22897/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [706-226-7387](tel:706-226-7387) Loading more pets… You've reached the end. Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet. Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation. [Start a Special Order](https://www.petland-dalton.com/special-orders/) #### **Related** Articles [View All Articles](https://www.petland-dalton.com/blog/) - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/halloween-movie-character-puppy/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/halloween-movie-character-puppy/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) ## [If Your Puppy Were a Halloween Movie Character, Who Would They Be?](https://www.petland-dalton.com/halloween-movie-character-puppy/) Every great Halloween movie needs a lovable cast. The brave hero. The curious sidekick. The one who hears a mysterious noise and… October 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [Understanding Puppy Body Language: What Your Pup Is Telling You](https://www.petland-dalton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) In this articleHow can you tell when your puppy is relaxed?What does a puppy’s playful body language look like?How can you recognize… October 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/how-puppies-sense-fall/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/how-puppies-sense-fall/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) ## [How Puppies Know Fall Is Coming (Even Without a Calendar)](https://www.petland-dalton.com/how-puppies-sense-fall/) In this articleYour Pup Has a Built-In Seasonal RadarSigns Your Puppy Knows Summer Is EndingReady for Every Season of Puppy LifeHumans have… September 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [The First 5 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn](https://www.petland-dalton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s happiest moments. The toys are ready. The bed is set up. The photos have… September 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/matching-dog-breed-to-lifestyle/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/matching-dog-breed-to-lifestyle/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) ## [Which Summer Vacation Would Your Puppy Choose?](https://www.petland-dalton.com/matching-dog-breed-to-lifestyle/) In this articleEight Puppy Vacations We’d Happily Tag Along OnEvery Puppy Has a Different Travel StyleSo… Who’s Booking Your Next Trip?Summer isn’t… August 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [Finding the Perfect Puppy: A Breed Comparison Guide](https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) In this articleStart with Your Lifestyle, Not Just LooksMeet Five Popular Breeds and Their Best MatchPetland Helps Beyond Puppy DayYour Perfect Match… August 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/ultimate-new-puppy-checklist/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/ultimate-new-puppy-checklist/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) ## [New Puppy Checklist: Everything You Need Before Day One](https://www.petland-dalton.com/ultimate-new-puppy-checklist/) In this articleThe Ultimate Puppy ChecklistSupport Beyond Puppy DayReady to Welcome Your Puppy Home?Deciding to bring home a puppy is exciting. It’s… July 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppy-summer-behavior-and-energy/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppy-summer-behavior-and-energy/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) ## [The Puppy Summer Camp Yearbook](https://www.petland-dalton.com/puppy-summer-behavior-and-energy/) By this point in the summer, your puppy has probably built a reputation. Not an official one. Just the kind where everyone… July 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/petland-puppy-financing-options/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/petland-puppy-financing-options/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) ## [What To Know About Third-Party Puppy Financing Options at Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/petland-puppy-financing-options/) In this articleWhy Financing ExistsHow Financing Plans Typically WorkAre Financing Plans Safe and Legitimate?Why Does Petland Make Financing Support Available?The Right Puppy… June 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) ## [Your Dog’s Summer Job Would Definitely Be…](https://www.petland-dalton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) In this articleDifferent Breeds, Different Summer CareersWhy Understanding Personality MattersThe Best Summer Job of All? Being Your DogSummer is officially here. The… June 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/the-ultimate-dog-mom-resume/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/the-ultimate-dog-mom-resume/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Petcare](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petcare/) ## [The Ultimate Dog Mom Resume: Are You Qualified for the Best Job Ever?](https://www.petland-dalton.com/the-ultimate-dog-mom-resume/) In this articleFirst Things First: This Is a Real JobThe Resume: Qualifications Your Dog Is Looking ForThe Truth: This Job Is a… May 1, 2026 - [https://www.petland-dalton.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/](https://www.petland-dalton.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) [Blog](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/blog/) · [Pet Store](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/pet-store/) · [Petcare](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petcare/) · [Petland](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/petland/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petland-dalton.com/category/veterinary/) ## [Myth Busting: Why Petland is a Good Choice When Bringing a Puppy Home](https://www.petland-dalton.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) In this articleWhy Where Your Puppy Comes From Truly MattersLet’s Talk About the Concerns You May Have HeardWhat Makes Petland a Trusted… May 1, 2026 ``` Petland Dalton 997 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Leahnna Queen Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gotten wonderful birds there that are hand tamed and raised by the management team They have a wonderful bird section in their store for toys and food. Pups are pricey, but I’ve gotten a couple there that have been SUPER! Wouldn’t trade them for the world. LOVE THEM 🥰 Posted on Google Mae Castoe Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I love the place so much!!!!! I played with a cute dog and got to hold A ferret and hamsters and rabbits, and even a parakeet! It took one star off because me and my cousin were literally crying over not getting a hamster and dog!!! Posted on Google Naomi Woody Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Braelyn was amazing she went above and beyond when I called to check about a ferret, she was so amazing I drove almost 2 hours away just to purchase her. Great experience! Posted on Google David Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really enjoy taking care of animals! The moment I walked in, everyone was SOO nice! All the dogs are precious, 🐶 and the people who work there are amazing. They always have such kind personalities, and the dogs are like little babies:) I love holding them! They’re all well cared for and the place is so clean and feels like home It’s very sanitized, and they provide hand sanitizer for you to use! It’s such a nice environment, and the hamsters, rabbits, and birds are adorable. The fish are really cool! And the dogs are all vaccinated <3 This has to be one of my favorite places! ❤️🫶🏻 ```