UKC was the first dog registry to establish a puppy mill program. UKC supplies a Breeder's Record for better record keeping with each litter registration. The Breeder's Record is pre-printed with the sex and registration number of each pup. Breeders need only add to whom the pups are sold. UKC publishes a Breeder's Code of Ethics.
Penalties result up to and including the individual being barred for life.
It has always been UKC's policy to discourage inbreeding except by the most experienced breeders. Like many tools, inbreeding can be dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced. In the early part of the 1930's, U.K.C. registered and trademarked with the United States Department of Commerce the Purple Ribbon Pedigree. This Pedigree is only offered by the United Kennel Club, Inc., and is the mark of the United Kennel Club purebred dog. The Purple Ribbon designation is awarded to eligible pups at birth by the United Kennel Club and is signifed in all U.K.C. records by the letters 'PR' appearing before the dog's name.