OT - Anyone know about dog breeding?

I'll try to give the short version of this. 

My stepdad has two Basset Hounds. My mother bought them both - a boy and girl - in hopes of them mating. For three years...nothing. They seemed more like brother/sister. Now, IRONICALLY, after my mom passes away the girl is pregnant (my mom knew this before she died although we didn't believe her. We'd had false alarms before.)

Anyhoo, my stepdad wants to give us one of the puppies but the rest he intends to sell (some part of my African-American soul is bugged by that but I know it's what folks do). So anyway...they don't have papers. They are both as Bassett Hound as they come. I looked on the National Kennel Club website and it seems they can get papers there with veteranarian approval and/or the approval of a NKC professional, along with pictures of the dogs. But the application asks who the dogs parents were. We don't know!

So I guess my questions are these: 

1. How important is it for people who buy dogs for them to have these papers? (I assume pretty important if these clubs exist)

2. Has anyone registered their dogs before? Is this a persnickety process?

Thanks in advance.

My own opinion is I think people only buy dogs with papers if they plan to breed or show them. There's show quality dogs and pet quality dogs. I've only registered one of my labs once and don't think it was really worth the time or money. There is a difference in price on pet versus show quality, but I would check your local paper and see what Bassett Hounds sell for. Most probably don't have papers and sell just fine.

Good luck.
Jan

 I never thought of it that way. That's very true!

I'm excited about the puppy I have already claimed! I am taking a girl and her name will be Nana. :)

 Mazel Tov!  Very jealous.  I've been looking at puppies on almost a daily basis but a new puppy would be too much for my 12 1/2 year old dog.  I wouldn't do that to him, and he's very spoiled.  Enjoy your new bundle of joy.  Love the name.  

Nana is both what my kids called my mom but also a West African name that means "Mother of Earth" which is how I often described my mom. She had a mother of earth look and vibe about her. 

 That's very sweet and a wonderful way to bring your mom around.  Nana is also the name of the dog from Peter Pan.  I bet that will be one spoiled puppy.  

Never done any breeding, personally.
But if your dog is registered, you can ask for more money.
I personally don't need a dog with papers because I don't intend to show them, or use them for any other purpose besides family pet.
I hear that is it a process.
Good luck!

Do you think you could talk him into giving them away to someone who would give them a great home?

I know its not the pups' fault but dog breeding breaks my heart : (

Girl, you are so well-spoken especially about things that bug you so if this bothers your soul, speak it! : )

Oh he knows my position on selling life. I invoke my slave ancestors at least five times a day, lol!

If he's bound and determined to do it, I'd like him to at least make sure they get good homes. Are there puppy adoption agencies???

I actually thought of taking Loretta when my mom died (she was my mom's dog. Leroy was my stepdad's dog. I don't think Loretta is too fond of my stepdad because she was mistreated by men in the past) but she and Leroy have such a bond.

She was with my mom...physically with her...when she passed. If dogs could talk...

You could contact a local rescue group -- they can definitely either find them homes or point you in the right direction!