Getting yourself a puppy is one of the best moments that you’ll ever remember your life. 

But what’s all this talk of an MKA certificate? What IS an MKA cert? And is it necessary to get one for your dog in Malaysia? 

In this post, we answer all these niggling doubts and a lot more, so you’ll have all the information you need whenever you want to become a puppy owner!

What Is The MKA?

The Malaysian Kennel Association (MKA) is a dog club founded in 1925 by expatriates in Malaysia. Besides being the sole authority and exclusive registrar of purebred dogs in Malaysia by awarding MKA certificates, the club also organises dog shows, competitions and promotes healthy breeding practices.

In its Mission Statement, the MKA aspires to be the most effective representative body in the country to protect the rights of owners and dogs. It is determined to eradicate the fraudulent use of pedigree and safeguard the pureness of the genetic pool.

The MKA is the only Dog Club in Malaysia to be affiliated and have reciprocal agreements with international leading canine bodies. Its affiliation includes national kennel clubs and international membership in the Federation Cynologique Internationale and Asia Kennel Union.

What is MKA certification?

If you’re getting a purebred dog, the MKA certificate will basically give you all the information you need to know about your puppy including its lineage and origins. It’s a certificate of pedigree or authenticity, of sorts. 

It provides details of your puppy’s parents, the sire (father) and dam (mother), as well as his grandparents, great grandparents and great-great-grandparents on both sides. That’s a lot of cute doggie names on one certificate!

An MKA cert enables you to enter your pooch into competitions and will come in handy if and when you plan to breed your pup at some stage.

The significance of the MKA cert is that it tells you about any underlying illnesses or health conditions (or the lack thereof) in your pup’s lineage. 

The temperament and other personality traits of your pup can also be traced through its heritage. This is why dog owners opt for purebreds with pedigree certification to get healthy pups with certain desired character traits.

It might cost you a pretty penny initially but might save you loads in vet bills throughout its life. Substandard breeding practices by backyard breeders (BYB) and puppy mills often lead to sick and unhealthy puppies due to poor hygienic conditions and unethical breeding practices.

How do you register your dog for an MKA cert?

If you have a purebred puppy, you should be getting an MKA cert as part of the purchasing package of your pup. Alternatively, your breeder could sell you a microchipped puppy and tell you that your cert is on its way or will be delivered via the mail.

You’ll need to register to become an MKA member before registering your dog for an MKA cert if he doesn’t have one already. 

To join and become a member, the membership fee will cost RM80 a year. You can download your membership form here.

Fake MKA certs and DNA tests? What are those about?

According to this report in The Star, fake MKA certs are quite common in Malaysia as the pedigree pet business continues to thrive.

In Malaysia, what you need to know is that breeders typically apply and receive a Mating Certificate from the MKA within 4 weeks of their dogs’ mating. Then upon giving birth, they have a month to submit a second application along with pictures of the mother with her litter. 

If there are irregularities with the application, the MKA might send out an inspection team. 

When the application is successful, each puppy will then receive a certificate along with a microchip. 

What about DNA tests for dogs? 

Verifying your dog’s bloodline is another kettle of fish. Most pup owners do this when entering their dogs into competitions. Most top breeders do this by conducting DNA tests. 

The only instance where the MKA will conduct DNA tests is when litter inspectors have doubts about the information provided by the breeder.

Otherwise, you can actually get your dog’s DNA tested just for fun! 

How to check if my MKA cert is real?

Generally, genuine MKA certificates have a seal, details of the pup’s ancestry, and the microchip number. When planning to purchase a pedigree puppy, ask for the parent’s MKA certs and double-check the details with MKA.  

Beware of shady breeders that offer discounted prices for their ‘purebred’ pups. If the prices are below market value, it should alert you to double-check their details with the MKA. 

You can even call them at 03-729 2027 or 7729 7822 or email them at admin@mka.org.my.  

Plus, reliable and trusted breeders will hate the effect of fake pedigrees on their businesses. They will be happy to show you how to distinguish between real and fake papers.  

As pedigree dogs often look similar, be sure the certificate of pedigree you are looking at is for the dog you are buying. Make sure the microchip numbers match, along with the registered name, breed, colour and date of birth. 

The ultimate question: Is an MKA cert necessary?

Not really. It certainly isn’t necessary if you’re not purchasing a purebred pup or fostering from an adoption centre.

What’s more important and necessary is probably microchipping and vaccinating your pup.

The first shots should be given at 6 weeks,  the second on the 10th and the third on the 14th. Core vaccines include canine parvovirus (CPV), canine distemper virus (CDV) and rabies. 

Non-core vaccines are optional vaccines that should be considered in light of the exposure risk of the pet. They include canine influenza, parainfluenza virus and others. It’s always best to consult with your vet and have them determine what’s best for your pup.

Also, if you’re just getting a pet (which is awesome) and don’t plan on entering competitions or breeding in the future, there’s no real reason for you to get an MKA cert.

Does my dog need to be a pedigree for it to get pet insurance?

No, it doesn’t. Mixed breeds and pups with no MKA certification are eligible to reap the benefits of pet insurance offered by Oyen Pet Insurance. 

However, it’s important to know that certain breeds banned by the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) in Malaysia are not eligible for pet insurance coverage.

In Conclusion

So, if you’re getting a purebred pup, make sure you’re getting one with an MKA cert. Be careful to make sure that it’s genuine, and always check with MKA if you have any doubts. 

If your pup isn’t purebred, it’s still awesome. You don’t need a piece of paper to tell you that he’s (or she’s) going to be your best friend for life.