Bringing a new purebred puppy home is an exciting time. One crucial step in celebrating your puppy’s heritage is officially registering them with the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC is a not-for-profit organization that maintains a purebred dog registry and promotes the sport of purebred dogs.
Registering your puppy confirms their place in the purebred lineage and opens the door to participating in a variety of AKC events and programs.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to register your puppy with the AKC.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Get Your Paperwork from the Breeder
Before you can register your puppy, your breeder must have already registered the litter with the AKC. The breeder is responsible for providing you with the necessary application form.
You should receive one of two types of forms:
- AKC Dog Registration Application (paper form).
- AKC Litter Registration Application information (usually a form or an online link with a unique code).
Important: If your breeder did not provide you with the application or the necessary information, you will need to contact them directly to obtain it. The AKC cannot provide these forms directly to you.
Step 2: Choose Your Registration Method
You can register your puppy online or by mail. The online method is generally faster and offers immediate confirmation.
Online Registration (Recommended)
- Visit the official AKC Online Dog Registration portal.
- Enter the 13-digit registration code provided by your breeder.
- Follow the prompts to fill in all the required information.
Registration by Mail
- Complete the paper AKC Dog Registration Application you received from your breeder.
- Be sure to include your contact information, a chosen name for your dog, and your signature.
- Mail the completed form and payment to the address provided on the application form.
Step 3: Select a Name for Your Puppy
You will need to choose a unique name for your puppy, which must follow specific AKC rules:
- The name must be 50 characters or less, including spaces.
- Certain words and phrases may be restricted.
Many breeders incorporate their kennel name into the puppy’s name (e.g., “Maplewood’s Little Bear”). You can discuss name options with your breeder if you want to honor their kennel name.
Step 4: Choose Full or Limited Registration
The breeder determines the type of registration available for your puppy.
- Full Registration: The dog can compete in all AKC events, and any litters produced by the dog can also be registered with the AKC. This is typically reserved for potential breeding dogs.
- Limited Registration: The dog can compete in most AKC events (excluding conformation events), but any litters produced by the dog are not eligible for AKC registration. This is common for companion pets.
Ensure you understand which option your breeder has made available to you.
Step 5: Complete the Process and Pay the Fee
The registration fee varies depending on the type of registration (full vs. limited) and any additional services you might select, such as a certified pedigree or a microchip enrollment.
Once you have provided all the information and payment, you will receive confirmation.
Following these steps will ensure your new companion is officially a part of the AKC family