How to Register Your Dog With the American Kennel Club

Summary:

"If you have a purebred dog, you should register it with a reputable kennel club. You can get lifelong benefits for them and yourself. The breeders report the litter to the organization but the registration is carried out by the dog owner. One of the best kennel clubs is American Kennel Club. If you have them registered at AKC, you can find out the pedigree as they recognize more than 190 dog breeds."

pure bred dog

Here is how you can register your dog with the AKC:

American Kennel Club

One of the oldest registry services for dog breeds is American Kennel Club (AKC). When you register with them, you can find pedigree and meet with the owners of the same breeds through the affiliate breed clubs of AKC. AKC has a Canine Health Foundation that researches common dog health issues like cancer, visual issues, and heart diseases. This research helps the next generation of dogs with genetic diseases as well.

Why Register Your Purebred Dogs

The American Kennel Club will let you register purebred dogs only or the ones that have registration numbers and belong to an approved breed. It is a simple process, but if you are still wondering “What is AKC registration?”, it means you will identify the parentage of the dog accurately. The parentage will help indicate the health history and inbreeding. A registered dog can participate in various events, and it’s easier to sell. 

How to Register

First, know the registration number of your dog. When you buy a purebred dog, you usually get a certificate that indicates the parentage. You need to look for the registration number on the certificate.  Next, choose a name for your dog. However, you can’t choose a random name, you need to abide by the rules set out by AKC. There can be around 50 characters in the name. You can’t use roman numerals or accent marks. There are many terms not allowed to be used like a champion or just breed names. If your dog is US-born, then you just need to fill out the online form. You will have to pay a fee for the registration. If you acquired the dog from a breeder, the fee is sometimes prepaid. If the animal was born elsewhere, you need to download the form named ‘Foreign Dog Registration Application’ from the website. Fill out the form, and attach the copies of pedigree certificates and certificate of registration. You also need to take photographs of your dog and include them in the application. 

If your dog does not have a registration, research on the AKC and determines if it’s purebred. If it is purebred but with an unregistered litter, you can’t register with AKC. However, you should consider enrolling them in the Purebred Alternative Listing program, if you want them to participate in events.

purebred dog wearing shirt

Registering your dog with the American Kennel Club brings many benefits. They conduct many events and only allow registered dogs to participate. You will be able to let your dog join the breed clubs, and they may be able to find its family!. Follow the steps given above to register your dog or your litter of puppies to ensure they enjoy the benefits of the club membership.