How To Akc Register A Dog?

Registering a purebred dog creates an official record that links the animal to its ancestry and to a registered owner. Proper preparation and accurate paperwork reduce delays and help preserve pedigree information for events and titles.

Determine Eligibility and Breed Recognition

Confirm whether your dog’s breed is recognized by the national registry before applying; the main registry recognizes about 200 breeds as full breeds in its program^[1]. Distinguish clearly between a recognized purebred, a first-generation cross, and breeds that remain in a foundation-stock or experimental listing because eligibility and available registration pathways differ.

First-generation offspring (F1) from two different recognized breeds typically are not eligible for full registration, and some rare or foundation breeds follow a separate tracking service rather than immediate full registration^[1]. Breeder pedigree papers and accurate litter history strongly affect whether a litter or an individual can be entered into the registry and whether additional verification steps are required^[1].

Choose the Correct Registration Pathway

Applicants commonly choose among 3 registration pathways: litter registration filed by the breeder, individual owner registration, or breeder-initiated individual registration when litters are pre-registered^[1]. Imported dogs and dogs with foreign pedigrees use a distinct imported-pedigree procedure that typically requires translated documents and validated lineage information^[1]. Special pathways such as limited registration, conditional registration, or breed-specific programs exist for certain situations and may carry specific restrictions on breeding or event eligibility^[1].

Gather Required Documentation

Prepare the core documentation before submitting; most applications are delayed by missing core items, so assemble the essentials in advance^[1].

Pedigrees and existing litter registration certificates or recorded ancestry papers
Microchip or permanent ID numbers and supporting veterinary records
Proof of birth date or breeder-signed whelping records
Transfer of ownership forms or proof of sale/adoption and any import/export documents

Ensure names and registration numbers for sire and dam are complete and legible, because incomplete parent information is a frequent cause of return-for-completion^[1].

Set Up an AKC Account and Access Forms

Create an online account and choose the appropriate profile type (owner or breeder) to access the correct registration workflows; account creation and basic verification generally take under 10 minutes if you have identifying information and email access ready^[1]. The registry’s website provides downloadable and printable forms for those who prefer paper submission as well as an online submission portal that accepts scanned documents and microchip numbers^[1]. Keep secure copies of account credentials and store copies of every submitted form, because records are needed for future transfers, litter reports, and title applications^[1].

Complete the Registration Application Accurately

Enter the dog’s registered name, call name, sex, date of birth, color, and markings exactly as shown on pedigree and breeder paperwork; many registries enforce a character limit on registered names, commonly up to 50 characters including spaces and suffixes, so check naming rules before submission^[1]. Accurately enter sire and dam registration numbers and breeder and owner contact information to prevent delays caused by mismatched records^[1]. If a mistake is found after submission, there are formal correction procedures and specific forms to request amendments rather than informal edits^[1].

Fees, Payment, and Service Options

Standard processing options and expedited services carry different fees and timelines; many applicants choose standard processing for non-urgent registrations while paying an additional fee to expedite processing when needed, with typical expedited turnaround measured in business days rather than weeks^[1]. Accepted payment methods normally include credit/debit card, check, and invoicing options for credentialed breeders; check the published schedule for current fee amounts before submitting^[1]. Optional services such as certified hard-copy certificates, duplicate registrations, and microchip enrollment are available for additional fees and can be ordered at the time of registration^[1].

Submit Application, Supporting Materials, and Transfer Ownership

Online submission is the most direct method and generally allows upload of all supporting documents and signatures; if you choose paper submission, follow the posted mailing address and include all required attachments to avoid return-for-incompletion delays^[1]. Transfers of ownership require signed transfer forms from the seller and new owner; breeders typically sign litter rights and retained owner fields when applicable, and some transfers are processed automatically when a microchip is linked and verified^[1]. Co-ownership agreements, retained litter rights, and name reservations are documented through specific forms and must be submitted with the transfer to preserve contractual breeder rights^[1].

Track Processing, Resolve Issues, and Request Corrections

Typical processing timelines range from 2 to 6 weeks for standard submissions, depending on workload and whether additional verification is required^[1]. Common reasons for rejection include mismatched parentage, missing signatures, illegible documentation, and inconsistent dates; addressing these specific items with corrected paperwork usually resolves the issue without full re-application^[1]. If a submission stalls, contact customer service and provide application reference numbers so staff can escalate and identify missing items or required clarifications^[1].

Address Special Cases: Imports, Delays, and DNA/Parentage Verification

Imported dogs require authenticated foreign pedigrees and, when necessary, certified translations and validated breeder signatures; the imported pedigree review process can add several weeks to overall processing time depending on document complexity^[1]. In disputes over parentage or when certain titles are at stake, DNA testing or parentage verification may be required; testing kits are submitted to approved laboratories and results commonly take 3–6 weeks to return to the registry^[1]. Rescued or adopted dogs that lack breeder paperwork can sometimes be entered into an owner-record only or miscellaneous listing if a microchip is present and identity can be established, though late registrations may carry additional proof requirements^[1].

Understand Benefits of AKC Registration and Ongoing Responsibilities

Registration provides access to pedigree documentation, eligibility for conformation and performance events, and entry into specialty registries and record systems that document titles and health clearances, with program access spanning many event types and registries^[1]. Breeders carry responsibilities such as reporting litters, maintaining accurate records, and completing transfers in a timely way; owners are expected to keep contact and ownership information current and to request duplicate or updated certificates when necessary^[1]. Use the registry’s resources for breed-specific rules, health guidance, and event requirements to ensure continued eligibility and to understand any breeder or owner obligations tied to registration status^[1].

Common registration pathways, typical documents, and processing notes
Pathway	When to Use	Typical Documents	Processing Note
Litter registration	Breeder reporting a new litter	Breeder affidavit, sire/dam numbers, whelping date	Standard processing; breeder initiates for all pups^[1]
Individual owner registration	Owner registering a single dog without litter papers	Transfer of ownership, microchip/ID, proof of birth	May require additional pedigree validation for imports^[1]
Imported pedigree	Dogs with foreign registration papers	Foreign pedigree, translation, import/export documents	Imported review can add several weeks to processing time^[1]
Conditional/limited	Rare breeds or conditional eligibility	Foundation stock records or conditional certificates	Special restrictions on breeding or event eligibility apply^[1]

Practical timeline and step-by-step expectations

Begin with document collection and account setup, because completing both steps before submission typically shortens overall processing time by eliminating back-and-forth requests for missing items^[1]. Expect standard processing for straightforward, domestic litter or individual registrations to commonly take 4 to 6 weeks from a complete submission to certificate issuance^[1]. If you purchase expedited service, turnaround can shrink to as little as 2 business days for certain document types when all supporting files are correct and uploaded at the time of application^[1]. Imported-pedigree reviews and cases requiring translation or validation of foreign signatures generally add 3 to 8 weeks to processing depending on the number and complexity of documents submitted^[1].

Practical naming and data-entry checks

Verify that the registered name fits within the allowed character limit and contains only permitted characters; many registries enforce a maximum name length (commonly up to 50 characters) and prohibit punctuation or obscenities, so planning the registered name before submission avoids rejections for naming violations^[1]. Enter the date of birth exactly as the breeder’s whelping record shows; a single-digit error in a month, day, or year can trigger a request for proof and delay completion by multiple weeks^[1]. When entering microchip numbers, double-check each digit because a transposed number can prevent automatic parentage matching and slow down processing until corrected^[1].

Troubleshooting common problems without re-applying

If the registry returns an application for missing or mismatched parent information, supply certified pedigree pages or breeder-signed affidavits as requested; supplying the requested documents typically resolves the hold without requiring a new application^[1]. Corrections to clerical mistakes—such as misspelled owner names or incorrect colors—are handled via formal correction forms and generally process within 7 to 10 business days after the registry receives the correction request and any required proof^[1]. If parentage needs verification, approved DNA kits must be ordered and submitted to an approved laboratory; expect laboratory processing plus registry verification to take 3 to 6 weeks from the date samples arrive at the testing lab^[1].

Records retention, future transfers, and title tracking

Keep digital and hard copies of all registration paperwork, microchip records, transfer receipts, and breeder-signed documents because owners commonly need these records when transferring registration, entering events, or applying for duplicate certificates; many registries recommend retaining records indefinitely for title verification and breeder accountability^[1]. When ownership changes, submit signed transfer forms promptly; some administrative rules require transfer requests be submitted within a specific window following sale or adoption to avoid additional proof requirements, and timely submission simplifies future title and event entries^[1]. For dogs that earn titles or health clearances, update the registry record to reflect achievements because official title recognition and searchable pedigree records depend on accurate, current registry entries^[1].

Best practices for breeders and owners to prevent delays

Breeders should pre-fill litter records and keep accurate whelping logs with full sire and dam registration numbers and signatures to accelerate litter reporting and pup registration^[1]. Use microchips rather than collars for permanent ID because microchips provide a stable identifier and reduce the likelihood of lost-ownership disputes; register the microchip number in both the registry record and with the microchip company at the time of transfer^[1]. When selling puppies, supply buyers with a clear packet that contains the signed transfer form, pedigree copy, microchip details, and veterinary records to make the owner’s registration submission quick and complete^[1].

When to contact customer support and how to escalate

If an application has not moved within the published standard processing window, contact customer support with your application reference number and the date of submission; providing a clear summary of missing items and the history of correspondence helps staff identify and resolve holds more quickly^[1]. For complex disputes—such as contested parentage, international document validation, or alleged fraudulent paperwork—ask for escalation to a specialist or pedigree department and expect a longer review period that may require notarized documents or lab results as part of the resolution process^[1].

Closing considerations before you submit

Before final submission, run a final check: confirm sire and dam registration numbers match their certificates; verify the microchip digits; ensure owner and breeder signatures are present; and compare the registered name to the naming rules one last time to avoid common, avoidable delays that can add weeks to the process^[1]. Maintain copies of transaction receipts and any expedited payment confirmations until your printed certificate or digital record is received and verified as correct in your account^[1].