Qualifications for AKC Registration

You've just bought your new purebred puppy from a breeder and it's time to register him with the American Kennel Club, also known as the AKC. The AKC specifically states in its rules and regulations that it was formed with the primary purpose of protecting and advancing purebred dogs. As such, strict guidelines are enforced, and your puppy must meet stringent qualifications in order to be eligible for AKC registration.

  1. Breeding

    • In order for your dog to be registered as an American-bred dog, she must have been conceived in the United States. The breeder, who is the owner of the dam, who is the mother of the puppies, or the lessee, a breeder who leased the dam and bred her, must be in good standing with the AKC to qualify for registration of the litter.

    Litter Registration

    • The entire litter of puppies must be registered with the AKC within six months of birth. The litter of puppies must be sired by an AKC-registered male and birthed to an AKC-registered female. The puppies must be born in the United States, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam or the Marianna Islands to qualify for AKC registration.

    Individual Registration

    • Once you have purchased your purebred dog from the breeder, you must register her individually. The litter must have been registered by the breeder first in order for your dog to qualify for AKC registration. The breeder should give you an individual Dog Registration Application when you pick up your puppy. Information required includes the sex of the dog, colors and markings, the type of registration desired, the date of ownership transfer from breeder to new owner, the name and address of the new owner, and her signature.