What is Online Breeder Classifieds (OBC)?

A new AKC service that helps puppy buyers locate breeders with AKC-registrable puppies available.
1) Breeders will be able to list AKC-registered litters on the AKC Web site for $25.00 for 90 days.
2) Prospective buyers will be able to search for AKC-registrable puppies by breed and state OR by breed and zip code radius.

Where did the Online Breeder Classifieds (OBC) idea come from?

The program is modeled on a very successful service implemented by The Kennel Club, located in England.

In the U.S there are numerous Web sites that aim to provide a similar service. However, AKC’s Online Breeder Classifieds is the only site where all dogs listed are from AKC-registered litters and are AKC-registrable. It is also the only site that provides full educational information about selecting a breed, finding a quality breeder, and the responsibilities of dog ownership.

Who is eligible to list a litter on the AKC Web site?

Breeders who:
1) Are in good standing with the AKC.
2) Have a currently registered AKC litter.

The service may be used by breeders with recently whelped litters who are in good standing with AKC. A listing will only be posted after AKC records verify the breeder’s standing. No litter lot sales are permitted. The AKC will remove any listings placed by breeders who become subject to investigation or suspension while listings are active.

The OBC program is designed to assist breeders in selling puppies directly to puppy buyers. Those who sell in wholesale/retail channels, including brokers, auctioneers, pet shops, flea markets, and USDA licensed dealers, would not benefit from using this service and are thus not eligible to list litters.

What will the base OBC listing include?

o Breed
o Breeder’s Name
o Breeder’s City, State, Zip
o Breeder’s Phone and Email
o Sire Name and AKC registration number (Including titles, OFA and DNA profile)
o Dam Name and AKC registration number (Including titles, OFA and DNA profile)
o Litter Date of Birth
o # male/female puppies available

How can puppy buyers determine the quality of breeders who advertise?


1. The AKC encourages consumers to make informed choices. When searching the listings, puppy buyers will have access to information about the breeder’s practices, including club affiliations, microchipping, health screenings via a Breeder Profile that will appear along side the listing. This will allow visitors to the site to make decisions about what aspects of a breeding program are most important to them.

Information in the Breeder Profile is self-reported by the breeder, but the listing can and will be removed if the AKC becomes aware of any inaccurate reporting.

2. By visiting the breeder’s home to see the litter, whelping facilities, the dam and possibly the sire.

3. By asking the breeder appropriate questions: A list of suggested questions to ask the breeder is included when you print the breeder’s contact information.


How do puppy buyers search for available puppies?

1. Select the Online Breeder Classifieds option from the AKC Web site.

2. Preview the breeder search options page. The AKC recommends starting your search by first visiting the Parent Club Web site or contacting the Parent Club Breeder Referral of the breed you are interested in purchasing. Parent Clubs represent a wealth of breed knowledge and are an invaluable resource for prospective puppy buyers.

3. After visiting the Parent Club Web site or contacting the Parent Club Breeder Referral, select the “Continue to Breeder Classifieds Search” icon at the bottom of the Parent Club search options page.

4. Read the educational information covering important aspects of buying and caring for a new puppy. The AKC recommends printing the educational information so you have it readily available as you continue your search. After printing, select the “Begin Free Breeder Classifieds Search” icon at the bottom of the educational information page.

5. Select a breed from the drop-down box and search for a breeder by state or by zip code radius.

6. Find out additional information about individual breeders and litters by clicking on the breeder’s name. Notice that the breeders at the top of the Search Results are members of AKC member or licensed clubs.

7. Carefully read the Breeder Profile information provided by the breeders. Print the detailed contact information or return to the Search Results page and select another breeder.

8. You can print detailed information for multiple breeders by checking the boxes next to breeders on the Search Results page and selecting the Print Report option at the bottom of the page.

What will puppy buyers gain from searching the OBC site?

1. Educational materials, including links to:
  1. Parent Club contact information at the beginning of the search
  2. Finding the right dog
  3. Choosing a responsible breeder
  4. Purchasing a puppy
  5. Breed Rescue groups
  6. Responsible dog ownership
  7. Dogs and children


2. Access to local breeders with AKC-registrable puppies available.

3. Important information about the breeders’ breeding practices via the Breeder Profile.

4. A list of questions to ask the breeder when purchasing a puppy: When puppy buyers print the search results, the list of questions to ask the breeder will be included on the report.

What can puppy buyers do if they suspect a breeder of false advertising?

If you suspect a breeder of false advertising, you may send an email to CaseManagement@akc.org or send a written, signed statement to:

AKC Case Management Department:
PO Box 900066
Raleigh, NC 27675-9066

What can puppy buyers do if they suspect a breeder is in violation of AKC’s Care and Conditions standards?

A breeder whose kennel does not meet the AKC’s Care and Conditions standards is subject to suspension of AKC privileges. You may send an email to CaseManagement@akc.org detailing the conditions of the kennel or send a written, signed statement to:

AKC Case Management Department:
PO Box 900066
Raleigh, NC 27675-9066

Once we receive your complaint, we will investigate the situation and take the appropriate action. You should also file a complaint with your local law enforcement officials.

Does AKC guarantee the quality of the breeders and the litters listed on the AKC Web site?

The AKC encourages consumers to make informed choices and does not have any responsibility for any transactions conducted as a result of an OBC listing.

1. The AKC is not responsible for any transaction between the seller and the buyer.

2. The AKC makes no warranty or guarantee as to health, quality, parentage or value of dogs listed.

3. The sires and dams listed on our site are registered with AKC, as are the litters. Individual puppies from the AKC-registered litters are, therefore, eligible to be registered with AKC, subject to compliance with existing AKC Rules, Regulations, Policies, and the submission of a properly completed Dog Registration Application.

4. Information in the Breeder Profile is self-reported by the breeder.

5. Any information that is added to the listing may only concern the specific litter listed and may only be added by the breeder of record.

6. A breeder who falsely advertises is subject to cancellation of such listing.

7. The AKC reserves the right to correct or cancel any listing at will.

Does AKC Offer other resources to locate Breeders?

1. The AKC and the Parent Clubs for each of the recognized breeds have long promoted Breeder Referral, a listing of breeders willing to assist the public in finding a puppy. The AKC recommends starting your search with the Parent Club Breeder Referral.

2. The AKC Gazette offers classified advertising, both online and in the magazine.


What are the necessary computer requirements to search the OBC listings?


o 486/66 or higher processor (Pentium processor recommended)
o 64 MB RAM or more (minimum of 128 MB RAM is recommended)
o Windows 95 or higher operating system OR Mac Operating system
o 56k modem connection (cable modem or DSL recommended)
o Internet Explorer 6.0, or higher or Netscape 7.0 or higher with Cookies enabled
o Mouse and keyboard