Registration Requirements
AKC DNA Profiles are generated using the same technology used by law enforcement agencies throughout the world. In humans and dogs alike, each gene is present as two copies (displayed as letters). Offspring receive one copy of each gene from each parent in a random process.
This technology does not use actual genes, but other DNA sequences that are also inherited - one copy from each parent. For this reason, your dog's AKC DNA Profile does not provide any information about the conformation of the dog or the presence/absence of genetic diseases. Furthermore, AKC DNA Profiles cannot determine the breed of a dog.
For more information, go to:
More frequently asked DNA questions can be found here:
DNA is required only in certain circumstances.
Those circumstances and AKC’s DNA requirements can be found at the websites listed below:
Frequently Used Sires Requirement:
/dna/frequently_used_sires.cfm
Compliance Audit Program:
Customer-Driven DNA Complaint Policy:
Imported Breeding Stock DNA Requirement:
/dna/imported_breeding_stock.cfm
Multiple-Sired Litter Registration:
Frozen and Chilled Semen DNA Requirements:
More frequently asked DNA questions can be found here:
The AKC offers a comprehensive set of voluntary and mandatory programs to ensure the integrity of the AKC registry: voluntary DNA Profiling; the Frequently Used Sires requirement; the Fresh-Extended/Frozen Semen requirement; the Multiple-Sired Litter Registration Policy; and the Kennel Inspections/Compliance Audit Program.
Information on these programs can be found here:
/dna/index.cfm
DNA is required for dogs only under these circumstances:
Frequently Used Sires Requirement:
/dna/frequently_used_sires.cfm
Compliance Audit Program
Customer-Driven DNA Complaint Policy
Imported Breeding Stock DNA Requirement
/dna/imported_breeding_stock.cfm
Multiple-Sired Litter Registration
Frozen and Chilled Semen DNA Requirements
More frequently asked DNA questions can be found here:
A small bristle brush is inserted in the dog's mouth, swirled against the inside of the cheek, and the sample is collected. It is this simple collection process that makes it possible to use DNA on a large scale to help the accuracy of the AKC registry.
AKC has two types of kits. The regular kit is available at no charge, and the $40 processing fee (per dog) is due when the sample is returned to the AKC. We also offer a Prepaid Test Kit for only $35 (per dog). You can save $5 per dog by paying in advance.
DNA Test Kits may be ordered through the AKC Online Store or by contacting the AKC at:
AKC DNA Operations
PO Box 900065
Raleigh, NC 27675-9065
Phone: 919-233-9767
E-mail: orderdesk@akc.org
More frequently asked DNA questions can be found here:
The AKC offers a comprehensive set of voluntary and mandatory programs to ensure the integrity of the AKC registry: voluntary DNA Profiling; the Frequently Used Sires requirement; the Fresh-Extended/Frozen Semen requirement; the Import Breeding Stock requirement; the Multiple-Sired Litter Registration Policy; and the Kennel Inspections/Compliance Audit Program.
Information on these programs can be found here:
/dna/index.cfm
More frequently asked DNA questions can be found here:
AKC has two types of kits. The regular kit is available at no charge, and the $40 processing fee (per dog) is due when the sample is returned to the AKC. We also offer a Prepaid Test Kit for only $35 (per dog). You can save $5 per dog by paying in advance.
DNA Test Kits may be ordered through the AKC Online Store or by contacting the AKC at:
AKC DNA Operations
PO Box 900065
Raleigh, NC 27675-9065
Phone: 919-233-9767
E-mail: orderdesk@akc.org
Breeders/owners fulfill the requirement when the DNA test kit arrives at DNA Operations in Raleigh and is logged into the Database, even though an additional six to eight weeks are required to obtain the actual DNA profile. Any litters that are pending because we need a DNA test for the sire will be released when we receive the sample.
If you want to check if we have received the sample, please contact: dna@akc.org
All imported dogs (male or female) registered on or after March 1, 2006, require AKC DNA profiling prior to the registration of their first AKC-registered litter.
DNA is not required for individual dog registration. But the dog must have been positively and permanently identified (microchip or tattoo) prior to being registered.
The Conditional Registration program began in June 2007.
For more information on the Conditional Registration Program, please click here.
Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege (PAL/ILP)
The Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege (PAL/ILP) is designed to allow dogs that are ineligible for registration, but are distinguishable as a member of an AKC registrable breed, to participate in many AKC Companion and Performance Events.
Once enrolled in the PAL/ILP program, entering AKC events is as easy as with a registered dog. The only difference is that instead of an AKC registration number, you would list the dog's PAL/ILP number on the entry form.
Applying for this program is a simple process. PAL/ILP applications can be downloaded from our website. You will need to go to /pdfs/masterform.cfm. The application is in .pdf format and requires the use of Adobe's Acrobat Reader to view the application. Adobe's Acrobat Reader can be obtained free from www.adobe.com. You must use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4.0 or newer to view the files.
If you are not able to download the application, you can email PAL@akc.org to request an application. When requesting a form via email, please include your name and current mailing address.
Enrollment in the Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege program is not to be construed as an alternative form of registration, but as a listing so that dogs who are ineligible for AKC registration may participate in AKC Companion and Performance Events. A PAL/ILP may be cancelled for cause.
Over 3,000 dogs in this innovative and fast-growing AKC program were granted PAL/ILP numbers in the year 2005, and the AKC awarded more than 6,000 AKC titles to PAL/ILP dogs in that same year. Enrollment in the PAL/ILP program is easy, and the benefits for you and your dog are endless.
For more information or questions about the program, contact PAL@akc.org.
Applications for enrollment into the Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege Program (PAL/ILP) can be downloaded from our website at /pdfs/masterform.cfm. The application is in .pdf format and requires the use of Adobe's Acrobat Reader to view the application. Adobe's Acrobat Reader can be obtained free from www.adobe.com. You must use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4.0 or newer to view the files.
If you are not able to download the application, you can email PAL@akc.org to request an application be mailed to you. When requesting a form via e-mail, please include your name and mailing address.
If you list an eligible dog with FSS, you receive a FSS certificate that indicates the dog is the product of a purebred sire and dam of the same breed.
In order to have the dog recorded, you need to forward your FSS Dog Registration application to the AKC with the appropriate fees. You should receive the FSS Dog Registration application from the person from whom you bought/acquired the dog.
If I purchased/acquired a dog that is not from a litter produced by an FSS recorded sire and dam but the dog is from an acceptable registry:
You can apply to the FSS by forwarding a fully completed Foundation Stock Service application, a 3 generation pedigree from an acceptable registry, 2 photographs and the required fee to the AKC for review. Every application will be evaluated on its own merit. Applications for the FSS can be downloaded from your website /pdfs/masterform.cfm#Registration , or obtained from the AKC by calling (919) 233-9767 or by writing to AKC, 8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27617-3390. A complete list of requirements and instructions is included with the application.
Briefly stated, the requirement for admission to the Stud Book is clear and categorical proof that a substantial, sustained nationwide interest and activity in the breed exists. This includes an active parent club, with serious and expanding breeding activity over a wide geographic area. When in the judgment of the Board of Directors such interest and activity exists, a breed is admitted to the Miscellaneous Class.
Breeds remain in the Miscellaneous Class one to three years and are evaluated at the end of each year. When all criteria are met the information is presented to the AKC Board of Directors for approval to move to full AKC recognition and breed conformation competition.
If your dog is from an FSS litter the dog recording is $10. This price may vary based on your package selection. A co-owner fee may apply (see fee schedule).
Coonhound information available at: http://www.akccoonhounds.org/
Downloadable form available at: /pdfs/ADFSS2.pdf
If your dog is from an FSS litter the dog recording is $10. This price may vary based on your package selection.
Fresh Semen information available at:
/pdfs/rulebooks/RREGS2.pdf
Downloadable form available at: /pdfs/freshse.pdf
Sire and dam must both be present during the extraction of semen and the insemination of the bitch.
Fresh Extended Semen information available at:
/pdfs/rulebooks/RREGS2.pdf
Fresh Extended Semen DNA requirements available at: /dna/frozen_semen.cfm
Downloadable form available at: /pdfs/semenfe.pdf
The sire must be AKC DNA Certified.
- After October 1, 1998, AKC DNA Profiling is required for all stud dogs whose semen is collected for fresh extended or frozen use, including foreign stud dogs collected for imported semen use in the United States.
- The intent of this requirement is to include all semen collected for storage and/or shipment for the purpose of artificial insemination, but not to include artificial insemination where the dog and bitch are both present.
- Frozen semen collected and stored prior to October 1, 1998 in accordance with AKC's regulations and procedures is exempted from this requirement.
- Cheek swab samples must be obtained by the collector and submitted with the notification of collection to AKC (if the DNA sample is not already on file with AKC).
Frozen Semen information available at: /pdfs/rulebooks/RREGS2.pdf
Frozen Semen DNA requirements available at: /dna/frozen_semen.cfm
Downloadable form available at: /pdfs/frozsem.pdf
- The collection of semen for the artificial breeding must be reported to the AKC with DNA certification. If the semen was collected after October 1, 1998, the sire must be AKC DNA Certified.
- The collector/storer must be on record with the AKC as familiar with and complying with the AKC regulations for record keeping and identification of dogs.
- The Application to Register a Litter Resulting from Artificial Insemination Using Frozen Semen must be submitted containing the certifications completed by the owner of the semen, the owner of the dam and the veterinarian who performed the artificial breeding, with the proper fee.
- After October 1, 1998, AKC DNA Profiling is required for all stud dogs whose semen is collected for fresh extended or frozen use, including foreign stud dogs collected for imported semen use in the United States.
- The intent of this requirement is to include all semen collected for storage and/or shipment for the purpose of artificial insemination, but not to include artificial insemination where the dog and bitch are both present.
- Frozen semen collected and stored prior to October 1, 1998 in accordance with AKC's regulations and procedures is exempted from this requirement.
- Cheek swab samples must be obtained by the collector and submitted with the notification of collection to AKC (if the DNA sample is not already on file with AKC).
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