Frequently Asked Questions
Foreign Dog Registration

Can I change my dog's name?

Answer: The dog must be registered with the name that appears on the foreign Registration Certificate/Certified Pedigree. Foreign titles will not appear on any AKC documentation.
Why must I return my paperwork to the foreign registry to have my USA address shown?

Answer: Eligibility requirements state that the AKC application and the foreign registration documentation must reflect identical ownership. This can be found in our Special Registry Services Pamphlet - section I Imported Dogs, under A Eligibility number 5 or on the AKC website under /rules/special_registry_services.cfm.
Who is considered the importer?

Answer: The importer would be the individual who brought the dog from the country of birth to the United States. Most often this is also the first US owner.
Is FCI an acceptable registry?

Answer: FCI is not an acceptable registry. The FCI is not considered a 'registry' as such. They are an organization made up of individual registries that each have their own pedigrees. A complete list of the registries that we do accept can be found in our Special Registry Services pamphlet or on the AKC website at /rules/special_registry_services.cfm.
What is an export pedigree?
Answer: Many countries issue different types of pedigrees - one for dogs staying in the country and an 'Export' pedigree for dogs that are being taken outside of the birth country. AKC now issues a Certified Export Pedigree for dogs being taken outside of the US.
Does AKC issue export pedigrees?

Answer: AKC issues a 3 generation AKC Certified Export Pedigree that enables you to register your dog with a foreign registry. The export pedigree contains all of the details on a standard AKC pedigree but also includes information listed on the AKC Registration Certificate. The issue date, however, is not included and export pedigrees can only be purchased by one of the dog's owners. The export pedigree was created in this way to better protect our breeders and dog owners. Export pedigrees are required to register your dog with a foreign registry as of May 31, 2019. You can purchase an export pedigree here: https://www.akc.org/register/pedigree/
What are the eligibility requirements to register an imported dog?
Answer: A. Eligibility

Dogs imported into the U.S. may be eligible for registration in the AKC Stud Book, provided:
1. The imported dog is of a breed eligible for individual registration in the AKC Stud Book.
2. The dog is physically in the United States even if the owner is a foreign resident. Note: If the current owner is not a resident of the US, we would require proof that the dog was or is in the US. We will generally check the dogs show records in-house to see if the dog has been shown. We would also accept a statement from a Vet stating that the dog was examined in the US.

3. The imported dog was registered in country of birth with a Foreign Registry Organization listed in Section IV of this pamphlet. Note: If the dog was imported to another foreign country before coming into the US we would require a copy of the pedigree from both the birth country and the interim country.

4. The AKC application form is accompanied by a legible photocopy of a complete official three-generation Pedigree and certification from the Foreign Registry Organization. The dog must have an unrestricted registration. Note: The complete 3 generation pedigree would require names & numbers for all dogs listed. Also, we do not require an original pedigree if the dog is from Canada, Bermuda or Mexico. They may submit a legible photocopy. In the case that both parents are already AKC registered they may omit the pedigree, but must still submit a copy of the Registration Certificate.

5. The AKC application and the foreign registration must reflect identical ownership.

6. The dog has been positively and permanently identified (microchip or tattoo) prior to being registered.
What do I need to register my foreign dog?
Answer: The items listed below must be submitted for the AKC to consider registration (this information is also printed on the form):
1. The properly completed application, signed in ink.

2. The registration fee, payable in U.S. funds - do not send cash.

3. A clear and legible photocopy of the original Certificate of Registration indicating the dog's registry and owner of record - do not send the original certificate.

4. A clear and legible photocopy of the foreign three-generation Certified Pedigree (or Export Pedigree, where applicable). If both the sire and dam of the dog identified on the application are AKC registered, print the AKC registration number of the sire and dam in the appropriate spaces on the front of the application. In this case, you may omit the copy of the Certified Pedigree. Do not send the original pedigree.

5. All foreign dogs being registered with the AKC are required to have positive identification. This section of the application must be completed to show: a) the type of identification (tattoo, microchip, DNA profile), b) the identifying information and its location on the dog, and c) the registry recording the identifying information. The identification may be done after the dog is in the United States, but prior to AKC registration.

6. Two three-by-five-inch color photographs, providing close-up front and side views of the dog in a standing position, are required.

What are the DNA requirements?

Answer: Effective for imported dogs registered on or after March 1, 2006, any imported dog registered with the AKC must have an AKC DNA profile prior to registering its first litter whelped in the United States. This requirement does not affect foreign dogs registered with the AKC before March 1, 2006. This requirement applies to both males and females and will be used to verify future generations produced by these dogs.

DNA is not required to register the imported dog, but all foreign dogs being registered with the AKC are required to have positive identification (tattoo, microchip, DNA profile).
What is the fee to register a foreign dog?

Answer: Visit our Fee Schedule for a list of current prices.
My dog is registered with a foreign registry. Can I register my dog with the AKC?

Answer: A description of the foreign registration process, along with a listing of acceptable foreign registries, can be found at /rules/special_registry_services.cfm.

You will need an AKC Foreign Registration Application (ADIMPT). You can download the foreign registration application from our website. You will need to go to the following address - http://www.akc.org/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 of charge from www.Adobe.com. You must use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4.0 or newer to view the files. If you need an application mailed to you, please e-mail your name and your home mailing address (snail mail).

The dog must be registered with the name that appears on the foreign Registration Certificate/Certified Pedigree. Foreign titles will not appear on any AKC documentation.

The items listed below must be submitted for the AKC to consider registration (this information also is printed on the form):
1. The properly completed application, signed in ink.

2. The registration fee, payable in U.S. funds - do not send cash.

3. A clear and legible photocopy of the original Certificate of Registration indicating the dog's registry and owner of record - do not send the original certificate.

4. A clear and legible photocopy of the foreign three-generation Certified Pedigree (or Export Pedigree, where applicable) is required. If both the sire and dam of the dog identified on the application are AKC registered, print the AKC registration number of the sire and dam in the appropriate spaces on the front of the application. In this case, you may omit the copy of the Certified Pedigree. Do not send the original pedigree.

5. All foreign dogs being registered with the AKC are required to have positive identification. This section of the application must be completed to show: a) the type of identification (tattoo, microchip, DNA profile), b) the identifying information and its location on the dog, and c) the registry recording the identifying information. The identification may be done after the dog is in the United States, but prior to AKC registration.

6. Two three-by-five-inch color photographs, providing close-up front and side views of the dog in a standing position, are required.
Where can I find a list of registries from which the AKC will accept dog registrations?

Answer: A list of acceptable registries and information about the Foreign Application process can be found at: /rules/special_registry_services.cfm
My dog is registered with a kennel club in another country and I don’t see it on AKC’s list of acceptable registries.

Answer: Unfortunately your dog cannot be registered with the AKC at this time.

Only foreign and domestic registries that meet AKC’s requirements are added.

AKC does permit the registration of imported dogs with AKC registered sires and dams under the following conditions:
  • There was no acceptable registry in the dog's country of birth.
  • The dog is physically in the United States.
  • The sire, dam and all dogs in the litter have been DNA tested.
If you are interested in participating in AKC’s many exciting events, you may want to consider enrolling your dog in our Indefinite Listing Program (ILP). The ILP program 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, including Agility, Rally®, Obedience and Tracking.
Special Litters

Click for Special Litter Information

Click for Special Litter downloadable form

The dam of my litter is AKC registered but the sire is a foreign dog, how can I register my litter?

Answer: A litter whelped in the U.S. by reason of a mating that took place outside the U.S. between an AKC registered or registrable Dam and a non-AKC registered Sire may be registered if the Sire meets the registration requirements outlined in Section A of our Special Registry Services pamphlet.

You must also complete our Special Litter Registration Application (ALITTS) and submit the following documentation:
1. A legible copy of the official three-generation Pedigree for the Sire issued by the Foreign Registry in sire's country of birth.

2. The Stud Certificate issued by the registry organization in whose Stud Book the Sire is registered, or an official letter from that registry organization, must verify, with its official Club Seal and authorized signature, that the person signing as owner of the Sire was, in fact, the recorded owner of the dog at the time of the mating and that the foreign Sire was mated to the bitch named on the AKC Litter Registration Application Form.
What are the requirements for registering a Special litter?

Answer: A litter whelped in the U.S. by reason of a mating that took place outside the U.S. between an AKC registered or registrable Dam and a non-AKC registered Sire may be registered if the Sire meets the registration requirements outlined in Section A and the completed Special Litter Registration Application (ALITTS) is accompanied by:
1. A legible copy of the official three-generation Pedigree for the Sire issued by the Foreign Registry in sire's country of birth.

2. The Stud Certificate issued by the registry organization in whose Stud Book the Sire is registered, or an official letter from that registry organization, must verify, with its official Club Seal and authorized signature, that the person signing as owner of the Sire was, in fact, the recorded owner of the dog at the time of the mating and that the foreign Sire was mated to the bitch named on the AKC Litter Registration Application Form.
I bought the female overseas in whelp what must I do to register the litter?

Answer: In order to register a litter bred overseas the dam must first be AKC registered. If the dam is AKC registered you will need to submit a completed Special Litter Registration Application along with the following:
1. A legible copy of the official three-generation Pedigree for the Sire issued by the Foreign Registry in sire's country of birth.

2. The Stud Certificate issued by the registry organization in whose Stud Book the Sire is registered, or an official letter from that registry organization, must verify, with its official Club Seal and authorized signature, that the person signing as owner of the Sire was, in fact, the recorded owner of the dog at the time of the mating and that the foreign Sire was mated to the bitch named on the AKC Litter Registration Application Form.
What paperwork do I need on the sire?
Answer: You will need to have a legible copy of the official three-generation Pedigree for the Sire issued by the Foreign Registry in the sire's country of birth.
What is the fee?

Answer: Visit our Fee Schedule for a list of current prices.
Can I register the litter if it is born in the foreign country?

Answer: If your litter was born outside of the United States, you must register your litter with the foreign registry in that country. You cannot register a foreign born litter with the AKC.

Is there a time limit to register the dam? Can I register the dam after the litter is born?

Answer: There is no time limit on registering your dam, but penalty fees may be applied if your dog is from an AKC litter. The dam can be registered after the litter is born, however, we do not advise breeding your dog until they are AKC registered.
Is DNA required on the foreign sire?

Answer: DNA is only required on AKC registered dogs. However, if your dam was registered through Foreign registration please Note: Effective for imported dogs registered on or after March 1, 2006, any imported dog registered with the AKC must have an AKC DNA profile prior to registering its first litter whelped in the United States. This requirement does not affect foreign dogs registered with the AKC before March 1, 2006. This requirement applies to both males and females and will be used to verify future generations produced by these dogs.
Open Registration
When a new breed is accepted in the American Kennel Club a specialty type of registration known as Open Registration, is available for a limited time. The American Kennel Club in conjunction with the Parent Club (also known as a national breed club) sets this time frame for the breed.

Click for Open Registration Information

Click for Open Registration downloadable form

What do I need in order to register my dog?

Answer: In order to register your dog with the AKC through Open Registration you must submit:
1. The properly completed application, signed in ink.

2. The registration fee, payable in U.S. funds - do not send cash.

3. A clear and legible photocopy of the original Certificate of Registration indicating the dog's registry and owner of record - do not send the original certificate.

4. The clear and legible photocopy of the original three-generation Certified Pedigree issued by the US registry - do not send the original pedigree. A complete list of acceptable registries can be found at /register/open-registration/.

5. Two three-by-five-inch color photographs, providing close-up front and side views of the dog in a standing position.

How do I know if my dog is eligible for Open Registration?

Answer: In order to be registered under Open Registration your dog must meet the following criteria:
1. The dog must be born in the United States, or one of it's possessions or territories. Otherwise, it will have to be submitted with a Foreign Dog Registration Application.

2. The owner must be a resident of the United States, or one of it's possessions or territories.

3. The dog must be of a breed eligible for registration in the AKC Stud Book.

4. The dog must first be registered with a domestic registry acceptable to the AKC (see /register/open-registration/ for a complete list of registries).

5. The dog must be registered with the same name that appears on the certificate from the domestic registry.

6. The dog must be registered in the same owner(s) name that appears on the certificate from the domestic registry. A co-owner can be added by a transfer after the dog is AKC registered by simply filling out the back of the certificate and sending to AKC with a transfer fee.

7. The information on the application must agree with the information on the domestic registry certificate and/or pedigree.
What is the fee?

Answer: Visit our Fee Schedule for a list of current prices.
What registry is acceptable to register my dog?

Answer: You can find a list of AKC acceptable registries at /register/open-registration/.