Click on a question below for the detailed answer.

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How does AKC Dog Registration function? Answer: The American Kennel Club registration system can be described as a cycle, which is repeated every generation. The cycle includes litter and individual dog registration. In order for a litter to be eligible for registration, the sire (father/stud dog) and the dam (mother/bitch) must be individually AKC registered and the litter must be whelped in the United States. Registration of the litter must be completed before any of the pups from the litter can be individually registered with AKC.

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Where can I find definitions of the terms used in the Online Dog Registration process? Answer: Glossary


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Can I register my puppy online? Answer:You may register your puppy online if the following criteria are met:

1. The litter your puppy is a member of is AKC registered.
2. The litter your puppy is a member of has only one owner.
3. Your registration application has a PIN (An sample application with a PIN is provided in the next question)

OR

4. You are the litter owner and the puppy is being registered in your name. Note: The puppy will be registered in the name(s) of all litter owners listed on AKC records.

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Why does my dog registration application have a PIN? What do I do with the PIN? Answer:

If your puppy's litter had only one owner, your dog registration application will have a PIN. The PIN allows you to complete the registration of your dog online.


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Can I register my dog online if my application does not have a PIN? Answer: If you are the new owner of the dog and there is no PIN on the registration application, you cannot use the AKC Online Dog Registration. You should complete the paper application and mail it to the address indicated on the application.

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As the new puppy owner, what information do I need to register a dog online? Answer:You will need to provide the following information:

• PIN
• Full Registration Code (if applicable)
• Dog registration number
• Names and addresses of all owners
• Name, gender, color, and markings (if any) of your puppy
• Date of transfer
• Puppy name
• Registration package selection
• Payment Information

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I received my AKC Registration Certificate and it says the dog is Limited. What does that mean? Answer: Limited Registration means that the dog is registered but litters produced by that dog are ineligible for registration. In addition, a limited dog cannot compete in conformation shows. However, the dog is eligible to be entered in any other licensed or member event, including Obedience, Tracking, Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Herding, Lure Coursing, Agility, Rally, and Earthdog.

The breeder assigns limited registration to a dog by marking (blackening) out the limited registration box on the application. If the limited registration box on your application is darkened, the breeder has selected limited registration for your dog. Please contact your breeder if you have questions about why your dog was given limited registration status.

If the limited registration box on your application is not darkened (you can see a 3-digit Full Registration Code in the box), your dog is eligible for full registration. Please contact AKC at 919-233-9767 to correct the registration status for your dog.


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If my breeder applied limited registration to my dog, is there any way I can change it to full registration? Answer:Limited registration can only be changed to full registration by the litter owner(s).

• If you have not yet registered your dog and you have questions about why your dog was given limited registration status, please contact your breeder.
• If the dog has already been registered with the AKC, the litter owner(s) will need to obtain the Application to Revoke Limited Status (form AN1AB).The litter owner can download the application from our website. Once you and your breeder complete this form and submit it to the AKC, you will receive a new registration certificate, with Full Registration status.

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I logged in with only one PIN number and now my dog is listed as having Limited registration. What can I do? Answer: You should exit the online dog registration process before completing it and log back in using both PIN numbers.


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What are the rules for naming my dog? Answer: Rules for naming my dog.


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What is the difference between a gold and silver package? Answer: The gold package includes an official AKC Registration Certificate, a dog care training video, a one year subscription to the AKC Family Dog magazine, and a three generation AKC-Certified Pedigree. The silver package includes an official AKC Registration Certificate and a three generation AKC-Certified Pedigree.


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As the litter owner registering the puppy in the name(s) of the litter owner(s), what information is needed to register the dog online? Answer:To register the puppy in the name(s) of all the litter owners, you will need to provide the following information:

• Litter number
• Litter date of birth
• Dam registration number
• Dam's certificate issue date
• Puppy registration number
• Name of puppy
• Name, gender, color, markings (if any), and registration type (full/limited) of puppy
• Registration package selection
• Payment Information

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As the litter owner registering the puppy in the name(s) of the litter owner(s), why is the Dam's Certificate Issue Date required? Answer: The Certificate Issue Date is an item of information known only by the owner(s) of the dam; therefore, it ensures a secure transaction.


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As the litter owner registering the puppy in the name(s) of the litter owner(s), do I have to wait to receive the individual dog registration application from AKC before I register the puppy? Answer: No. After you register your litter, you will receive a confirmation email. You can use the information provided in the confirmation email to register the dog in the name(s) of the litter owner(s).


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What additional online services will the AKC be offering in the future? Answer:Currently AKC offers Online Litter Registration, Online Dog Registration, Online Accounts - to manage dogs you own and are interested in, and Online Record Keeping - to manage your breeder and litter records. In addition, the Event Management System allows clubs to manage their event application and judge's panel online, including last minute edits to the panel. Additional registration services, expanded event services, and increased club services are planned for the future.

The American Kennel Club is always striving to provide the services and features that will allow us to provide the highest levels of customer service to our patrons. We are always open to suggestions and if you have any suggestions as to new online services or other additions to www.AKC.org, please feel free to send us an e-mail at Master@akc.org. Your feedback and opinions are very valuable to us and we will give your suggestions all possible consideration.

For answers to other registration-related questions, please visit the AKC Answer Center.

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Need assistance? Call the AKC Customer Service team at 919-233-9767 for help completing your registration.
Customer Service Hours:
8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET
Weekdays (Monday - Friday) except holidays