Overview:

• What is dog registration? 
• Major dog registries
• Breed standards
• What to ask your breeder about registration
• Commonly asked questions
• Glossary

Dog registries track and document the ancestry, breeding history, and ownership records of purebred dogs. If you're considering purchasing a specific breed, registration can help verify your dog's lineage. While genetic testing is one verification method, understanding dog breed registries can help you make informed decisions before bringing your new puppy home.

Quick Article Summary:

• Registration documents a dog's lineage and pedigree
• Major registries include AKC, UKC, CKC, FCI, and KC
• While registration provides valuable pedigree documentation, it's important to also ask your breeder about their health screening practices
• Understanding registration helps when working with breeders

What is dog registration?

Registering a dog with a breed registry differs from licensing a dog with local government:

• Breed Registration: Documents ancestry and pedigree in an official registry
• Dog Licensing: Required by local governments for pet ownership

Purebred dogs have their pedigree documented in a registry's database ("studbook") when both parents are registered with the same organization. Registration typically records:

• Date of birth
• Parents' identities
• Breed classification
• Owner and breeder information

While registration documents your dog's lineage, responsible breeders go beyond registration by conducting comprehensive health testing. To learn more about your pup's health, ask breeders about their health screening practices, including tests performed, results, and health guarantees.

Major Dog Registries

There are three dog registries in North America that are well-established among the breeding community: the AKC (American Kennel Club), the UKC (United Kennel Club) and the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club). There are also several other dog registration agencies, which each have specific requirements, benefits, and events.

The AKC (American Kennel Club) is the largest dog registry in the United States. In addition to providing registration, the AKC oversees their membership clubs, the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program, and promotes other dog events.

Breed Standards

What is a breed standard?

A breed standard is a detailed description of the ideal example of a particular breed, established by breed parent clubs. These standards include specifications for:

• Physical appearance
• Movement and gait
• Temperament and behavior
• Overall health and structure

These standards serve as guidelines for judging dogs in conformation shows and evaluating breeding stock.

What to ask your breeder about registration

Good Dog Breeders are happy to discuss registration details with you to ensure you're comfortable with their process.

• Feel free to ask if the puppy's parents are registered and with which organization—breeders are proud to share this documentation
• Discuss when you'll receive your puppy's registration papers—typically at pickup with final payment, though some breeders may wait until after spay/neuter or until the registry processes the paperwork
• Be sure to clarify whether your puppy will have "limited" or "full" registration status, and get all agreements in writing

Commonly asked questions about registration:

Is registration a guarantee that my puppy meets the breed standards?

Registration with any registry, including the AKC, is not a guarantee that a dog meets the standards of their breed club. For example, AKC will register dogs with non-standard coat colors, as long as the parents are AKC registered.

Is registration a guarantee that my puppy is healthy?

Registration is not related to health testing or health. In addition to getting registration information, you should ask the breeder you are working with about what health tests they have performed on their breeding dogs, and the results of those tests. You can learn more about health testing here.

Are all registrations equivalent?

Some registries are very well established, notably AKC, FCI, CKC, and KC. Other registries are newer, may be less established and/or have less stringent standards related to registration requirements. We recommend researching the registration agency your puppy’s parents are registered with to ensure they meet your needs. A quick online search of the registration agency will allow you to learn about their standards and practices, and how they verify ancestry of dogs in the registry. You can also read any reviews of the agency to see if they seem reputable.

Are there other types of registries?

There also are registries for specific breeds, crossbreeds, and for service/working dogs.

What should I look for in a dog registry?

A reputable dog registry should:

• Operate as a non-profit organization
• Maintain a published code of ethics
• Require documentation and proof of pedigree
• Verify ancestry claims
• Maintain accessible records
• Have established history and reputation
• Offer resources for dog owners and breeders

What if my puppy's parents aren’t registered?

We are sure you will love your new puppy no matter what paperwork they have! However, if it is important to you that you have a purebred puppy, then look for a dog whose parents are registered with an organization that requires a pedigree. If a complete, multi-generational pedigree is not required by the registering agency, you could end up with a puppy that is not purebred.

What about dogs registered in other countries?

Most, if not all, countries have their own registration agencies. These may be independent, or part of the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale), which is the largest international federation for national kennel clubs. 

What do registries do besides track pedigree?

It varies by agency, but some of the larger organizations also offer benefits with registration such as pet insurance, discounts, and participation in dog shows. Most registries also have a look up tool that allows you to check a dog’s registration status if you have the dog’s registered name or number.

Do I need to register my puppy?

Registration of your puppy is up to you! For example, full AKC registration is only necessary if you plan on breeding a dog and registering their puppies, or you plan to compete in the larger, more established dog shows. 

Most puppies intended to be pets are sold under limited registration. This means that the puppy does not have breeding rights, and any litters they produce are not eligible for AKC registration. Dogs with limited registration cannot compete in conformation or breed competitions, but they can participate in other AKC events such as Agility, Rally, and the Canine Good Citizen program.

Any agreements about limited or full registration should happen at the time of sale and should be in writing. 

How can I register my puppy?

• Before you buy a dog, talk to your breeder about what type of registration they provide.
• Ask your breeder to see the registration information for their parent dogs. Responsible breeders are proud to share that information with their buyers.
• Determine which registry you would like to register your dog with.
• Get the appropriate paperwork from your breeder.
• Go to the registry website for details and instructions. 

What about crossbred dogs?

Most traditional registries are only open to purebred dogs. Crossbred dogs (the offspring of two different purebred breeds) have different considerations:

• The parents may be registered, but the puppies typically aren't 
• Some newer registries do track crossbred dogs
• Remember, registration doesn't determine a dog's quality or suitability as a pet

Glossary

Breed standard: The official description of the ideal dog of a specific breed

Conformation: How closely a dog matches the ideal breed standard

Limited registration: Registration status that doesn't include breeding rights

Pedigree: A documented ancestry record, typically for at least 3-5 generations

Purebred: A dog whose parents are of the same breed and who comes from a lineage of same-breed dogs

Studbook: The official record book or database where a registry records dog pedigrees

We’re always here to help!

If you have any other questions about registration, our Care team is happy to help! Reach out to us anytime by emailing help@gooddog.com, or giving us a call at (855) 446-6336.