Confirming Legitimacy of AKC Paperwork

AKC Registration paperwork is a great way to verify your dog's pedigree and health. However, some less-than-scrupulous sellers forge AKC Registration paperwork in order to fetch a higher price for the dog. Without genuine AKC paperwork, you risk unknowingly purchasing a dog with misrepresented lineage or health issues, which can lead to heartache and financial loss down the road.

In this guide, we'll show you how to verify and handle AKC paperwork before, during, and after your purchase in order to protect your investment and your new furry friend's well-being. Let's get started!

Before Purchase:

Research the Breeder: Take time to research the breeder thoroughly. Perform searches online to look for reviews, personal websites, and social media accounts. Check with the breeder to see if you can visit their breeding facility in-person; if not, see if you can schedule a virtual visit through Zoom or Skype. (Check out our Buyer Tips for more great recommendations.)
Understand AKC Terminology: "AKC Registered" often indicates that a dog has been officially recorded in the AKC registry, while "AKC-Registrable" means the dog is eligible for AKC registration. If a dog is AKC-Registrable, the seller will often supply a partially completed Registration Application at the time of purchase which you can complete in order to fully register your dog. For more information, check out the AKC's Facts and Stats: Puppy Buying page.
Verify the AKC Registration Number: Contact the AKC directly to verify the registration number provided by the seller. You can also verify the authenticity of the registration number using the AKC's Dog Search page.

During Purchase:

Get Paperwork during Purchase: If your Contract of Sale states that you will receive an AKC Registration Certificate (or an AKC Registration Application if the dog has yet to be registered), make sure to get that at the time of purchase. If AKC paperwork is not available when you pick up your dog, wait until the breeder receives it before making payment. After finalizing the transaction, there is often little recourse for an unsatisfied buyer (especially if you do not have a written Contract of Sale and a receipt).
Examine the Paperwork Carefully: Before finalizing the sale, inspect the AKC Registration Certificate provided by the seller. Look for signs of tampering or inconsistencies in the information provided. Ensure that all required details (including the registration number, breed, color, markings, sex, date of birth, and name of breeder/owner) are accurate, and that the AKC Certificate has the official AKC seal.

After Purchase:

Transfer Ownership into Your Name: If you purchased a dog which has been AKC Registered, make sure to transfer the ownership into your name. Check out the AKC's Transfer Ownership of Your Dog page for more information.
Register Your Dog: If you purchased a dog which is "AKC-Registrable" you can register the dog using an AKC Registration Application provided by the seller at the time of purchase. You can also use the AKC's Register Your Dog page if necessary.
Keep Records Secure: Once you've completed the purchase, make sure to keep all documentation in a safe place. Retain the breeder's contact information for future reference.
Update Information as Needed: If there are any discrepancies or updates needed with the AKC paperwork, contact the breeder or the AKC to address them promptly. You can contact AKC Customer Service at 919-233-9767, or through email at registration@akc.org.