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, or they promise they'll provide paperwork at a later date, only to disappear or never follow through, leaving the buyer with no legitimate proof of the dog's pedigree.. 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 will walk you through The Basics of AKC Registration and outline important steps to take Before, During, and After your purchase in order to protect your investment and your new furry friend's well-being. Let's get started!
The Basics of AKC Registration
What is AKC Registration?
The American Kennel Club is a registry body responsible for tracking the lineage of dogs of various breeds. AKC registration provides official recognition of a dog's pedigree, confirming its status as a purebred and enabling participation in AKC-sanctioned events and competitions.
What to Expect:
"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 should supply a partially completed AKC Dog Registration Application at the time of purchase. When you complete your portion and submit it with the proper fee, the AKC will process the application, and you will receive an AKC Registration Certificate. For more information, check out the AKC's Facts and Stats: Puppy Buying page.
No Excuses!
Be wary of excuses such as “AKC hasn’t sent the papers yet.” The standard processing time of any AKC registration item is generally only a few days. If a breeder is doing his/her paperwork promptly, there is no reason the AKC Dog Registration Application form should not be available. If this document is unavailable at the time of delivery, wait until the breeder receives it before you pay for and take home your puppy. Once you have completed the transaction, an unsatisfied buyer often has no recourse.
No AKC Papers, No Dog!
If you expect the dog you are buying to be AKC-Registrable, you should realize it is your responsibility to obtain the AKC Dog Registration Application from the breeder when you pick up the dog. If the breeder indicates that papers aren't available, you should wait to buy the dog.
Look for the AKC Seal
Make sure your registration application and papers have the official AKC seal. Many other registries have alarmingly similar names, initials, and logos.
All Registrations Are Not Created Equal
AKC does not accept registrations from most other domestic registries, so don’t assume you can transfer your dog’s registration to AKC after buying the dog. Without AKC registration for your dog, they cannot compete in AKC events or whelp puppies that would be AKC-registrable.
The terms “papers” and “AKC-registrable/AKC-registered” are not interchangeable. Buyers must look for AKC registration, the only registry that offers the services, events and commitment to purebred dogs that the buyers – and certainly the dogs – deserve.
More information is available at www.akc.org. Consumers should direct questions and concerns about AKC registration to AKC Customer Service at 919-233-9767, or e-mail registration@akc.org
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.)
- Verify the AKC Registration Number: If the seller indicates that a dog has been AKC Registered (or if the seller states that the dog's sire or dam is registered), 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.