How to Register a Purebred Puppy

Purebred dogs in the U.S. are registered with the American Kennel Club if the parents are registered with that organization. A purebred puppy that bears all the characteristics of the breed can also be registered through the American Purebred Association, which focuses more on the dog's appearance and less on inherited paperwork. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Register a purebred puppy that has no litter registration or that lacks two registered parents through the American Purebred Association (APA). Request application materials from the organization. See Resources.
2. Research the characterisistics of the breed for registration. Determine that the puppy meets the qualifications of purebred appearance.
3. Photograph the puppy at the age of eight weeks or older. Take two photos: one front view and one side view, both of the dog standing, to showcase the appropriate breed characteristics.
4. Submit the brief application and the two photos to the APA. Include a non-refundable $10 registration fee.
5. Register a litter of puppies of non-registered pur-bred parents by submitting front and side view photos of both the sire and dam to show the defining breed characteristics. Include a $25 registration for the entire litter.
6. Record the registration of a purebred puppy with the American Kennel Club (AKC) if the sire and dam are registered with the organization. Contact the breeder for proper documentation of the sire and dam as well as whelping information.
7. Complete the proper forms and forward to the AKC along with proof of registration of the sire and dam; and certification of the whelping from the breeder. Include the appropriate registration fee(s). See Resources.