How to Read a Dog's Registration Papers

Registration papers are an invaluable tool in the dog world. A dog’s papers prove that he is a registered purebred with the organization of your choice, and are a record of your dog’s information. Understanding registration papers, however, can be a bit tough for the novice dog owner or those unfamiliar with the registration process.

Things You'll Need

• Registration papers

Instructions

1. Locate your dog’s registration papers. Always be sure to keep them in a secure place such as desk or a safe so that they are easily accessible. Your dog’s papers are important, and most registries will charge you a hefty fee to issue another set if something happens to the originals.

2. Take note of where your dog’s name appears on the registration. Styles on registration papers will vary depending on what organization you register your dog with, so a brief once over of your dog’s papers will familiarize yourself with the layout.

3. Read over the papers. The information should be very clearly labeled. There will be a section for your dog’s name, registration number, breed, color and date of birth. Make sure that all of this information is correct, and contact the registry if any changes need to be made.

4. Notice your dog’s sire and dam. The terms sire and dam refer to your dog’s father and mother, and will be listed with the sire first, then the dam. They will be listed on the paperwork along with their registrations numbers. This information will be very helpful to you in filling out future documents regarding your dog.

5. Note that your dog’s breeder and owner of record also appear on her registration papers. You should be listed as owner of record on the papers and your information should be listed correctly on the registration papers. Again, contact the registry to make any updates or corrections.

6. Verify that the registration papers have an issue date and the official registry seal on them. The issue date and seal assure that the papers are authentic and an official document issued by the registry. The seal area will also note any particular notations or instructions from the registry regarding the paperwork, so familiarize yourself with this section.

7. Make note of any other special features of your dog’s registration papers. Each registry handles paperwork a little different, so you might notice a few minor variations depending on the organization. If you are unclear of any feature or notice anything out of the ordinary, do not hesitate to contact the registry in questions.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the papers thoroughly. Mistakes do happen from time to time, but observation and diligence will keep them to a minimum.

• Check over your dog’s registration papers as soon as you receive them. Correcting mistakes in a timely fashion will avoid any problems in the future.

• Do not misplace registration paperwork. It includes vital information about your dog and his lineage and can be difficult and costly to replace.