Registering Your Dog
You cannot register a dog with the AKC if the parents don’t have papers. However, the Continental Kennel Club allows registration with just pictures of the dog and its parents, but this registry is not as widely recognized. To be eligible for registration with the CKC, the applicant canine must be purebred and of proper breed type. If you are sure that your dog is non-pedigree, then registration is not necessary.
Popular All-Breed Registries
These are the most popular all-breed registries that you can find:
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Continental Kennel Club (CKC)
AKC Registration Requirements and Alternatives
Registering your dog with the AKC requires proof of the dog’s parentage. This includes a three-generation pedigree and registration papers from another recognized registry. You will also need to provide the registration fee and completed application form.
If your dog does not have papers or a pedigree, you may still be able to register with the UKC for single registration, or explore the Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) program if the AKC papers were lost and cannot be replaced. PAL-registered dogs can compete in AKC events and enjoy additional benefits.
The Value of Registration
While papers help show or breed dogs, they also ensure reliable AKC records vital to advancing purebreds. So consider registering your dog even if it’s just for preservation purposes.