How To: Register a dog with the AKC

You have a purebred, make it official. With a few simple forms your purebred dog can be a member of the American Kennel Club and carry on the traditions of and gain access to this exclusive organization. Your dog can have an official pedigree.

Make Fido's pedigree official. Follow these steps to register your purebred pup and take advantage of the benefits offered by the American Kennel Club.

Step 1: Get registration form from your dog's breeder

Get a puppy registration form from your dog's breeder, who should have registered the litter with the AKC and gotten registration numbers for each dog.

Step 2: Contact the breeder for more information

Contact the breeder for more information if they didn't give you a registration form when you first got the dog. Get basic information about your dog's parents and about the breeder.

Be sure that your breeder has registered their dogs. Only dogs with AKC-registered parents can be registered with the American Kennel Club.

Step 3: Complete the paper form or register online

Fill out the form given to you by the breeder, or complete the registration online at the AKC web site. Provide information about your dog's color and markings, as well as your contact information.

Step 4: Pay the registration fee and submit the form

Pay the required registration fee and submit the form and payment to the AKC.

Register your dog before they turn a year old to avoid paying an additional charge on top of the basic registration fee.

Step 5: Receive your registration certificate

Wait about 10 to 14 days to receive your dog's registration certificate by mail.

Track your application status online at the AKC web site.

Step 6: Check the certificate for any errors

Check your certificate for any errors and contact the AKC if any changes are needed. Read the AKC web site, and learn all about the benefits available to you and your new puppy.

The Labrador retriever is the most popular purebred dog in the Uni