Understanding Your AKC Registration

​People who are new to purebred dogs simply ask if a puppy they are purchasing is “papered,” often not realizing that within the various registries in the US there are different types of “papers” and registration certificates. The two main registries in the United States that recognize the Norwegian Buhund include the AKC (American Kennel Club) and UKC (United Kennel Club). Each registry offers various types of registration and each has their own benefits, here I will discuss the American Kennel Club’s four most common types of registration – Canine Partners, PAL, Limited Registration, and Full Registration.

Canine Partners is a program that you can use to register a dog with AKC of mixed or unknown heritage whose appearance does not match one of AKC’s recognized breeds. You may also register a breed that AKC does not yet recognize using this option. It is important to note that when you apply for this type of registration you also certify that the dog you are registering is spayed or neutered at the time of registration.
This registration allows you to participate and earn titles and certificates in any of AKC’s “all breed” venues except conformation and other breed or group specific venues. Instead of a traditional “Registration Certificate” you will receive a “Certificate Of Enrollment.” The Certificate Of Enrollment is a one page tan colored certificate which features the Canine Partners logo.

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AKC’s PAL Program, also known as the Purebred Alternative Listing, allows you to register a dog who phenotypically appears to be one of AKC’s recognized breeds. To apply for this form of registration you must submit at least two recent and clear photographs of the dog – one showing the facial characteristics of the dog and one showing a full side profile while the dog is standing.
Like the Canine Partners option, this registration type requires that the dog be spayed or neutered at the time of registration and allows the dog and owner to participate together in AKC’s “all breed” venues, except for conformation. The PAL Program adds the benefit of also allowing participation in venues specific to the breed or group to which that dog appears to belong (i.e. Sighthounds can participate in Lure Coursing, Small Terriers and Dachshunds can participate in Earthdog Trials). This registration looks like a traditional registration certificate, taking up about 1/3 of a sheet of paper. It has a red border which states “Purebred Alternative Listing” along the top of the border and it lacks any breeder information.

AKC Limited Registration is likely the most common registration someone will come across when purchasing a Norwegian Buhund in the US. This registration is for puppies who are born to parents who both have AKC Full Registration or where one of the parents is located internationally and is registered with an AKC approved registry (such as the Canadian Kennel Club or Norsk Kennel Klub). This type of registration does not require the animal to be spayed or neutered at any time and allows the animal to participate in all AKC venues except for Conformation. If a dog is bred while on Limited Registration the puppies are not able to be registered with the American Kennel Club. The breeder(s) of the dog may at any time pay to upgrade a dog’s registration from Limited to Full. This is useful for breeders who want to keep a close eye on their puppies and have requirements for the owners before they allow the dog to be upgraded to Full Registration such as titles and/or health testing. This registration certificate is about 1/3 of a sheet of paper and is bordered in orange and states “Limited Registration Certificate” along the bottom. In the top right corner is the statement, “offspring of this dog not eligible for registration.” With this registration, the dog can participate in any AKC venue except for Conformation.

Full Registration, given out sparingly in most cases, is given to those puppies who will need this type of registration to participate in conformation or is given later in life to adult dogs whom the Breeder has also agreed is worthy to breed. This registration allows the dog and owner “free reign” to participate in any AKC venue that the breed qualifies for. It also allows offspring of the dog to be AKC registered if the mate also has Full AKC Registration or full registration from an AKC accepted registry, such as the Canadian Kennel Club or Norsk Kennel Klub. Breeder’s often increase their requirements and/or co-own when sending a puppy home with Full Registration. This registration certificate is bordered in blue and along the bottom states “Registration Certificate.”

All of the registration certificates above will have an issue date as well as the AKC logo but what else might you see on your certificate?

Bred With H.E.A.R.T. – If you see this logo on your AKC registration certificate it means that your Breeder pays a yearly due to participate in AKC’s Bred With H.E.A.R.T. program. Breeders who participate in this program agree to the following principles:

• Health - Health testing in accordance with the breed’s National Parent Club
• Education – Promise to pursue AKC-provided or AKC-approved breeder education
• Accountability – Agreeing to comply with AKC’s Care and Conditions Policy, including inspections by AKC.
• Responsibility – Accepting responsibility and complying with all laws regarding ownership and maintenance of dogs.
• Tradition – Upholding AKC’s tradition of purebred dogs.

For more information on AKC’s Bred With H.E.A.R.T. Program please visit https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/akc-bred-with-heart-program/

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Breeder Of Merit – If you see this logo on your AKC registration certificate it means your Breeder has applied and been accepted into AKC’s Breeder Of Merit Program. To apply to this program your Breeder had to demonstrate to the AKC that they have met the following requirements:

• The Breeder has been involved with AKC events for at least 5 years.
  
• The Breeder has produced at least 4 puppies with titles from Conformation, Companion, or Performance Events which are judged by an AKC Judge.
  
• The Breeder is a member of an AKC Club.
  
• The Breeder certifies that they perform all applicable health tests as recommended by the National Parent Club.
  
• The Breeder can demonstrate that 100% of the puppies they have produced are AKC Registered.
  

For more information on AKC’s Breeder Of Merit Program please visit https://www.akc.org/breeder-programs/akc-breeder-of-merit-program/

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​I sincerely hope that this gives you a better understanding of AKC’s most common registration types and what each type can offer you and your dog.