Help! Do I Need to Register My New Golden Retriever Puppy with the AKC?

The not-for-profit American Kennel Club, commonly known by the acronym AKC, is the largest registry or listing of purebred dogs in the United States. Registration does not implicitly guarantee a healthy dog or quality stock; it does verify genuine pedigree/ancestry. All Windy Knoll Goldens dogs are registered with the AKC for breeding and sale purposes. Even if you are not breeding your dog, there are general benefits to registering your canine.

1. You will receive official documentation, your colored registration certificate, that records your dog’s formal name, breed, color, sire, dam, and breeder.
2. Registration is required for participation in AKC-sanctioned events. These include shows, obedience and agility trials, and other performance sports.
3. Registered owners can access health, training, and other educational resources. These include the online Family Dog magazine, the Canine Good Citizen initiative, and many other worthwhile programs.

There are several types of AKC registration. Each registration has its own particular purpose and specific benefits. The two basic types are summarized below. Registrations costs vary; the limited registration costs $40.00 for the online form and $42.99 for a paper application.

1. Full Registration. This is intended for dogs that will be bred or shown.
2. Limited Registration. This is intended for non-breeders. Litters from these dogs cannot be registered with the AKC.  Although excluded from official conformation shows, these dogs can sign up for agility, obedience, and other sporting events.

Windy Knoll Goldens provides limited registration AKC paperwork with your new puppy. If you plan on registering your new puppy, take a moment to watch these helpful tutorial videos created by the AKC.

Why Register?

Finding and Using Your Dog’s Registration PIN

Understanding Date of Transfer

All About AKC Pedigrees