Here is what AKC says on their website about determining the color and registering non-standard color dogs.
Can you help me determine what color my dog is?
There are two options. You can send scanned pictures of the dog and a scanned copy of the dog registration application for the dog in question attached to e-mail to
awards@akc.org. Please allow several business days for a response. At least two 3 x 5 color photographs, providing close-up front and side views of the dog in a standing position, are required. If you do not have access to a scanner, you can also send the pictures and a photocopy of the application to our Special Services department by regular US mail to:
American Kennel Club
Attn: Special Services
8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100
Raleigh, NC 27617-3390
Please allow three to four weeks for handling and be sure to include a return address, phone number and/or e-mail address so they may give you their determination of the color of the dog.
Please note that it may be difficult to determine the color from a digital image and you may be requested to send the photographs by mail. If you have specific questions about the possible colors of a breed, you can contact a representative of our Special Services Department. You can contact the American Kennel Club’s Special Services Department from 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, Eastern Time at (919) 233-9767. You can also address e-mail to
awards@akc.org.
Please note that the registry of the American Kennel Club is based on parentage and not the coat color of a member of any breed. However, coat color can sometime alert us to an error in the breeding of a particular litter.
The American Kennel Club’s policy is to review any litter that contains a member that possess a non-standard coat color for it’s breed.