Answer: A dog whelped in the United States that is individually registered with one of the Domestic Registry Organizations listed below may be eligible for registration. A three-generation certified pedigree issued by the Domestic Registry Organization must accompany the application for AKC registration.

No other registries are accepted besides those listed at: http://www.akc.org/rules/special_registry_services.cfm.

Some examples of other registries that are not accepted by the AKC are:
a. America's Pet Registry (APRI)
b. Continental Kennel Club (CKC)
c. Canine Kennel Club (CKC)
d. United All Breed Registry
e. United Kennel Club (except Coonhounds)
f. North American Purebred Dog Registry

The AKC and these registries do not follow the same standards and guidelines. Your dog or its subsequent offspring cannot be registered with the American Kennel Club.

When you purchase a purebred dog with "AKC papers," this means that you are being given the information and paperwork necessary to register your dog with the American Kennel Club. As anyone involved in the sport of purebred dogs will tell you, registering your dog is well worth it. AKC registration opens doors of opportunity, excitement and growth for every purebred dog lover and guarantees your dog's place of honor in the rich history of its breed. Whether you are an experienced breeder, handler or first-time dog owner who wants to better understand, strengthen your bond with and experience the thrill of helping your dog reach its natural potential, you'll discover a wonderful world of opportunity offered by AKC, see more information located here: http://www.akc.org/public_education/regpromo.cfm.

It also allows you to get a pedigree of your dog, which will trace its ancestry back three or four generations.

Registration of your dog also allows you to participate in many types of AKC events, including Conformation, Junior Showmanship, Agility, Obedience and Performance events.

We encourage you to contact your breeder to determine if it is possible to receive AKC registration papers for your dog.

The registration process is described here: http://www.akc.org/reg/registeradog.cfm.

If you are interested in participating in AKC events, you may want to consider enrolling your dog in our Purebred Alternative Listing/Indefinite Listing Privilege Program (PAL/ILP). The PAL/ILP program is designed to allow dogs that are ineligible for registration, but are distinguishable as a member of an AKC registrable breed, to participate in many AKC Companion and Performance Events. You can find out more about the PAL/ILP program and the requirements for enrollment at http://www.akc.org/reg/ilpex.cfm.