The American Kennel Club is the registry for purebred dogs in the United States. Beyond registration it sells certified pedigrees, DNA profiles, AKC Reunite microchip enrollment, training programmes and a shop full of breed-themed gear, books and gifts.
Most people come to the American Kennel Club site for one of two reasons: a new puppy with paperwork to complete, or a gift for a dog lover. The two need different decisions, so this guide covers both.
Registering a puppy with the American Kennel Club
A breeder registers the litter. You then register your individual puppy, using the registration application or online code the breeder gives you.
Ask for that paperwork at the time you collect the puppy. Without it, American Kennel Club registration becomes much harder.
Registration fees, optional packages and deadlines are set by the American Kennel Club and change. Check the current options on the site before paying, and do not assume the priciest package is necessary.
Registration records a dog's parentage. It is not a guarantee of health or temperament, so ask the breeder separately about health testing of the parents.
Full versus limited registration
The breeder chooses which registration a puppy gets.
Full registration means offspring can be registered with the American Kennel Club, and the dog can compete in conformation shows.
Limited registration means the dog is registered, but any puppies it has cannot be. Many pet-quality puppies are sold this way, and only the breeder can change it.
If you plan to show or breed, agree full registration in writing before you buy. Some breeders will only grant it once health tests on your dog are complete, and the contract should say so.
Either type of American Kennel Club registration lets a dog take part in sports such as agility, obedience and rally.
Pedigrees and DNA
A certified pedigree from the American Kennel Club shows your dog's ancestry over several generations. Longer pedigrees cost more; for most owners a shorter one is plenty for framing or curiosity.
The American Kennel Club DNA programme is about identity and parentage verification. It is not a breed-mix test or a full health screen. If you want to know about inherited diseases, look for breed-specific health tests.
AKC Reunite microchip enrollment
AKC Reunite is the American Kennel Club's pet recovery service. It sells microchips and enrollment, and can enroll chips from many manufacturers, not only its own.
A microchip only works if the registry holds current contact details. After a move or a new phone number, update the record straight away. Check whether your enrollment is lifetime or needs renewing.
A chip is not GPS. It is read by a scanner at a vet or shelter, so a collar tag with your number still matters.
Buying from the AKC Shop
The AKC Shop sells collars, leashes, beds, apparel with breed designs, books and gifts. Breed-specific items are the main draw, so search by your breed.
For collars and harnesses, measure your dog's neck and chest with a soft tape rather than guessing from breed. Leave room for two fingers under a collar.
For apparel as a gift, check the American Kennel Club size chart, since fits vary between product lines. Personalised items are often non-returnable, so check spelling carefully.
AKC Shop items ship from the American Kennel Club's suppliers, so delivery times vary by product. Order holiday gifts early.
Training programmes and titles
The American Kennel Club runs training programmes open to many dogs, including mixed breeds. S.T.A.R. Puppy suits young dogs. Canine Good Citizen tests everyday manners. AKC Trick Dog titles reward tricks.
Tests are run by approved evaluators, who set their own fees. Title certificates are then recorded with the American Kennel Club, sometimes for a small fee.
Canine Good Citizen is the one most worth doing. It is a good goal for basic training, and some landlords and therapy-dog groups ask about it.
Where the American Kennel Club savings are
These American Kennel Club codes are mainly for the AKC Shop:
PLUS30 is the deepest percentage. Use it on a larger AKC Shop order, such as a bed plus apparel, where 30% adds up.
PUREBRED takes $20 off. Against 30% the break-even is about $67: below that the $20 wins. It may carry a minimum spend, so check.
FREESHIP helps most on a single small gift, where shipping would be a big share of the total.
Expect American Kennel Club codes to apply to merchandise, not registration fees, pedigrees or Reunite enrollment. Normally only one code works per order.
Common questions
Can I register a mixed-breed dog with the American Kennel Club?
Mixed breeds can enroll in the AKC Canine Partners programme for sports and titles, but not full breed registration.
Does American Kennel Club registration mean a dog is healthy?
No. It records parentage. Ask the breeder for health-test results on both parents.
Do I need AKC Reunite if my dog already has a chip?
Only if the chip is not enrolled with a registry. Check it is enrolled and your details are current.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| 10% off | Promo code | View at American Kennel Club → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at American Kennel Club → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at American Kennel Club → |
| 10% off | Promo code | View at American Kennel Club → |
