How Much Does AKC Registration Cost?
The AKC, or American Kennel Club, is a registry for purebred dogs in the United States. Aside from registering dogs, the club also promotes events such as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the National Dog Show. This club is the largest registry in the United States and is the only not-for-profit registry. For a purebred dog to be registered with the AKC, the dog’s parents will have to be registered with the AKC as the same breed.
How much does AKC registration cost?
According to the AKC as of 2017, the cost will depend on how many dogs you register and how long you wait. Registering a dog only, with nothing else, can cost $30, but if you were to need the pedigree, lost and found, and video offer option, then the cost will be $74. Registering a dog, plus the pedigree option, will be $46.
A litter, if registered immediately, can cost $25, plus $2 per puppy, but if the litter came from artificial insemination, the costs could be $30, plus $2 per puppy. The costs can rise if you were to wait 12 to 24 months before registering a litter.
Registering an imported dog can be one of the costlier options, costing $100.
AKC registration overview
Dogs can either be assigned a full or limited registration. A limited registration often means the breeder doesn’t consider the breeding quality, and if they are bred, those puppies can’t be registered.
AKC registration simply means the parent dogs were registered with the AKC. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t mean the dog is one of the best or the puppy was raised in a healthy environment. Any purebred dog can be eligible for an AKC registration as long as the litter has been registered. However, a DNA testing was implemented for stud dogs used more than seven times in a lifetime or three times in a calendar year. If the DNA test isn’t provided via the official DNA kit, then the AKC will revoke the dog’s registration.
Whenever someone adopts a dog said to be AKC registered, you must get an application from the seller. Once you receive this application, you can register your dog online as long as there’s a PIN number.
Picture the AKC registration similar to that of a family tree. As the puppies are born, these newborn puppies will be added to the registration when the breeder sends in the information. When sending in the information, the AKC will ask about the mother and father, the AKC registration numbers, date of birth and the certificate number. The breeder will then sign a form testifying these dogs were bred and the puppies were a result of these parents. It’s simply a registration and nothing more than that.
When you register your dog with the AKC, they will provide you with the following: a framed registration certificate, 30 days of insurance through AKC Pet Insurance and a certificate for a complimentary veterinary office visit. If you were to upgrade, as stated above, then you will receive a collar tag with 24/7 lifetime recovery services, a dog training video, subscription to AKC Family Dog magazine and the ability to participate in AKC events.
After registering, you will receive your kit within three weeks as long as all forms were filled out correctly. If any errors were noted, it could result in some processing delays.
What are the extra costs?
Reissuing a dog application can cost $15 while recording the lease of an agreement can cost $20.
A duplicate certificate, if needed, can cost $20.
Transferring the ownership can cost $30 or $49 if you needed to transfer the pedigree as well.
Correcting the registration paperwork, if there were to be an error, could cost $20.
Revoking a limited registration can cost $25.
Expediting a litter registration can cost $60.
Tips to know:
The presence of AKC paperwork doesn’t necessarily mean the dog will be a purebred, but according to ItsMagicMaltese.com, the absence of these papers could be a red flag. Aside from looking for this paperwork, it’s also best to look at the parent’s health background, its socialization habits and how it was raised.
All purchasing fees will be non-refundable.
Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. Please read our disclosure policy for more info.
Average Reported Cost: $0
How much did you spend?
- Martha (San Diego, California) paid $0 and said:
WAY TOO MUCH. legal scam for breeders. as they place limited registration upon you in a legal scam that protects lying breeders.. sure they will sell you a 5000.00 champion pup, “never informing you of this legal loophole ” this is how it works .. they never mention the nasty words “limited registration to you” this way you buy the pup from them and they gain all control over you .. yes breeders..they place that unknown to you,, they do not want you to buy that expensive champion bred dog from someone else..breeders want your money.. “now they will end you and any potential future threat with the legal loophole of limited registration” now you cannot show your new champion pup,, you can never register a future pup you bred.. your future is destroyed and there selling ability is never challenged by your accomplishments.. which keeps the money flowing for them. and this limited registration is added on the sly and gives them the power with a legal document…BE Careful because the AKC will protect them with this screw job and will do nothing to help you in any way shape or form..run from akc. they are just there to collect the second part of the screw job.. they even state boldly they will have no involvement in your dispute.. and why don’t they make registration papers flagged with information on this limited registration.. inform and educate the public on this scam.. oh no way …the AKC scammers want your cash worse than the crooked breeders and their B.S. scams.
Was it worth it? Yes