How to Register a Litter with the AKC: A Step-by-Step Guide

AKC registration adds value to your puppies and your breeding program — here is exactly how to do it

AKC registration is one of the most common things puppy buyers ask for, and one of the most confusing processes for first-time breeders. Here is a complete walkthrough.

Before You Can Register a Litter: Prerequisites

The AKC will only register a litter if both the sire and dam are individually AKC registered. You need:

  1. Both parents must be AKC registered — individually registered with a real AKC number
  2. You must be the owner of the dam
  3. The stud dog's AKC number — the stud owner must provide this to you
  4. The breeding date — date of first mating or insemination
  5. The whelping date — date the puppies were born

Get these details from the stud owner before the puppies are born if possible.

Step 1: Obtain the Litter Registration Application

Option A: Online (Recommended) — Go to AKC.org, log into your account, and navigate to "Register a Litter." Online applications are faster and receive a litter number immediately.

Option B: Paper Application — Order a paper Litter Registration Application from AKC. These are also sometimes provided by the stud owner at the time of breeding.

Step 2: Complete the Application

You will need to provide:

Important for AI breedings: For any artificial insemination, you must submit a Veterinary Statement certifying the method used. Without it, AKC will not register the litter.

Step 3: Pay the Litter Registration Fee

As of 2026, AKC charges approximately $25-$35 base fee plus $2-$3 per puppy. Rush processing is available for an additional fee.

Step 4: Receive Your Litter Number

Online applications typically receive a litter number within a few business days. Paper applications can take 2-4 weeks. The litter number is what you need to register individual puppies.

Step 5: Register Individual Puppies

The litter number does not register individual puppies — each puppy must be registered separately.

Full vs. Limited Registration

Full Registration — The puppy can be shown in conformation, used for breeding, and registered offspring are eligible for AKC registration.

Limited Registration — The puppy can compete in performance events but cannot be shown in conformation and its offspring are not AKC eligible. This is appropriate for pet-quality puppies sold with a spay/neuter agreement.

Most responsible breeders sell pet-quality puppies on Limited Registration to prevent indiscriminate re-breeding.

Puppy Names and AKC Requirements

Registering a kennel name ($35 as of 2026) protects your prefix so no other breeder can use it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting too long. AKC allows litter registration up to 1 year after whelping, but register within 30 days to stay organized.

Not getting the stud's AKC number before breeding. Get it in writing in your stud contract before the breeding takes place.

Forgetting the Vet Statement for AI breedings. This is the most common reason litter applications are rejected.

Not recording which puppy received which AKC name. Keep a detailed record matching each puppy's identity (color, markings, microchip) to its AKC name and registration number.

DNA Profiling Requirements

AKC may require DNA profiling when:

DNA testing is done through an AKC-approved lab and costs approximately $40-$65 per dog.

Summary

Registering an AKC litter involves five steps: confirm both parents are registered, complete the application, pay the fee, receive your litter number, and register each puppy individually. The process is straightforward when you have the sire's AKC number in advance and complete the Vet Statement for any AI breedings.