AKC® Procedures for Registration Matters - American Kennel Club

XI. ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION. ....... PAGE 19A. Artificial Insemination UsingFresh Semen. .................. PAGE 19B. Artificial Insemination UsingFresh Extended Semen.......... PAGE 19C. Artificial Insemination UsingFrozen Semen. ............... PAGE 20XII. LIMITED REGISTRATION. ......... PAGE 21XIII. TIME LIMITS. .................... PAGE 21

INTRODUCTIONThe purpose of this booklet is to acquaint you withcertain procedures relative to particular registrationmatters.Hopefully, a knowledge of such procedures willprevent problems BEFORE THEY ARISE.Not every situation is covered in this pamphlet, butin our experience, the situations that are included arethose that frequently cause problems.If you have any questions concerning theseprocedures or questions on any other registrationmatters, do not hesitate to call our Customer Servicedepartment at (919) 233-9767 between the hoursof 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time or email:info@akc.org.3

I. OWNERSHIPA. OWNER DECEASEDIf the owner of a dog or litter dies, AKC registrationforms can only be signed by the person authorized tosign for the deceased. Before the AKC can accept thesignature of the person completing AKC forms for thedeceased, we must be furnished with authorization todo so.If an Executor or Administrator has been or willbe appointed for the decedent, a copy of the LettersTestamentary, Letters of Administration, or theequivalent document naming the person(s) or bankappointed by the Court to serve as Executor orAdministrator of the Estate should accompany ourStatement of Legal Rights form.If no Executor or Administrator has been or will beappointed, the next of kin authorized to sign for thedecedent must complete a Statement of Legal RightsForm, indicating his/her relationship to the decedent. TheStatement of Legal Rights form must be completed in itsentirety, signed and notarized before being submitted.The signature for the deceased should appear asfollows on all AKC documents:Print name of deceased (Date of Death)Per: Signature of Executor, Administrator or signatureof next of kin (relationship to deceased)If more than one person is authorized to sign, thenall signatures must appear on the AKC document. Thecomplete application and required fee should then besubmitted with the Statement of Legal Rights form.B. OWNERSHIP OF DOG ACQUIREDTHROUGH SHERIFF’S SALE, ETC.If ownership of an AKC registered dog or registrabledog has been acquired pursuant to a statute, such asa sheriff’s sale, etc., the American Kennel Club ® willconsider the registration or the transfer of ownership onits records, under certain conditions.Before we would consider such action, we wouldrequire, in addition to proof of the dog’s identity:A. A copy of the applicable statute.B. Proof that the provisions of the statute have beenmet.C. The last known mailing address of the previousowner.4

C. CHANGE OF OWNERSHIPDUE TO DIVORCEIf ownership of a dog changes as the result of adivorce settlement, this change must be recorded as anyother transfer. Transfer from one party to another, orfrom co-ownership to sole ownership should be recordedon the reverse side of the dog’s Registration Certificate.If you are unable to obtain a properly executedcertification of transfer and you request assistance fromthe American Kennel Club, be certain to submit thefollowing:1. The AKC Registration Certificate completed,with the exception of the unobtainable signature,together with the required transfer fee.2. A photocopy of the divorce decree which includesthe property settlement, or the appropriatedocument awarding ownership of the properlyidentified AKC dog in question.3. The present or last known mailing address of theparty whose signature cannot be obtained. If thedog’s AKC information is not properly identifiedin the divorce decree, or if the co-owner refusesto sign or cannot be contacted, the dog will not betransferred.4. If ownership changes as the result of a divorcesettlement, the date of sale indicated on thecertificate should generally reflect the date theproperty settlement became final.When all the information and material are submitted,the AKC will review the matter and ascertain whetherthe registration or transfer of ownership can be effectedin its records.D. DOGS ACQUIRED FROM HUMANESOCIETY OR SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONThe American Kennel Club does not provideregistration service for dogs acquired from ProtectiveLeagues, Humane Societies or similar organizations.Also, when a dog is turned over to a Humane Societyor similar organization, it should be understood that AKCpapers will not be transferred.5

E. DOGS OWNED BY COMMERCIALORGANIZATIONS OR CORPORATIONSUnder AKC procedures, ownership of a dog willnot be recorded in the name of any organization orcorporation which, in any manner, deals in dogs forresale. This procedure has been adopted to foster andencourage the amateur sport of breeding and showingpurebred dogs.II. NAMING OF DOGSThe person who owns the dog at the time theapplication for registration is submitted to the AKChas the right to name it, in the absence of a writtenagreement.There are guidelines that determine the acceptability ofa name. Some of these are as follows:1. Name choices are limited to (50) fifty characters.Spaces between words, apostrophes and hyphensare counted. Note: An additional $10 fee will beincurred when more than (36) thirty-six charactersare chosen.2. All letters in a dog’s name are limited to thestandard English alphabet. When registrationcertificates are printed, all letters are capitalized.Diacritical markings (accent grave, accent acute,umlaut, etc.) are not printed on registrationcertificates in a dog’s name.3. Registered Kennel Names cannot be included in adog’s name unless their use is authorized by theowner of the name.4. Roman numerals must not be included at the endof the dog’s name. The AKC reserves the right toassign roman numerals for identification purposes.The AKC permits thirty-seven (37) dogs of eachbreed to be assigned the same name.5. There are no restrictions on arabic (1,2,3), cardinal(one, two, three), or ordinal (first, second, third)numbers.6. Words and phrases that may not be included in adog’s name:A. Champion, champ, sieger and any AKC title orshow term, either spelled out or abbreviated.B. Obscenities and words derogatory to any race,creed or nationality or transliterations of suchwords.C. Kennel(s), male, stud, sire, bitch, dam andfemale.D. Breed names alone.6

7. An imported dog must be registered with the samename under which it was registered in its countryof birth, except for the addition of a RegisteredKennel Name.All dog names are subject to AKC approval.According to Chapter 3, Section 7 of Rules Applying toRegistration and Discipline: The name of a dog registeredwith The American Kennel Club will be allowed to bechanged provided the dog was whelped in the UnitedStates and in cases where the breeder(s) first individuallyregistered the dog, their written consent would berequired. A dog name containing a Registered KennelName cannot be changed without the written consent ofthe owner(s) of that Registered Kennel Name.However, no change in the name will be recorded byThe American Kennel Club after the dog has producedor sired an AKC registered litter or received an award atan AKC licensed or member event.Any name change must comply with all AKCrequirements.III. CONTRACTSIt has been our experience that all too frequently,severe and complicated problems result from disputesover conditional sale, conditional stud and co-ownershipcontracts or any contract or agreement relating torestrictions or limitations people try to place on the saleor breeding of a dog.A. SPAY/NEUTER CONTRACTSA written agreement between buyer and seller to theeffect that AKC registration papers will not be furnishedto the buyer until the seller has been furnished withevidence that the dog has been neutered or spayed isacceptable under our rules.If a dog is sold under such conditions, it is importantthat the agreement be signed by the buyer before thedog leaves the seller’s premises.Many breeders using this type of agreement includeclauses to the effect that the dog must be spayed orneutered by a certain date (or age).B. STUD CONTRACTSAgreements between individuals concerning studfees should be in writing and clearly state all obligationsand circumstances. The contract should be signed by all7

If a bitch is leased at the time of mating the breeder ofthe litter is the lessee. If the bitch is leased at the timeof whelping, the lessee is the litter owner and the littermay be registered only by the lessee.Every lease must have a termination date, and boththe effective date and the termination date must beentered on the Lease Notification form.If a dam is co-owned, all owners must sign the form.NOTE: It is important that the owner and lessee shouldeach have a written copy of the complete leaseagreement signed by the other party.Leases are not accepted for male dogs nor forthe purpose of entering a dog of either sex in dogshows or other AKC events. The right to exhibita dog cannot be transferred by the person whoactually owns it.VI. SIGNATURESIf you are having trouble obtaining any signatures,please contact the AKC Case Management Department inwriting.A. DAM OWNERS’ SIGNATURESAll dam owners’ signatures are required to register alitter. All applications without the proper signatures willnot be accepted.B. ONLINE CERTIFICATIONThe 2013 Electronic Signature Policy, as approved byThe AKC Board of Directors, states: “To permit oneco-owner of a dog to submit an online registrationapplication with a certification that he or she has thewritten authorization of all other co-owners and would beable to produce such authorization if requested by AKC.”False Online Certifications:As with paper applications, the AKC requires propercertification from the appropriate parties to register littersor individual dogs via online registration. Individuals whoimproperly certify to an online registration are subject todisciplinary action.C. STUD DOG POWER OF ATTORNEYYou may authorize the American Kennel Club toaccept the signature of someone other than yourself ifyou are the actual owner of an AKC-registered male.Such authorization would only apply to applications toregister litters sired by that dog.10

You may obtain a Stud Dog Power of Attorneyform from the American Kennel Club. The period ofauthorization is limited to one (1) year. A new form mustbe filed with the American Kennel Club after one (1)year if authorization is to be extended.If authorized, you should sign the Litter RegistrationApplication forms as follows:Printed name of owner of stud dogPer: personal signature of authorized person(SDPOA)D. POWER OF ATTORNEYWe will accept one person signing for another on allregistration application forms only if we are providedwith the proper authorization.If you wish to grant authorization to someone to signregistration application forms for you, you may requesta Power of Attorney Authorization from the AKC. ThePower of Attorney Authorization should then be completedby both the person authorized to sign, and the persongranting authorization. The form should then be notarizedand returned to the AKC for recording purposes.The authorization is accepted for one year only,and if it is to be renewed, a new Power of AttorneyAuthorization form should be submitted.Applications should be signed as follows:Printed name of ownerPer: signature of authorized person (POA)NOTE: Signing another’s name on an AKC formwithout completing this authorization formwill result in disciplinary action. Do notcomplete a Power of Attorney Authorizationif you are signing for a minor. (See sectionon signing for a minor.)E. SIGNING FOR A MINORIf a dog or litter is to be registered in the name of aminor, the space provided for signature of owner shouldbe signed as follows:Name of child (Minor)Per: personal signature of parent or guardian(relationship)In addition, a Parental/Guardian RegistrationCertification Form should be submitted along withthe application. The form is available from the AKCwebsite and only needs to be submitted one time per dogregistration and is not required for litter registrations ifa Parental/Guardian Registration Certification Form wassubmitted with the dog registration.11

This procedure for signing for a minor must befollowed every time the signature of the minor isrequired on an application form.NOTE: Be certain to indicate your relationship to theminor next to your personal signature to avoidrejection on the application form.VII. REGULATIONS FOR RECORD KEEPINGAND IDENTIFICATION OF DOGSFor dog owners, breeders, dealers, pet shops and allpersons or firms that sell or give away dogs that areregistered or to be registered with the American KennelClub.A. GENERAL PRACTICESEach person covered by these regulations must followsuch practices as, consistent with the number of dogsinvolved, will preclude any possibility of error in identificationof any individual dog or doubt as to the parentageof any particular dog or litter.Thus, if more than one dog is shipped to some newowner or if a number of similar dogs are kept in akennel or pet shop, a system must be used, such asmarking, tagging, tattooing or microchipping eachdog, which will preclude any possible error in identities,and a record of the identifying information must be kept.Bitches in season must be so segregated from malesthat there can be no doubt as to the identity of the sireof any litter. Puppies from different litters must be sosegregated, marked or identified that there can be nodoubt as to the parents or age of a particular puppy, andthe identifying information must be recorded.NOTE: If microchips are used as the primary meansof identification, a scanner must be present at all times ifthere are more than 20 dogs over six months of age onthe premises. All dogs sold at auctions must be identifiedby microchip.B. RECORDSTo provide a source of reference for registration ortransfer applications which have been made or may laterbe made to the American Kennel Club, and to assure theaccuracy of such applications, certain minimum writtenrecords must be maintained. When kept on a computer,a separate printed copy (hard copy) of all requiredrecords, apart from the computer or storage disks, mustbe available.All required records must be made immediatelywhen dog is acquired and delivered, and at time ofmating, whelping or death. Records must be kept onforms devoted to that exclusive purpose and must beconsecutive, accurate, up-to-date and maintained for atleast five (5) years after the dog has died, has been soldor has been given away.12

a. Records to be kept by owners and breeders.1. The owner (and the lessee if a dog is leased) shallkeep a record of each dog owned (or leased) which willshow:BreedRegistered name and number (or litter number ifnot registered)Sex, color and markingsDate of birthNames and numbers of sire and damName of breederName and address of person from whom directlyacquiredDate of acquisitionDate and duration of lease, if anyand when dog is sold, given away or dies:Name and address of person to whom directly soldor deliveredDate sold or delivered or date of deathKinds of papers and date suppliedIn addition, the owner (or lessee, if dog is leased atthat time) shall keep the following breeding records:2. Whenever dog is mated to another dog:Date and place of matingNames of persons handling matingRegistered name and number of dog to which matedName and address of its owner3. and (if a female) when resulting litter is whelped:Date of whelpingNumber of puppies whelped by sex and by colorand markingsLitter registration numberDate of sale, gift or death of each puppy sodescribedName and address of person acquiring each puppyso describedKinds of papers and date suppliedRegistered name and number of each puppyregistered by breederb. Records to be kept by persons or firms whosell or give away dogs bred by others, includingdealers, pet shops and persons acting as agentsor brokers or selling on consignments:13

For Each Unregistered DogBreedSex and color and markingsDate of birthLitter number (when available)Names and numbers of sire and damName of breederFor Each Registered DogBreedRegistered nameRegistration numberAnd for All DogsName and address of person from whom directlyacquiredDate of acquisitionName and address of person to whom directly soldor givenDate sold or delivered, or date of deathKinds of papers and date suppliedC. IDENTIFYING DOGSAT TIME OF DELIVERYIf properly completed AKC registration papersare not supplied with the dog when it is shipped ordelivered to someone else, the person delivering orshipping the dog must furnish the person acquiring thedog with a bill of sale or other signed memorandumgiving all of the identifying information listed below.A promise of later identification is not acceptable.For a Dog Not Yet Individually RegisteredBreedSex and color and markingsDate of birthLitter number (when available)Names and numbers of sire and damName of breederDate sold or deliveredBreedRegistered nameRegistration numberDate sold or deliveredFor a Registered DogThis identifying information must be supplied with thedog even though AKC papers are not yet available, andeven to a person who takes the dog only for resale as anagent or on consignment, and the same information mustbe passed on by him when he disposes of it. (The only14

exception to this requirement is when there is a writtenagreement made between the parties when the dog isdelivered specifying that registration papers are neverto be given.)D. INSPECTIONThe rules provide that The American Kennel Club orits duly authorized representative shall have the right toinspect the records required to be kept and the practicesrequired to be followed by these regulations, and toexamine any dog registered or to be registered with TheAmerican Kennel Club.The American Kennel Club will also refuseregistration to any dog where conditions of the dogsand/or kennels do not meet the minimum standard, asset forth by The American Kennel Club. The AmericanKennel Club will also report these conditions to theappropriate governmental or humane agencies.E. PENALTIESThe rules provide that The American Kennel Clubmay refuse to register any dog or litter or to recordthe transfer of any dog, for the sole reason that theapplication is not supported by the records required bythese regulations.The rules also provide that The American KennelClub may suspend any or all privileges of any personwho fails to observe the above regulations. (Seechapter on Suspension of Privileges.)VIII. PERSON SUSPENDED OF AKCPRIVILEGESChapter 8, Section 3, of the Rules Applying toRegistration and Discipline states: “Any or allprivileges of AKC shall be withheld from any personsuspended.” This means that for specific offensesthe person suspended from event privileges may notparticipate in any event held under AKC rules andregulations, except as a spectator. The reference toattending any event held under AKC rules as a spectatoris all-encompassing. It includes, but is not limited to,prohibiting a suspended person from grooming or in anyway preparing a dog for the event; leading an entereddog on the event grounds; or attempting to influence adog or handler in an event.Further, for specific offenses a suspended personmay not enter any event held under AKC rules andregulations when the published closing date for theevent occurs before the period of suspension ends. Whatthis means is that a suspended person cannot makean entry into any AKC event until his or her period15

of suspension is over. Also, no co-owned dog may beshown during this period.Further, for specific offenses, the registration facilitiesof AKC shall not be available to a person suspendedof registration privileges. This means that AKC willnot accord registration of any litter or individual dog ortransfer ownership of any dog owned solely or in part bythe suspended person to another person. Additionally,AKC will not register any litter of dogs owned by anyother party if the sire of the litter was solely or in partowned by a suspended person and if the mating occurredafter the date of notification. All applications are heldin abeyance pending completion of the inquiry. Anytransaction which occurs during the term of suspensionwill never be accorded registry service.a. The Hardship Policy (January 2012Board meeting): When an individual hasbeen placed on temporary referral, the AKCwill consider the transfer and/or registrationof dogs and litters listed in their AKC recordedownership provided the following criteria ismet;• Dated third party documentation toshow that the dog was acquired prior tothe individual being placed on temporaryreferral.• The parentage of the dog or litter is not inquestion.• All other requirements for AKCregistration are met.When an individual has been suspendedfrom AKC registration privileges, the AKCwill entertain the registrations and/or transferof dogs and litters listed in the individual’sAKC recorded ownership at the time thesuspension is imposed provided the followingcriteria is met;• An AKC DNA profile for the dog is on file.• All other requirements for AKCregistration are met.• The processing fee for such a transfer is$75.If the suspended individual seeks to havethe dog(s) transferred back into his or herrecorded ownership at the conclusion ofthe suspension, the processing fee for suchtransfer is $150.b. Hardship Policy Concerning InnocentThird Parties Involved in Circumvention:Effective January 1, 2002, innocentthird parties who purchase dogs fromindividuals who have acquired registrationby circumventing their suspension will nothave the registration of their dogs/litterscancelled if the parentage of their dogs is notin question.16

IX. OVERAGE/UNDERAGE SIRESAND DAMSChapter 3, Section 5 of the Rules Applying toRegistration and Discipline reads as follows:“No dog or litter out of a dam under eight (8) monthsor over twelve (12) years of age at the time ofmating, or by a sire under seven (7) months or overtwelve (12) years of age at the time of mating, willbe registered unless the application for registrationshall be accompanied by an affidavit or evidencewhich shall prove the fact to the satisfaction of TheAmerican Kennel Club.”If you have had a litter registration application formrejected because the age of the sire and/or dam was notin compliance with Chapter 3, Section 5 and you requestthe AKC to reconsider the matter, you should submit asmuch information and material as possible.The AKC would want to know if the breeding thattook place was a “planned” breeding. We would alsowant to know if there were any witnesses to thebreeding who are in a position to identify the sire anddam and, if so, statements from those witnesses shouldbe submitted. You should tell us how the bitch wasconfined during the entire heat period and whether ornot there was any possibility of the dam being exposedto any other male during the season in question.In the case of an overage sire, we would ask whethera recent sperm count was done by a veterinarian and, ifso, that we receive a copy of the veterinarian’s findings.If you own an overage male and you intend to use thedog at stud, we recommend that you have a sperm countdone by your veterinarian. If the veterinarian finds thatthe male is capable of siring a litter you should makeseveral photocopies of his findings, which can then besubmitted in the future with applications for litters siredby the dog. We would also recommend that you have asperm count done every six (6) months thereafter.X. DNAA. FREQUENTLY USED SIRESDNA REQUIREMENTEffective for litters whelped on or after July 1, 2000,every sire producing seven or more litters in his lifetimeor producing more than three litters in a calendar yearmust be AKC DNA Profiled. These DNA profiles will beused for genetic identity and for parentage verification, andthus will be used to advance issues relating to the integrityof the registry. Dogs with DNA profiles from the voluntaryDNA Profiling Program or from the Parent Breed ClubDNA Program meet this requirement. DNA samples17

processed in the Compliance Audit Program (kennelinspections), however, do not meet this requirement andprofiles are not issued.B. MULTIPLE-SIRED LITTERSEffective September 1, 2000 (and retroactive for24 months), the AKC will consider the registration oflitters with more than one sire, or litters for which theidentification of the sire is in question. The registrationmust be based upon AKC DNA Profiles for the sire(s),dam, and all puppies. In addition to the registration feefor each litter, an administrative fee of $200 (per dam,per whelping) will be charged for litters with more thanone sire. This policy is meant to ensure the integrity ofthe registry and allow for the registration of purebreddogs with AKC DNA profiled parentage - it is not meantto encourage the use of multiple sires.Multiple-sired litters are not eligible for onlineregistration at this time.C. CUSTOMER-DRIVEN DNACOMPLAINT POLICYEffective July 1, 2002: Any AKC customer whoquestions the recorded parentage of a dog or litter maysubmit a complaint in writing to the AKC requestingDNA testing. The complaint must be accompanied bya deposit of $500.00. If the allegation is sustained thedeposit is returned. If the allegation is not sustained,the deposit is forfeited and becomes the property ofThe American Kennel Club.In cases where parentage is shown to be incorrect,AKC will work with customers to correct theregistrations of dogs and litters when possible. Theresponsible parties will be billed for the DNA processingcosts and registration correction fees. Registrationservices will be placed on hold until payment is made.When corrections cannot be made, the necessaryregistrations will be cancelled. The AKC disciplinaryprocedures will apply to exclusions discovered as aresult of this policy.D. DNA REQUIREMENT FOR IMPORTED DOGSAn AKC DNA profile is required on any imported dogregistered on or after March 1, 2006 before any litterwhelped or sired by that imported dog would be eligiblefor AKC registration.This requirement applies to any imported dog,male or female, including dogs from Canada, Mexicoand Bermuda as well as any imported dog of an AKCFSS breed.18

XI. ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATIONLitters resulting from artificial insemination are noteligible for online registration at this time.A. ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION USINGFRESH SEMENThe American Kennel Club will consider anapplication to register a litter resulting from artificialinsemination using fresh semen, provided both the sireand dam are present during the extraction of the semenand the insemination of the bitch and the litter is, in allother respects, eligible for registration.In order to register a litter whelped as a result ofartificial insemination of the bitch using fresh semen,the following are required: a completed Application toRegister a Litter Resulting from Artificial InseminationUsing Fresh Semen and the proper registration fee.The application form contains sections to becompleted by the owner, co-owner or lessee of the damon the date of mating, owner or co-owner of sire on thedate of mating and two additional certifications to becompleted in those instances when the owner of thesire has authorized someone else to extract the semenfrom the male and the owner or lessee of the dam hasauthorized someone else to inseminate the female.This form may be obtained from The American KennelClub, upon request, free of charge. Also available on ourWeb site, www.akc.org.B. ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION USINGFRESH EXTENDED SEMENThe American Kennel Club will consider anapplication to register a litter resulting from artificialinsemination of the bitch using fresh extended semenprovided the litter is eligible for registration in all otherrespects. The use of imported fresh extended semenmay be considered on a case-by-case basis. The specificrequirements for the use of imported fresh extendedsemen should be requested from The American KennelClub.To register a litter whelped as a result of usingfresh extended semen, the following are required: acompleted Application to Register a Litter Resultingfrom Artificial Insemination Using Fresh ExtendedSemen, the proper registration fee, and an AKC DNAProfile for the sire.The form contains certifications from the owner,co-owner or lessee of the dam on the date of mating,owner or co-owner of the sire on the date of mating, the19

person authorized to extract and extend the semen andthe person authorized to inseminate the bitch.This form may be obtained from The American KennelClub, upon request, free of charge. Also available on ourWeb site, www.akc.org. The specific requirements for theuse of imported fresh extended semen should be requestedfrom The American Kennel Club prior to any intendedcollection, which would include a cheek swab sample forDNA profiling.C. ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION USINGFROZEN SEMENThe American Kennel Club will consider anapplication to register a litter resulting from the artificialinsemination of the bitch using frozen semen, provided thelitter is, in all other respects, eligible for registration andthe following conditions are met:1. The collection of semen for the artificialbreeding must be reported to the AKC with DNAcertification. If the semen was collected afterOctober 1, 1998, the sire must be AKC DNACertified.2. The collector/storer must be on record with theAKC as familiar with and complying with the AKCregulations for record keeping and identification ofdogs.3. The Application to Register a Litter Resultingfrom Artificial Insemination Using Frozen Semenmust be submitted containing the certificationscompleted by the owner of the semen, the ownerof the dam and the veterinarian who performed theartificial breeding, with the proper fee.4. All sire owners must sign the form transferringownership of the frozen semen.The Application to Register a Litter Resulting fromArtificial Insemination Using Frozen Semen may beobtained from our Web site, www.akc.org, or by writing to:The American Kennel Club8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100Raleigh, NC 27617-3390The regulations applying to the registration of littersproduced through artificial insemination using frozensemen appear on the back page of the application.A litter produced as a result of artificial inseminationusing imported frozen or fresh extended semen will beconsidered for AKC registration if the sire meets therequirements for AKC registration and is AKC DNAProfiled (if the semen was collected after October 1, 1998).20

XII. LIMITED REGISTRATIONAKC registration application forms provide the optionfor registering dogs with limited registration. Limitedregistration means that litters produced by the dog arenot eligible for AKC registration. The dog is eligibleto compete in all AKC-licensed events except breedcompetition at an AKC-licensed dog show.The decision as to the registration status of adog is the responsibility of the litter owner(s). Thelitter owner(s) must indicate whether the dog is tobe registered as limited, in the appropriate space onthe dog application. If limited is not indicated, fullregistration will be assigned.Limited registration can be designated at the time thedog is individually registered or during the first transferof a dog, provided the dog was registered initially bythe litter owner(s) through the Full Litter Registrationprocess. The limited designation may be removed uponthe written permission of the litter owner(s) and uponsubmission of a form for that purpose, which is availablefrom the AKC, and the required fee.The decision as to whether or not a dog will beregistered with limited registration is left solely to thelitter owner(s). Limited registration is a tool with whichthe litter owner(s) can protect their breeding program.We would strongly recommend that if a dog is being soldwith limited registration that the litter owner(s) makethis condition clear to the potential dog buyer(s) so thatthere is no confusion about the terms under which thedog was purchased. If breeders provide a written billof sale in addition to the registration application form,we would urge that the bill of sale include the fact thatthe dog is being sold with limited registration and thatthe buyer acknowledges in writing that the dog is beingaccepted with that condition.For Online Dog Registration: If the limitedregistration box on your application is not darkened (youcan see a 3-digit Full Registration Code in the box), yourdog is eligible for full registration.“The term ‘owner(s)’ in this section means all of theowners of the litter at birth. Thus, all owners of the littermust agree to both the imposition and the removal of thelimited designation. If the owners disagree on whetherthere shall be full or limited registration, in the absence ofany written agreement to the contrary, the dog will receivefull registration.”XIII. TIME LIMITSChapter 3, Section 4 of the Rules Applying toRegistration and Discipline provides time limits for dogand litter registrations as follows:21

No individual dog from a litter whelped in theUnited States of America of which both parents areregistered with The American Kennel Club shall beeligible for registration unless the litter has first beenregistered by the person who owned the dam at the timeof whelping, or by the lessee if the dam was leased atthe time of whelping, and, further, that an application toregister such litter is filed with The American KennelClub no later than six (6) months from the date ofwhelping of the litter.An application to register a litter filed with TheAmerican Kennel Club more than six (6) months fromthe date of whelping may be considered for registrationprovided the litter owner supplies such required informationand remits such penalty fee as shall be determinedby the Board of Directors. These restrictionsshall not apply when the delay in filing the litter applicationresults from an American Kennel Club investigationor inquiry, an action of law or other hardship circumstancessatisfactory to The American Kennel Club.An application to individually register a member ofa registered litter shall be valid for a period of twelve(12) months from the date of issue of the application. Anapplication to individually register a member of a registeredlitter filed with The American Kennel Club morethan twelve (12) months from the date of issue of theapplication may be considered for registration providedthe applicant supplies such required information andremits such penalty fee as shall be determined by theBoard of Directors.22

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AKC CODE OF SPORTSMANSHIPPREFACE: The sport of purebred dog competitive eventsdates prior to 1884, the year of AKC’s birth. Shared valuesof those involved in the sport include principles of sportsmanship.They are practiced in all sectors of our sport:conformation, performance and companion. Many believethat these principles of sportsmanship are the prime reasonwhy our sport has thrived for over one hundred years.With the belief that it is useful to periodically articulate thefundamentals of our sport, this code is presented.• Sportsmen respect the history, traditions and integrityof the sport of purebred dogs.• Sportsmen commit themselves to values of fair play,honesty, courtesy, and vigorous competition, as well aswinning and losing with grace.• Sportsmen refuse to compromise their commitmentand obligation to the sport of purebred dogs by injectingpersonal advantage or consideration into their decisionsor behavior.• The sportsman judge judges only on the merits of thedogs and considers no other factors.• The sportsman judge or exhibitor accepts constructivecriticism.• The sportsman exhibitor declines to enter or exhibitunder a judge where it might reasonably appear thatthe judge’s placements could be based on somethingother than the merits of the dogs.• The sportsman exhibitor refuses to compromise theimpartiality of a judge.• The sportsman respects the AKC bylaws, rules, regulationsand policies governing the sport of purebred dogs.• Sportsmen find that vigorous competition and civilityare not inconsistent and are able to appreciate the meritof their competition and the effort of competitors.• Sportsmen welcome, encourage and support newcomersto the sport.• Sportsmen will deal fairly with all those who trade withthem.• Sportsmen are willing to share honest and openappraisals of both the strengths and weaknesses oftheir breeding stock.• Sportsmen spurn any opportunity to take personaladvantage of positions offered or bestowed upon them.• Sportsmen always consider as paramount the welfareof their dog.• Sportsmen refuse to embarrass the sport, theAmerican Kennel Club, or themselves while takingpart in the sport.

Complete text of booklet available at: www.akc.orgTo order booklet(s), contact AKC at:The American Kennel Club Order Desk8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100Raleigh, NC 27617-3390Tel: (919) 233-9767E-mail: orderdesk@akc.org© 2013 The American Kennel ClubRREGS2 (12/13)