Registration papers document a dog's lineage. A registered dog is eligible to participate in shows in which dogs are judged according to breed standards. Whether you show your dogs or not, purebreds' registration papers add value to the dogs and to any offspring they produce.
Before Birth
Believe it or not, the registration process for purebred dogs starts off long before your dog is conceived: Most dog registries require that both parents be registered with the association for offspring to be eligible for registration. Some registries require that parents be DNA-tested before their litters can be considered for registration; some periodically and randomly test the DNA of breeding animals, revoking registration of offspring if the DNA of puppies does not match the DNA of the reported parents. Sometimes they require the breeding process itself be documented with paperwork and photographs.
Registering the Litter
According to the American Kennel Club, It is the responsibility of your puppy's breeder to document the entire litter with the breed association before any individual puppy can be registered. If the breed association has no records of the litter being produced, the puppies may require DNA testing to verify their parentage; otherwise, the pups may be ineligible for registration, depending on the rules of the specific registry. When your purchase your puppy, the breeder should give you paperwork that documents the litter the puppy came from and allows you, as the new owner, to register your dog.
Submitting Your Paperwork
Once you have purchased your puppy, you will need to fill out the paperwork the breeder has issued you. Select a name for the puppy and include your personal information on the application for registration. Depending on the breed, you may have to submit DNA samples or photographs, have your dog inspected by a professional, and pay registration fees. The papers will be mailed to you once your application has been processed and your dog has been accepted into the registry.
Already Registered Dogs
If your dog has already been registered then you will need to either contact the breed registry for a copy of the papers or to transfer the papers into your name. If you do not have your dog's specific papers or registration information, you will need to contact the original breeder and have him request new paperwork from the registry for your dog.
References
Writer Bio
Jen Davis has been writing since 2004. She has served as a newspaper reporter and her freelance articles have appeared in magazines such as "Horses Incorporated," "The Paisley Pony" and "Alabama Living." Davis earned her Bachelor of Arts in communication with a concentration in journalism from Berry College in Rome, Ga.