How to Register Your New French Bulldog with the American Kennel Club (AKC)
Congratulations on your decision to bring a French Bulldog into your life! French Bulldogs are charming, loving and make excellent companions. To ensure your French Bulldog has a strong lineage and pedigree, it’s essential to register your dog with the American Kennel Club (AKC). In this blog, we’ll guide you through registering your new French Bulldog, highlighting the importance of the breeder’s role in the process and the advantages of knowing your puppy’s pedigree.
The Importance of Litter Registration:
Before registering your individual French Bulldog, the breeder must register the entire litter with the AKC. This ensures that your dog comes from a recognized and legitimate bloodline. The breeder is responsible for providing you with the necessary AKC litter registration number. Suppose your breeder has not registered the litter. In that case, asking them to do so before you proceed with the individual registration is essential.
Step-by-Step Registration Process:
- Obtain the AKC Litter Registration Number: Confirm that your breeder has registered the litter and obtain the litter registration number.
- Choose a Unique Name: Select a unique name for your French Bulldog, ensuring it adheres to the AKC’s naming guidelines (no more than 50 characters, including spaces).
- Gather Necessary Documents: Collect the necessary documentation, including your French Bulldog’s litter registration number, date of birth, sex, and color.
- Select a Registration Package: Visit the AKC’s website (www.akc.org) and choose a package that best suits your needs. Each package has different benefits, such as pedigree research and lifetime support from the AKC.
- Complete the Registration Application: Fill out the online registration application or the paper form provided by the breeder, ensuring all information is accurate and complete.
- Pay the Registration Fee: Submit the required registration fee as specified on the AKC website.
- Submit the Application: Submit your completed registration application and any additional required documents to the AKC. You can submit the application online or mail it to the AKC’s address.
- Receive AKC Registration Certificate: Once your application is approved, you will receive your French Bulldog’s official AKC registration certificate, which certifies your dog’s pedigree and lineage.
Advantages of Knowing Your Puppy’s Pedigree:
- Proven Lineage: Registering your French Bulldog with the AKC ensures that your dog comes from a legitimate bloodline, which can be important for breeding or participation in dog shows.
- Access to AKC Resources: AKC registration grants you access to valuable resources, such as breed-specific information, health resources, and educational materials.
- Dog Show Eligibility: AKC-registered dogs are eligible to participate in AKC-sanctioned dog shows and events, which can be a rewarding and exciting experience for both you and your dog.
- Breeding Opportunities: If you plan to breed your French Bulldog, having an AKC-registered pedigree allows potential buyers to verify the lineage and genetic background of the puppies.
- Support and Networking: The AKC provides access to a network of fellow French Bulldog owners, breeders, and enthusiasts, fostering a supportive community and a wealth of knowledge.
Checklist:
- Obtain AKC Litter Registration Number
- Choose a Unique Name
- Gather Necessary Documents
- Select a Registration Package
- Complete the Registration Application
- Pay the Registration Fee
- Submit the Application
- Receive AKC Registration Certificate
By following these steps and registering your French Bulldog with the AKC, you can ensure a healthy and robust pedigree for your beloved pet. Registering with the AKC helps avoid inbreeding and the passing on of unhealthy genetic traits by providing access to detailed pedigree information. This allows breeders and dog owners to make informed decisions when selecting mates for their dogs, promoting genetic diversity and overall breed health. Furthermore, the AKC maintains accurate records of all registered dogs, which is invaluable for breeders and dog enthusiasts who wish to trace their dog’s lineage, understand potential health risks, and preserve the quality of the breed. By taking these proactive steps, you are contributing to the long-term well-being of your French Bulldog and the breed. Happy registering!