06/29/2024
Can we talk for a moment regarding AKC registration for Dog Sports and how to get you and your dog involved?
A bit ago I posted regarding “Why Title A Dog” Did you read that and have a whole new understanding or outlook on why this is a great idea? But do the AKC Sport registration choices leave you confused and frustrated? Do you wish you could register your dog with AKC but think it is impossible because you have a "custom breed" (aka mixed breed/mutt)? You have options! If you are looking to get the most out of the work you have put in, if you want your dog to be recognized for the super athlete he/she is, or if you want the title recognition to show what an amazing team you are... YOU CAN REGISTER YOUR DOG THROUGH THE AKC!!!!!! There are different programs available for you!!!! I will post a little about each listing and a link to where you can find them on the AKC site to learn more about them, they are as follows.
A Breed Fully Recognized by the AKC.
No surprises here, it is just what you would think it is! All the dogs that have been bred from dogs that are already registered and documented through the AKC. These dogs have not only both parent dogs registered, but their litters as well…. So think of it as a “heads Up” to the AKC that these pups should be registering under this type of registration so be on the “look-out” for them. If you can prove the lineage of your dog to be pure and from a breeding pair already registered with the AKC, and their litter has been registered with the AKC, then this is the option for you!
BUT…. Wait! What if you cannot prove any of the above, or what if you have a custom breed? After reading my post regarding “Why Title Your Dog”, you may realize the benefits of titling and want that for your companion dog too! So, what are the options for you? Are there options for you?
YES!!!!! The AKC has 2 other options that will allow you to compete and be recognized for excellence in your sport in most cases! Here are what they are, a little something to explain each…. And a link to the AKC webpages describing and giving more info on each.
1) The Purebred Alternative Listing, or PALS for short. This registration program is used when “There are various reasons why a purebred dog might not be eligible for registration. The dog may be the product of an unregistered litter, or have unregistered parents. The dog’s papers may have been withheld by its breeder or lost by its owner. Sometimes, it is the dog itself that was “lost.” There are dogs enrolled in the PAL program after they have been rescued by new owners from shelters or purebred rescue groups. The PAL program allows the dog and owner a second chance at discovering the rewards of participating in AKC events.” More on this registration can be found using the following link to the AKC page that discusses this registration at:
https://www.akc.org/register/information/purebred-alternative-listing-pal/
2) The AKC Canine Partners™ Program. “While only purebreds can join the traditional AKC Purebred Registry or the AKC Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL) programs, the AKC Canine Partners™ Program allows all mixed and hybrid breed dogs of any age (and their humans!) to celebrate, and strengthen, the bond you share. When you enroll your dog, you’ll gain access to a wide range of activities you can take part in together, including most AKC-recognized titles and dog sports”! To find out more about this AKC registration program, please refer to the following link:
https://www.akc.org/register/information/canine-partners/get-started/
Regardless of which AKC program is correct for you and your dog…. They all give an amazing abundance of sports that you and your dog may participate in (see the above links for specific sports information). What a perfect way to create and strengthen the bond between you and your dog while learning some amazing sports and allowing your dog an outlet for all that energy that comes so naturally for them. You can even swipe a few ribbons/awards along the way to show your commitment and the abilities you and your dog have worked so hard to achieve.
I hope this helps take some of the confusion out of these programs for you.
Happy Training,
Kimberly Mix
Lil Talkers Alaskan Klee Kai
https://www.akc.org/
The AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health and training information for dogs.