Can My Mixed-breed Puppy Join the American Kennel Club?

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a program that qualifies dogs to participate in exciting AKC events such as agility, obedience, tracking, field trials, dog shows and junior showmanship, among others. The AKC registration also includes benefits such as: 

      • AKC Pet Insurance Trial Plan

      • Lifetime enrollment in AKC Reunite Lost Pet Recovery

      • AKC Family Dog Magazine

      • AKC New Puppy Handbook

      • Lifetime Behavioral support thru AKC GoodDogSM Helpline

      • Complimentary first office visit at a veterinary practice listed with the AKC Veterinary Network

    However, the AKC Purebred registry is only open to purebred dogs. Mixed puppy breeds such as Cavapoos and Goldendoodles are not eligible for the AKC Purebred Registry. 

    In 2009, the AKC Canine Partners Program was developed to include mixed-breed dogs and rare breeds that were not yet added to the AKC program. This program allows mixed-breed dogs access to benefits that were not available up until that point. 

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    If your puppy meets the criteria for this program, they will be given access to the following benefits:

        • Lifetime enrollment in AKC Reunite Lost & Found Recovery Service

        • AKC Reunite collar tag with AKC Canine Partners™ Number

        • One-year subscription to AKC Family Dog magazine

        • Certificate for free office visit with a veterinarian in the AKC Veterinary Network

        • 30-day trial offer from AKC Pet Health Insurance

        • Customized AKC Canine Partners™ Certificate of Recognition

        • AKC Canine Partners™ News – quarterly digital newsletter featuring stories, photos & training tips

        • Eligibility to participate in AKC Companion Events (agility, rally, obedience, tracking)

        • Eligibility to earn titles in the AKC Family Dog program, including Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog and Trick Dog

        • Eligibility for AKC Recognition of titles earned through the Barn Hunt Association, North America Diving Dogs, North American Flyball Association & UpDog Challenge disc.

      The only competitions that mixed-breed dogs are not eligible for are the following:

          • Conformation

          • Herding 

          • Hunt tests

          • Earth dog

        These performance events are breed-specific and are judged by the guidelines set for each breed. 

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        In order to qualify for the AKC Canine Partners program, your dog must have the following:

            • Must be spayed or neutered

            • Must not be a wolf hybrid

            • Must follow the naming guidelines set by the AKC

          Although your puppy may not be purebred, they still have access to many benefits that the American Kennel Club provides. Visit the American Kennel Club website to find out how to get your puppy started in dog sports and events!

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