How to Register Your Mixed Breed Dog for AKC Canine Partners
/The American Kennel Club is not just for purebreds. Their Canine Partners program allows any mixed-breed dog to join the AKC.
You may be thinking, “Wait, I can register my mixed breed dog with the AKC?”
Yes!
While the objective of the AKC mission centers around purebred dogs, their core values include three general dog loving statements:
We protect the health and well-being of all dogs.
We cherish dogs as companions.
We are committed to the interests of dog owners.
What are the benefits of AKC Canine Partners registration?
You receive a frameable AKC Registration Certificate.
Your dog is enrolled in AKC Reunite, Lost & Found Recovery Service. If your dog is already microchipped, that number will be added to their database.
If you choose to remain on the AKC’s Reminder Email List, you get an email on your dog’s birthday prompting you to update any of your contact information with AKC Reunite. (Note: the monthly newsletter comes from Chip @AKC Reunite, so you can opt out of that email while staying on the reminder list.)
You can look forward to a one-year subscription to AKC Family Dog magazine.
You and your dog may participate in competitive AKC events like agility, rally, scent work, obedience, tracking, and more.
You and your dog will be eligible for AKC recognition of canine titles like Canine Good Citizen, AKC Therapy Dog, AKC Trick Dog, and more.
If you don't have a veterinarian yet, then the complimentary first exam certificate may be useful. The certificate may not be used for specialty consultations, emergency exams, vaccinations, X-rays, medications, or procedures. There are several participating vets listed within their welcome email.
You receive 30-days of pet insurance for a new puppy (limited to $1,500) administered by PetPartners. You have the option to activate the policy online or by phone. If you're happy with the coverage and service, you also get the option to extend the policy at your cost.
What is the AKC registration fee for Canine Partners?
$35 per dog.
Adding titles costs more. For example, adding the CGC title costs an additional $25.
How to register a mixed breed dog for AKC Canine Partners…
1. Make sure you're using a browser supported by the AKC. You can check their Website Information and FAQs for their list.
2. Go to the AKC’s Register Your Dog page.
3. Choose the button for “Enroll a Dog in AKC Canine Partners”.
4. Then click the rectangular button "Continue to Registration."
5. You’ll be taken to the enrollment page with a short introduction.
6. Scroll down to the application portion of the page where you’ll see this form for entering your primary dog owner information. If there’s more than one owner, you can click the button to add additional owners. The boxes turn a pinkish red if there’s a problem with any information you’ve typed in.
When you enter your dog's full name, the website will verify that the name meets the naming conventions set forth by the AKC. It took maybe 1-3 seconds for both Bernie McSquare and Lizzie McSquare to be approved.
Remember to check the box accepting the Terms and Conditions.
7. When you're done entering your information, just click "Continue".
8. On the next screen, you’ll see a confirmation for the total charges for listing your mixed breed dog with the AKC Canine Partners program. Enter your credit card information.
9. After you've entered and submitted all of your credit card information, you'll receive a confirmation of payment information screen.
10. Once you've confirmed the payment details you submitted, you receive the "Canine Partners Listing Receipt" screen that includes the option to print a pdf of the Canine Partners Listing receipt.
While I did save a copy of that pdf, three emails from the AKC appeared within minutes:
AKC Veterinary Network Coupon
AKC Reunite Enrollment Confirmation
AKC Receipt - Canine Partners Listing Application
Is there an option to mail-in registration information?
Yes!
If you're having a hard time submitting your information online or if you just prefer paper, you may download and print a copy of the application from the AKC website.
Is AKC dog registration necessary for my mixed breed dog?
Not at all.
If you don’t plan to compete in AKC events and you have no interest in earning titles for your dog, then skip registering. If you change your mind and decide you would like to earn a title, then you can register your mixed breed dog at any time.
Just keep in mind, epsecially if you’re the competitive type, titles are a fun way to show off your dog’s skills.
I registered Bernie for Canine Partners so that I could include the CGC title after his name after we passed our Canine Good Citizen test.
Since I’m the person who made resumes for my dogs, I registered both of our dogs. If I had not registered them, Bernie could not display his CGC title on his resume. Once he starts therapy dog work, we’ll track his volunteer hours so he may earn his AKC Therapy Dog title as well.
