Guide: AKC papers
AKC Papers: What They Mean and What They Do Not
AKC papers are a record of ancestry. They show that a puppy’s parents are registered dogs of the same breed, and nothing more. They do not certify health, temperament or how the puppy was raised. Poodle mixes such as Havapoos and Goldendoodles cannot be registered as breeds with the American Kennel Club, because they are crosses.
What AKC papers actually are
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a registry of purebred dogs. When both parents of a litter are registered dogs of the same breed, the breeder can register the litter, and each puppy can then be registered in its owner’s name (AKC).
Registration is voluntary. In other words, papers tell you who a dog’s ancestors were. They are a family tree, not a report card.
What AKC papers do not tell you
- Health. No health test is needed to register a litter.
- Temperament. Nobody assesses the parents’ behavior.
- Living conditions. The ASPCA points out that registries do not inspect the kennel or the puppy, so registration says nothing about welfare (ASPCA).
Therefore, a seller who answers health questions with “the puppy has papers” has not answered the question.
Full and limited registration
The AKC offers two kinds. With full registration, a dog can be shown and its puppies can be registered. With limited registration, the dog is registered, but any litters it produces cannot be. A dog on limited registration cannot enter breed shows, although it can still compete in sports such as agility, obedience and rally (AKC).
Breeders use limited registration for puppies sold as pets. So if papers are mentioned, ask which kind.
Do Havapoos and Goldendoodles have AKC papers?
No. A cross of two breeds is not eligible for breed registration. However, the parents of a cross can be registered purebreds, and a good breeder will tell you whether they are.
Mixed breeds are not shut out of dog sports. Through the AKC Canine Partners program, mixed-breed dogs can be enrolled to take part in events such as agility and obedience. In addition, the Goldendoodle Association of North America sets its own health testing rules for member breeders.
When AKC papers matter
- You want to show a purebred dog in the breed ring
- You plan to breed purebred dogs responsibly
- You want to study a pedigree
For a family pet, they matter very little. What matters is the health of the parents and how the puppy was raised.
What to ask for instead
- Health test results for both parents, by name. See health testing before breeding.
- The puppy’s vet records, with vaccine dates.
- A written contract. See what a puppy contract should include.
- A look at where the puppies live, in person or on video.
Our parent dogs have an Embark DNA health panel before breeding. See how we health test.
Related guides
- How to Choose a Puppy Breeder: 12 Things to Check Before You Pay a Deposit
- Pet Insurance for Puppies: Is It Worth It?
- Microchipping a Puppy: How It Works and Why It Matters
- Home Raised vs Kennel Raised Puppies: What Is the Difference?
- Adopt or Buy a Dog? An Honest Comparison From a Breeder
See all our puppy guides, or meet our Havapoo puppies for sale and Goldendoodle puppies for sale.
Want a puppy from health-tested parents?
Every parent dog here has an Embark DNA health panel before breeding. See who is available now, or read how we health test.