What Do All Those AKC Documents Represent?
We get questions from time to time about this and we have seen lots of conversations on AKC paperwork, so we decided to disclose in an easy, informative manner what it all means. You can find all this information on the AKC website if you know what to look for as well, but we want to make it easy as possible. Please, also read "Get Those Papers" that we have written as well. When you are purchasing a puppy, you want to be well informed on the paperwork that may accompany your pup.

AKC Canine Partners. An Official Certificate that permanently records your dog's name and place in history, and honors your participation in the AKC Canine Partners Program℠. Ability to participate in some of our most popular events: Agility, AKC Rally®, AKC Scent Work, AKC FAST CAT, Obedience, Tracking, and Coursing. It is for Mixed Breed dogs and some pet shops have been known to use this for purebreds so they can call them AKC Registered.
For more information, visit https://www.akc.org/register/information/canine-partners/
For more information, visit https://www.akc.org/register/information/canine-partners/

A dog with Conditional Registration has some unknown ancestors. The dog’s registration number will start with the letter ‘Q’ and the dog will have competition and breeding restrictions.
For more information, visit https://www.akc.org/register/information/conditional/
For more information, visit https://www.akc.org/register/information/conditional/

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 many dogs enrolled in the PAL program after they have been surrendered or abandoned, then adopted by new owners from animal 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.
For more information, visit https://www.akc.org/register/information/purebred-alternative-listing-pal/
For more information, visit https://www.akc.org/register/information/purebred-alternative-listing-pal/

"A purebred dog is eligible for AKC registration if its litter has been registered with the American Kennel Club. This means that you are being given the information and paperwork necessary to register your dog with the American Kennel Club and receive your dog's AKC Registration Certificate. Many breeders give this form to their puppy buyers for AKC Registration. Don't lose this form! It is the only way you can register your puppy!
IMPORTANT!! There is a box near the bottom of the page, on the left, that is titled "To Request Limited Registration". This is a VERY important box. There is a number in the box that must be readable for Full AKC Registration. Be sure that this box is either readable or blacked out before paying for a pup. See below on Limited and Full AKC Registrations for more on this!
For more information, visit https://www.akc.org/press-center/puppy-buyer-fact-sheet/
IMPORTANT!! There is a box near the bottom of the page, on the left, that is titled "To Request Limited Registration". This is a VERY important box. There is a number in the box that must be readable for Full AKC Registration. Be sure that this box is either readable or blacked out before paying for a pup. See below on Limited and Full AKC Registrations for more on this!
For more information, visit https://www.akc.org/press-center/puppy-buyer-fact-sheet/

Full AKC registration simply means that a puppy or dog is being sold with full breeding rights and that any puppies produced, when he/she is mated to another full AKC registered dog are eligible for AKC registration, either full or limited, depending on the agreement between the breeder and the new owner.
Limited AKC registered puppies or dogs are sold without any breeding rights. The AKC recognizes these dogs or puppies as purebred and they can be entered into many AKC events (virtually all competitions except conformation since these events are specifically intended to evaluate breeding stock).
For more information, visit http://images.akc.org/pdf/rulebooks/RREGS2.pdf This is the rule book on registration and has all you may ever want to know, and then some, in it.
Limited AKC registered puppies or dogs are sold without any breeding rights. The AKC recognizes these dogs or puppies as purebred and they can be entered into many AKC events (virtually all competitions except conformation since these events are specifically intended to evaluate breeding stock).
For more information, visit http://images.akc.org/pdf/rulebooks/RREGS2.pdf This is the rule book on registration and has all you may ever want to know, and then some, in it.