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United Kennel Club (UKC) is an international dog registry celebrating bonds, rewarding ability, and preserving the value of a pedigree. We use cookies to capture information such as IP addresses and tailor the website to our clients' needs. We also use this information to target and measure promotional material. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.

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Registration FAQs

How do I change my address?
How do I submit a complaint/dispute about someone?
How do I replace lost or stolen papers?
How do I change the name of my dog?
What do I do when my dog passes away?
What happens if my dog has disqualifying faults?
Can I laminate my papers?
How do I change my name if I get married/divorced?
What does Purple Ribbon mean?
Does UKC accept any non-U.S. funds?
What do the terms line breeding, inbreeding, outcrossing mean?
I have a male dog. How do I get people to breed their females to him?
Is it OK to do a brother/sister breeding?
When is a female too old to be bred? Male?
How do I send my completed Registration application?
What are the prices for registration services?

How Do I Change My Address?

All address changes requests must be submitted in writing and must be accompanied by the appropriate signature(s). Download the UKC Change of Address form (PDF).

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How do I submit a complaint/dispute about someone?

Any person who believes another individual or club has committed a violation of UKC policies or rules, or otherwise commits an act not in the best interest of UKC or dogs in general, should make those actions known to the UKC. Examples of such possible violations include, but are not limited to: falsifying papers or pedigrees, cruelty to dogs, suspicion of professional handlers, and dog fighting.

Any suspicion of dog fighting, cruelty to dogs, or any crimes involving dogs should first and foremost be reported to local law enforcement. UKC takes these issues very seriously and any persons convicted of cruelty to dogs or dog fighting will be barred from UKC for life.

It should be noted that the UKC will not become involved in contract disputes, or act as an arbitrator in dog deals. Because the registry is not a party to the original agreement between buyer and seller, the UKC has no standing to intervene at a later date. UKC will also not take action in alleged forgeries, as the UKC does not have the power or the resources to identify or prove a forgery. Both of these issues are best left to a court of law, and UKC will honor the court's decision.

If you believe a violation or other wrongdoing has occurred, submit a detailed complaint in writing to:

United Kennel Club
Attn: Problem Resolution Department
100 E. Kilgore Rd
Kalamazoo, MI 49002

Fax: 269.343.7037

Complaints must be in writing, signed by the complainant, include a current address for the complainant, and be as detailed as possible. Be sure to include names of all individuals involved, and any and all supporting documentation, photos, etc. A file will be started for the accused individual so that the Problem Resolution Department will be able to track any and all complaints on the individual. If the complaint and situation warrants, and cannot be solved within the Problem Resolution Department, the case will go before the Disciplinary Action Committee.

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How do I replace lost or stolen papers?

If a dog's original registration certificate has been lost, stolen or destroyed, the dog's current registrant(s)/Sole Signatory can request replacement papers. Only the Registrant(s)/Sole Signatory of a dog may apply for duplicate papers. Download the UKC Application for Duplicate Registration (PDF) .

Unfortunately because the "ownership" of a dog is considered a civil matter, in the case a dog or registration papers are stolen, owners may want to consider seeking legal assistance to determine how to pursue their rights in a court of law. UKC will uphold all decisions made in a court of law once documentation has been provided.

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How Do I Change The Name Of My Dog?

United Kennel Club allows an owner to change the name of a dog unless one or both of the following has occurred:

  1. Once a dog has earned a UKC title, no part of the dog's name can be changed. The reasoning behind this is once the dog has earned a title it creates difficulties in tracking ongoing records of that dog.
  2. Once the dog becomes a sire or dam of a UKC registered litter, no part of his or her name can undergo any sort of change. The reasoning behind this is that the puppies from this sire or dam have their parent's names listed on their pedigree. If their sire or dam's name is changed they now have incorrect names listed as their parent.

To change your dog's name, the current or new registrant/Sole Signatory can fill in the exact name on the back of the original Registration Certificate and submit the certificate to UKC with the correct fees. We will send you a new registration certificate with three-generation pedigree reflecting the name change.

UKC reserves the right to deny a dog's name for any reason. Any name deemed discriminatory or derogatory towards race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin will be denied.

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What Do I Do When My Dog Passes Away?

To record a dog as deceased, UKC must receive a signed, written statement from the current registrant/Sole Signatory of record. No information will be taken over the phone.

UKC requests the Original Registration Certificate be returned to us with "Deceased" written on the front and a date we should use as reference in our records. If the current registrant should wish to keep the original certificate for sentimental reasons, or has lost the certificate, the current registrant(s)/Sole Signatory can submit a written and signed statement with the UKC number of the dog indicating the dog is deceased and a date. The statement must be signed by both registrants, regardless of whether the dog is owned in an 'and' or an 'or' partnership or by the Sole Signatory.

UKC will register/transfer a deceased dog only if that registration is to facilitate the litter or single registration of that dog's offspring. All fees apply and the papers will be immediately marked as deceased. The registrant/Sole Signatory must also submit a written, signed statement that fully explains the situation.

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What happens if my dog has disqualifying faults?

UKC does not knowingly register dogs with disqualifying faults. Any attempt to register a dog that has color(s) not accepted within its Breed Standard will be denied registration with UKC.

Dogs with disqualifying color / faults can enroll in the UKC Performance Listing Program.

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Can I laminate my papers?

UKC strongly advises a dog's registrant to NOT laminate their original UKC registration certificate. This hinders the ability of a current registrant/Sole Signatory to sign the back and transfer the dog to another person.

If the certificate is laminated, the new registrant/Sole Signatory can submit the original registration certificate, a written and signed statement from current registrant(s)/Sole Signatory of record authorizing the dog to be transferred. This statement MUST include the name and UKC # of the dog, the purchase date for the new registrant/Sole Signatory, the name and address of the new registrant/Sole Signatory (and successors), the new name of the dog (if applicable) and the name and signature of the current registrant(s)/Sole Signatory.

An Affidavit and additional fee are NOT required to transfer a dog using laminated papers (12/12/07).

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How do I change my name if I get married/divorced?

UKC must receive legal documentation in order to update the name of a dog's current registrant/Sole Signatory or Successors, due to marriage or divorce.

If the registrant/Sole Signatory or Successors has had a legal name change due to marriage or divorce, a signed statement must be submitted by registrant/Sole Signatory of record confirming UKC is to recognize the registrant/Sole Signatory or Successor under the new name. This statement must be accompanied by a copy of the marriage/divorce certification.

To update a dog's UKC registration certificate to show the changed name of the registrant/Sole Signatory or Successor, return the Original UKC Registration Certificate with a signed statement and corresponding marriage/divorce documentation and the necessary fees per paper to update and reprint.

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What does Purple Ribbon mean?

"Purple Ribbon" is a distinction UKC gives to a dog if all 14 ancestors within a dog's three generation pedigree (parents, grandparents, great grandparents) are each registered with United Kennel Club, and are of the same breed.

Purple Ribbon is indicated by the letters 'PR' at the beginning of a dog's name and also by a comma (,) instead of a dash (-) within the dog's UKC number.

In order to receive a complete Seven Generation pedigree (showing 254 ancestors), the dog's parents must both be registered as Purple Ribbon. A Six Generation pedigree for the dog that was not produced by Purple Ribbon parents may have some Open entries depending on the availability of pedigree information on record with UKC.

UKC will automatically add the letters 'PR' to the beginning of the dog's registered name and the 'PR' will not count toward the 30 characters and spaces limitation for the allowable length of the dog's registered name.

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Does UKC accept any non-U.S. funds?

All payments made to UKC must be paid in United States funds only. Out of country personal checks are acceptable; however, the words PAYABLE IN U.S. FUNDS must appear on the check and International Money Orders must be negotiable in U.S. Funds.

Due to the fact it cannot be tracked, we recommend you do not send cash.

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What do the terms line breeding, inbreeding, outcrossing mean?

The terms line breeding, inbreeding and outcrossing refer to different ways breeders plan breedings in order to produce quality puppies and breed out physical faults.

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I have a male dog. How do I get people to breed their females to him?

This is a question many people have when they want to breed their males. Some people even call people up and ask them to breed their females to their dog because they have a nice dog. There are many factors that partake in the breeding process, so this is not a good choice in finding a lady mate for your stud. The best way to get your dog out there and recognized as a stud is advertisement. Knowledgeable people like to see health testing, titles, or involvement in programs like the Performance Program. Make sure to list his health testing, show information, hunt information, pictures, pedigrees, programs, or any sort of information one would need or want in preparing breeding information. Basic places to advertise would be the UKC Breeder's Showcase, newspapers, one of the UKC Publications, and the UKC Free Classified Section of the message boards.

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Is it OK to do a brother/sister breeding?

A brother/sister breeding is considered inbreeding. While it can be used in some cases to solidify certain traits in the puppies, it also can reinforce faults that can be very hard to eliminate for generations. While UKC has no policy against inbreeding, the registration papers will be marked inbred.

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When is a female too old to be bred? Male?

The watchword in this instance is condition, meaning the physical condition of the female. If an older female still has regular seasons and is in excellent physical condition, she may be able to withstand the rigors of carrying a litter and nursing the puppies. It would be wise to get the opinion of your veterinarian before such an undertaking. For the purpose of registration, UKC questions any litters bred by a female over 10 years of age.

Males can sire a litter as senior citizens and don't have to worry about things like nursing puppies. However, before breeding to a senior dog it would be wise to get him tested by your vet and getting his opinion. For the purpose of registration, UKC questions any litters bred by a male over 12 years of age.

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How do I send my Registration application?

Learn more about submitting registration forms or refer to the instructions on the application forms.

Mail

UKC
100 E Kilgore Rd
Kalamazoo MI 49002

Online

Online Single Registration

Email

Email UKC Registration

  • Please note: Applications for Permanent Registration or a Permanent Registration Certificate for transfers must have the original certificate mailed to our office.
  • Please allow 4 to 6 weeks from the time you mail your paperwork for processing and mailing.
  • UKC encourages customers to use a mailing method by which tracking can be used.
  • Next Day Air Service guarantees your application will be processed to the fullest extent possible within one working day of UKC receiving the work and mailed next day delivery with tracking. To get Next Day Air on your order, write "Rapid Service" on the outside front of the envelope. Applications for NDA service received by UKC after 1:00 pm ET will be processed the following business day. The turnaround is contingent upon all information contained in the paperwork being correct. Any issues with the paperwork, such as missing or incorrect information, will cause a delay in this process. If issues arise, the customer will be contacted. Upon resolving the issue(s), the paperwork will be sent back via the Next Day Service. UKC is not responsible for increased processing time due to application errors. Mailing address MUST be valid physical address.
  • Expedited Shipping Service your paperwork will be processed within 5 days of UKC receiving the work and mailed to you via tracked mail with a 1-3 day delivery time . To get Expedited Service, write Rapid Service on the outside front of the envelope. The turnaround is contingent upon all information contained in the paperwork being correct. Any issues with the paperwork, such as missing or incorrect information, will cause a delay in this process. If issues arise, the customer will be contacted. Upon resolving the issue(s), the paperwork will be sent back via the Expedited Service. UKC is not responsible for increased processing time due to application errors.
  • Tube Mailing your paperwork will be processed with standard processing time, and once your application is completed, your paperwork will be rolled into a tube and mailed to you via tracked mail with a 1-3 day delivery time. The turnaround is contingent upon all information contained in the paperwork being correct. Any issues with the paperwork, such as missing or incorrect information, will cause a delay in this process. If issues arise, the customer will be contacted. Upon resolving the issue(s), the paperwork will be sent back via the tube mailing. UKC is not responsible for increased processing time due to application errors.
  • Standard Tracking your paperwork will be processed with standard processing time, and once your application is completed your paperwork will be mailed to you tracked mail with a 5+ day delivery time. The turnaround is contingent upon all information contained in the paperwork being correct. Any issues with the paperwork, such as missing or incorrect information, will cause a delay in this process. If issues arise, the customer will be contacted. Upon resolving the issue(s), the paperwork will be sent back via the standard tracking. UKC is not responsible for increased processing time due to application errors.

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What are the prices for registration services?

Pedigree options are now more customizable than ever! More upgrade options, additional pedigree sizes, and never-before-available metallic upgrades for other permanently registered dogs, and a brand new 5-Generation Performance Pedigree!

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Have a question that's not included here?

Customer Service phone and online chat hours: 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday.
Phone: 269.343.9020