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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 Policies

Online Registration

By submitting this online application, you acknowledge and agree that your current Certificate of Ownership for the dog listed in this application is now void. You understand that once this application is processed and approved, the previous Certificate of Ownership will no longer be valid. Please keep your original until youve received your new Certificate of Ownership and Pedigree. It is your responsibility to ensure that the voided Certificate of Ownership is properly noted and that any future documentation or records reflect the updated registration status.

Duplicates lost in mail to customer

UKC will issue a set of duplicate paperwork to the customer for work lost in the mail on the way back to the customer at no cost. This duplicate must be sent to the same address on file and cannot be requested prior to 30 days of original mail date but no longer than 6 months from original mail date. This type of duplicate can be requested via phone, email, or our chat services.

A duplicate requested outside of this timeframe will require necessary fees.

Shipping Services

UKC offers 5 shipping options.

  • Next Day Air Service guarantees 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 Service, write "Rapid Service" on the outside front of the envelope. Applications must be received by 1:00 pm ET for NDA service. Applications 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 paperwork will be processed within 5 days of UKC receiving the work and mailed 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 paperwork will be processed with standard processing time, and once the application is completed, paperwork will be rolled into a tube and mailed 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 paperwork will be processed with standard processing time, and once the application is completed will be sent via 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.
  • USPS First-Class Shipping paperwork will be processed with standard processing time, and once application is completed will be mailed USPS First-Class without tracking information. 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 USPS First-Class. UKC is not responsible for increased processing time due to application errors.

Dogs with disqualifying faults

UKC will not knowingly register a dog with a disqualifying fault. Any attempt to register a dog that has disqualifying fault according to its Breed Standard will be denied registration with and be registered into UKCs Bloodlines Listing Service.

Refund Policy

UKC will only refund for the difference of any selected method of registration upon request and return of paperwork to UKC less a $5 processing fee.

Breeding Ages & Time between Litters

The following time frames are UKCs standards on breeding ages as well as time between breeding.

  • Sires age at time of breeding: 8 months 12 years
  • Dams age at time of breeding: 10 months 10 years
  • Time between breeding: 6 months (Breeding date to Breeding date)

While UKC recognizes that breeding may occur outside of these time frames, it is the sole discretion of UKC to require more information for completion and/or deny litters that are significantly outside of the ranges listed above.

Inbreeding

UKC will accept inbred litters, assuming all other parameters are met. Paperwork results from inbred crosses will be marked as Inbred on the registration certificates.

Inbred is defined as: mother to son, father to daughter, or full brother to sister (same mother and father).

Breeder's Code of Ethics

All breeders of UKC dogs should promote and foster high standards among fellow breeders, owners, and fanciers to improve and advance the breeds in which they are involved. This code of ethics should serve as a cornerstone for a breeder's accountability and responsibility to the animals in their charge and the potential new owners of the dogs they produce.
Breeders have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of a breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated.

Records

I will keep accurate records, retain those records consistent with UKC registration policies, and make them available to UKC upon request. These records will include, but are not limited to: stud service documents, pedigrees, all litters produced, breeding and whelp dates, and all dogs/puppies sold. I may use the Breeders Record that the UKC provides to assist in maintaining these records.

Breeding

I shall plan each breeding with the paramount intention of improving the breed.
I will provide the appropriate documentation for those concerned regarding the results of any health testing, or will disclose if any such examinations have not been done.

I will select stud dogs and brood bitches by evaluating conformation, temperament, working instinct and ability, with a careful study of the breed standard and the principles of genetics.

I will not breed any stud dog or brood bitch until they are both physically and mentally mature, and will breed within the bounds of the minimum and maximum ages permitted in UKC registration policies.

I will not knowingly breed monorchids, cryptorchids, dogs with vicious or shy temperaments. I will not breed dogs with serious defects or disqualifications addressed in their breed standards.

As a responsible breeder, I will refrain from using a dog that, although free from serious or disqualifying defects, consistently produces afflicted puppies.

Health

As a breeder, I vow to maintain a rich and diverse gene pool, understanding that diversity is important for the long-term health of my breed. I will give the highest health priority to the selection of my breeding stock and will not continue to breed dogs that perpetuate inheritable disorders. I will maintain high standards of health and care for my dogs and provide people with puppies that are healthy and free from parasites.

Sales

I will be selective in the sales of my puppies, and take care with the type of homes in which they are placed. My dogs/puppies will not be sold to dog wholesalers, retailers, pet shops, or at auctions.
I will refrain from releasing any puppy until it is the minimum age as required by my states law.

Advertising and Relations

My advertising of dogs/puppies will be factual and honest, both in substance and implication.
I believe breeding purebred dogs involves certain responsibilities, and I will not take it lightly.
I will not advertise my dogs/puppies as UKC registered if they are not.
As a breeder, I will encourage dog/puppy purchasers to become involved in UKC events and to embrace the Total Dog philosophy.