
To register your dog with the UK Kennel Club, you'll need to meet their requirements. The UK Kennel Club is the UK's largest dog welfare organization, and registration is a great way to ensure your dog's health and well-being.
The UK Kennel Club registration process is straightforward, with three main types of registration: Pedigree, Non-Pedigree, and Limited Registration. The type of registration you choose will depend on your dog's ancestry and breeding history.
Registration with the UK Kennel Club also provides a range of benefits, including access to health checks, genetic testing, and breeding advice. This can be especially helpful if you're planning to breed your dog in the future.
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Eligibility and Requirements
To register a litter with the Kennel Club, the mother and father dogs must be registered with the Kennel Club, with their registration in order before the male dog gets the female pregnant and by the time the mother gives birth.
The mother dog must not have had too many litters - four or more litters will not be eligible for registration. Litters can only be registered if the mother dog is the correct age, between one and eight years old at the time of birth.
To prevent inbreeding, the Kennel Club does not register litters that are the result of close relationship matings, such as parent-offspring or sibling matings.
Here are the specific eligibility requirements for registering a litter:
- Both mother (dam) and father (sire) must be registered with the Kennel Club
- Ownership details of both parents must be correct at time of mating for the stud dog and date of birth for the dam
- The litter must be born within the UK
- The breeder must be the registered owner of the dam
- The sire must be recorded with the Kennel Club
Additionally, the breeder must submit the application for registration, and the litter must be microchipped by the time the puppies are 8 weeks old.
Registration Process
The registration process for the UK Kennel Club is relatively straightforward. You'll need to have an account with the Kennel Club, which is free.
To register a litter, you'll need to provide basic information about the parents and the litter, which can be done online or by filling out Form 1 on the Kennel Club website. The online form will guide you through the process step by step.
You'll need to pay a registration fee for each puppy, which is currently £16, although Assured Breeders pay only £14. It's essential to register your litter early to ensure you can sell the puppies when you're ready.
Once you've submitted the registration application, it will take around two weeks for the Kennel Club to process it. You'll receive your registration certificates for the litter after this time.
To register a litter, you must be the breeder, which means you're the person who owned the dam at the date of birth of the puppies. If you're an overseas breeder, you'll need to have an official export pedigree to register your dogs in the UK.
Here are the general requirements for registering a litter:
- The dam and sire must be registered with the Kennel Club.
- The ownership details of both parents must be correct at the time of mating for the stud dog and date of birth for the dam.
- The litter must meet the Kennel Club's breed and registration requirements.
Registration Details
To register your litter with the Kennel Club, you'll need to complete the online registration form, which is free and available to anyone with a Kennel Club account. This account is usually created when you first register your dog with the Kennel Club.
You can also fill out Form 1, which outlines the registration requirements for your litter, including the name and owner information for both parents and basic information about the litter. This form is available on the Kennel Club website.
The registration fee for each puppy is 16 pounds, but if you're an Assured Breeder, the fee is reduced to 14 pounds. You'll need to pay this fee for each puppy in your litter.
It's generally recommended to register your litter at four weeks old to ensure that registration documents are available for the new owner when the puppies are old enough to be sold. You'll also need to assign the puppies appropriate names, following the Kennel Club's rules.
Here's a key timeline to keep in mind:
The Kennel Club registers all types of dogs, including pedigree, crossbreeds, and others, and has three different types of registers. You'll need to choose the correct register for your dog.
The breeder, who is the person(s) who owned the dam at the date of birth of the puppies, must submit the application to register the litter. This is an important step in the registration process.
Once your litter is registered, you'll receive a change of Kennel Club registered ownership form (form 6) for each individual puppy. You'll need to sign this form and pass it to the new owner, who will then be able to change the ownership of the puppy into their name.
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Naming and Endorsements
Naming your dog or puppy is a crucial step in the registration process, and The Kennel Club has specific rules to follow.
You can change your dog's registered name, but only if you add an additional word to the name, or add a kennel name in front of or at the end of the name, depending on the circumstances.
If your dog was whelped in the UK, you can apply to register the dog with The Kennel Club via a form 9 application. If you wish to export your dog to an overseas kennel club, you would need to complete form 13 - application for an export pedigree.
Here are the rules regarding naming of puppies:
- A name must consist of more than one word but not exceed 24 letters (including a kennel name)
- A name which conflicts with an approved current kennel name granted to another person will not be accepted
- A registered name cannot be repeated within a breed
- The surname of the applicant is not acceptable
- A word cannot be repeated when naming puppies
- If a kennel name is to be used when registering a litter, the kennel name must appear as the first word in the name
- Numbers in figures, punctuation marks and initials are not acceptable and abbreviations may be disallowed
- Canine terms are not permissible e.g. 'dog', 'bitch', 'kennel', 'champion', 'Crufts' and specific names of breeds
Endorsements are special notations that can be added to a dog's registration, currently limited to two types: progeny not eligible for registration and export pedigree not allowed. These endorsements do not prevent the dog from being bred from or sent abroad, but they do prevent any litters being registered with The Kennel Club and the dog from being registered by an overseas kennel club.
Microchipping Puppies
Microchipping Puppies is a legal requirement for breeders to have their puppies microchipped before they're 8 weeks old. This ensures the puppies can be easily identified and returned to their owners if they ever get lost.
The Kennel Club will still accept a litter application even if the puppies haven't been microchipped yet, but it's always best to get them microchipped as soon as possible.
Rules for Naming Puppies
Naming your puppy can be a fun and creative process, but it's essential to follow the rules to ensure your chosen name is accepted. A name must consist of more than one word but not exceed 24 letters, including a kennel name.
If you're planning to register your puppy with a kennel, the kennel name must appear as the first word in the name. This is a crucial rule to keep in mind, as it will determine the order of your puppy's name.

A word cannot be repeated when naming your puppy, so you'll need to get creative with your naming choices. This rule applies to all words, including kennel names and surnames.
To give you a better idea of what is and isn't allowed, here are some specific rules to keep in mind:
- A name which conflicts with an approved current kennel name granted to another person will not be accepted
- A registered name cannot be repeated within a breed
- Numbers in figures, punctuation marks, and initials are not acceptable
- Canine terms are not permissible
What Are Endorsements?
Endorsements are a crucial aspect of dog registration, and it's essential to understand what they mean. The Kennel Club permits the use of two endorsements on registrations.
One of these endorsements is for progeny not eligible for registration, which means the dog's offspring cannot be registered with The Kennel Club. This doesn't prevent the dog from being bred from, but it does impact its ability to produce registered puppies.
The other endorsement is for export pedigree not allowed, which prevents the dog from being registered by an overseas kennel club. This doesn't stop the dog from being sent abroad, but it does limit its registration options outside of the UK.
These endorsements are important to consider when registering your dog, as they can affect its breeding and registration options.
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Benefits

Registering your puppies with the Kennel Club has many benefits that can make a real difference in their lives and yours. You'll receive individual registration documents issued for each registered puppy.
One of the most significant advantages is the ability to create a FREE digital Puppy Pack, which is a fantastic resource for new puppy owners. This digital pack likely includes valuable information and tips to help them care for their new furry friend.
The Kennel Club's Find a Puppy service is a game-changer, performing over 300,000 searches per month. This means your registered puppies will be visible to a huge number of potential buyers, increasing their chances of finding a forever home.
You'll also receive free Five Week Pet Insurance for your puppy buyers, which is provided by the UK's Number 1 pet insurer. This insurance is highly rated, having been named the number one Pet Insurer on Pet Insurance Review.
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In addition to these benefits, registering your puppies with the Kennel Club will ensure their registration remains on the breed database as a permanent historical record of the breed. This is a wonderful way to preserve the history and heritage of your dogs.
With registration, you'll also have the opportunity to purchase an official Kennel Club pedigree, which is a great way to take pride in your breeding. This document is a tangible representation of your hard work and dedication to the breed.
Lastly, registering your puppies with the Kennel Club gives you access to an unparalleled source of information, experience, and advice on dog welfare, health, breeding, and dog/puppy training. This is an invaluable resource that can help you become a better breeder and dog owner.
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Breed Record Supplement
The Breed Record Supplement is a quarterly publication that keeps a record of all registration-related applications. It's a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest information about your puppies.
All registration-related applications are automatically entered onto the Breed Record Supplement when you register each puppy. This includes litters, transfer or ownership, change of name, exported and imported dogs, and health results.
The Breed Record Supplement is published per breed group, making it easy to find the information you need. It's a valuable resource for breeders and owners alike.
Here are the types of applications that are listed in the Breed Record Supplement:
- Litters
- Transfer or ownership
- Change of name
- Exported and imported dogs
- Health results
Each edition of the Breed Record Supplement is made up of applications entered on the database within each quarter.
Costs and Fees
The cost of registering your puppy with the Kennel Club is £25, unless you're an Assured Breeder, in which case it's £23.
You'll need to pay this fee for each puppy you want to register. The cost is the same for all breeders, regardless of their experience or reputation.
If you're registering a litter, the fee is £16 per puppy, again with a discount for Assured Breeders at £14 per puppy.
Here's a quick rundown of the costs:
Cost of Registration

The cost of registration can be a bit of a surprise, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown.
The Kennel Club registration fee is £25 for each puppy, but if you're a Kennel Club Assured Breeder, you get a discount of £2, making it £23 per puppy.
If you're planning to register your litter, you'll need to pay a registration fee for each puppy. This fee is £16, but if you're an Assured Breeder, it's only £14.
It's worth noting that registering your litter early will give you a head start on selling your puppies when you're ready.
Here's a quick rundown of the registration fees:
So, there you have it - the cost of registration is straightforward, and with the right information, you'll be all set to register your litter in no time.
5 Generation Pedigree - £16
The cost of a 5 Generation Pedigree from the Kennel Club is £16, a valuable resource for anyone looking to delve into their dog's ancestry.
This pedigree provides detailed information on five generations of your pedigree dog's ancestry, including breed, sex, date of birth, registration/stud book number, and colour of the dog.
You can purchase a 5 Generation Pedigree online through the Kennel Club website, making it a convenient option for those who want to explore their dog's heritage.
To give you a better idea, here is a breakdown of the costs associated with registering your dog and obtaining a 5 Generation Pedigree:
Remember, the cost of a 5 Generation Pedigree is a one-time payment, providing you with a comprehensive record of your dog's ancestry for years to come.
Restrictions and Changes
If you're planning to register a litter with the UK Kennel Club, there are some important restrictions to be aware of. The dam (mother) must be at least 1 year old at the time of mating, and the offspring cannot be the result of a mating between father and daughter, mother and son, or brother and sister, unless in exceptional circumstances.
The Kennel Club won't register a litter if the dam has already had two litters delivered by caesarean section, unless for scientifically proven welfare reasons. If the dam was under 1 year old at the time of mating or has already reached the age of 8 years at the date of whelping, registration may be restricted.
If you're an overseas breeder, you'll need to provide a certified copy of the Three Generation Pedigree issued by the overseas kennel club to register a litter with a sire from abroad.
Restrictions
If you're planning to register a litter with The Kennel Club, there are some important restrictions to be aware of. The dam must be over 1 year old at the time of mating, and under 8 years old at the time of birth, unless special dispensation has been granted prior to the mating.
The Kennel Club also has rules about the number of litters a dam can have. If a female dog gives birth to more than four litters, any litters after the fourth will not be eligible to be registered with the Kennel Club.

There are also restrictions on the mating of close relatives. The Kennel Club does not register litters that are the result of parent-offspring or sibling matings, unless in exceptional circumstances or for scientifically proven welfare reasons.
In addition, the dam must be a resident of the UK at the time of birth, and must not have had two litters delivered by caesarean section, unless for scientifically proven welfare reasons.
Here are some key restrictions at a glance:
- The dam must be over 1 year old at the time of mating and under 8 years old at the time of birth.
- The dam cannot have more than four litters.
- The dam must be a resident of the UK at the time of birth.
- The dam cannot have had two litters delivered by caesarean section, unless for scientifically proven welfare reasons.
- Parent-offspring and sibling matings are not allowed, unless in exceptional circumstances or for scientifically proven welfare reasons.
Changing a Dog's Registered Name
Changing a dog's registered name can be a bit tricky, but it's definitely doable with the right information.
You can add an additional word to your dog's name if the name on the documentation is only one word. This is a relatively simple process.
To add a kennel name to your dog's name, you'll need to consider a few things. If the kennel name was given by the breeder and you bred both parents, you can add it to the front of the name. Otherwise, the kennel name should appear at the end of the name.
If your dog was whelped in the UK, you can apply to register the name change with The Kennel Club using a form 9 application.
Changing Registration

Changing registration for new puppy buyers is a straightforward process. You'll receive a change of Kennel Club registered ownership form (form 6) for each individual puppy, which must be signed by all parties who own the puppy.
The new owner will need to sign the reverse of this form and pass it back to you to enable them to change The Kennel Club's registered ownership. This is an official sign of commitment to the puppy's well-being.
Make sure to activate the free insurance cover for each puppy you sell. This insurance is only for the new owners of the puppy and doesn't apply to puppies that the breeder chooses to keep.
You can activate this insurance up to 10 days before the puppy is collected by its new owner. If you're an Assured Breeder, your discount will be applied at the review page before you make payment.
Here's a quick rundown of the steps involved in changing registration:
UK Kennel Club Information
If you're planning to register your Barbets with the UK Kennel Club, here are some essential things to know. All Barbets born or residing in the UK must be registered with the Kennel Club.
To register your litter, you'll need to follow the Kennel Club's guidelines, which can be found on their website. The Kennel Club permits the use of two endorsements on registrations – Progeny Not Eligible for Registration and Progeny Not for Export.
You can find more information on the Kennel Club's website, specifically on registering your pedigree dog litter and overseas registration. To register puppies from an overseas sire in the UK, the stud must be recorded with the UK Kennel Club, which can be done when registering the puppies with copies of pedigrees.
Litters from an overseas sire can only be registered by post. UK Law requires every dog to be microchipped by the time it is 8 weeks old, initially in the breeder's name and then transferred to the new keeper's name and recorded on one of the DEFRA approved data bases.
The Kennel Club provides a microchipping factsheet on their website, which is a great resource to learn more about compulsory microchipping. The most widely used and accepted canine DNA profiling system in the UK and worldwide is called ISAG 2006, which is developed by the International Society of Animal Genetics.
Special Cases
In special cases, the breeder who owned the dam at the date of birth of the puppies must submit the application for registration.
The breeder is the person or people responsible for the dam's care and ownership.
Any application must be submitted by the breeder, who is the person(s) who owned the dam at the date of birth of the puppies.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register my dog with the Kennel Club without papers UK?
Yes, you can register your dog with The Kennel Club on the Activity Register, even without registration papers. This option is available for pedigree dogs.
Sources
- https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/shop/registrations/form-9-registration-of-a-single-dog-on-the-breed-register/
- https://www.wikihow.pet/Register-Your-Litter-with-the-Kennel-Club-(UK)
- https://barbetclubgb.com/health/registration/
- https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/shop/registrations/form-1-litter-registration/
- https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/dog-breeding/first-time-breeders/registering-your-puppies-with-the-kennel-club/
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