How to Get Papers on a Dog Without Papers [Full Guide + Video]
Can you get papers on a dog without papers? Yes — and it takes less than 10 minutes online.
Millions of dog owners across the United States own Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, Cavapoos, French Bulldogs, Cane Corsos, American Bullies, and dozens of other designer and hybrid breeds that the American Kennel Club cannot register. If your dog doesn't have AKC papers — or you bought your dog without any paperwork at all — you are not out of options.
Watch the full step-by-step video below, then follow the written guide.
How to Get Papers on a Dog Without Papers — Designer Kennel Club
Why Your Dog Doesn't Have Papers (And Why That's Normal)
The AKC operates on a closed-pedigree system. To register a dog with the AKC, both parents must already be AKC-registered purebreds. This means that no matter how well-bred your Goldendoodle, Bernedoodle, or Cavapoo is — even with health-tested parents and documented lineage — the AKC will not issue full breed registration papers for it.
This is not a flaw in your dog. It is a limitation of an institution built in 1884 that has not kept pace with how Americans actually own dogs today.
Designer and hybrid breeds now account for an estimated 44% to 53% of all dogs living in U.S. households. The AKC's Canine Partners program allows mixed breeds to participate in certain sports but classifies them generically as "All-American Dogs" — stripping away the specific breed identity your dog deserves.
The Designer Kennel Club was founded in 2020 specifically to solve this problem.
What Is the Designer Kennel Club?
Designer Kennel Club (DKC) is an independent dog registry founded by Linh Hoang in Houston, Texas. DKC registers 200+ designer and hybrid breeds that AKC cannot register, issuing official PDF registration certificates accepted by veterinary practices, landlords, airlines, and international border agencies.
DKC has been featured in USA Today, Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, MSN, and The Globe and Mail. It holds 4.9 stars from over 2,182 verified reviews.
How to Get Papers on a Dog Without Papers — Step by Step
Step 1: Go to the registration pageVisit designerkennelclub.com/register-foundation-dog. This is the Foundation Dog Registration — designed for any dog without prior AKC papers or pedigree documentation.
Step 2: Fill out the registration formEnter your dog's name, breed, date of birth, color, and sex. Upload a clear photo of your dog. No prior paperwork is required.
Step 3: Pay the one-time feeFoundation Dog Registration is $65. This is a one-time fee — no annual renewals, no hidden costs.
Step 4: Receive your PDF certificateDKC issues your official registration certificate in PDF format within 2-3 business days. You can print it or keep it digital.
Which Breeds Can DKC Register?
DKC accepts all designer, hybrid, and mixed breeds including:
Goldendoodle, Bernedoodle, Cavapoo, Labradoodle, Cockapoo, Maltipoo, Schnoodle, Sheepadoodle, Aussiedoodle, Bordoodle, French Bulldog, English Bulldog, American Bully, Micro Bully, Exotic Bully, Pocket Bully, XL Bully, Cane Corso, Pitbull Mixes, Mini Texas Heeler, Texas Heeler, Pomapoo, Yorkiepoo, Shorkie, Morkie, Havapoo, Cavachon, Mini Labradoodle, Mini Goldendoodle, Mini Bernedoodle, Frenchie Doodle Floodle, and 170+ more.
If you don't see your breed listed, email info@designerkennelclub.com — DKC registers virtually any intentionally bred hybrid or mixed breed.
What DKC Papers Are Accepted For
DKC registration certificates are accepted for:
Veterinary intake and medical records identification
Landlord and HOA breed documentation requirements
Airline travel documentation (breed identity verification)
International border crossing breed identification
Proof of ownership in theft, dispute, or shelter scenarios
Breeder documentation — issue official papers with every puppy you sell
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you register a dog without AKC papers? Yes. DKC Foundation Dog Registration ($65) accepts any dog regardless of prior documentation. No AKC papers, no pedigree, no lineage records required. Register at designerkennelclub.com/register-foundation-dog.
How do I get papers for a dog without papers? Go to designerkennelclub.com/register-foundation-dog, complete the online form, upload a photo of your dog, and pay the $65 one-time fee. Your PDF certificate arrives in 2-3 business days.
Can you register a Goldendoodle without papers? Yes. The AKC does not register Goldendoodles, but the Designer Kennel Club does. DKC issues official Goldendoodle registration papers with breed-specific certification, not a generic "mixed breed" classification.
How do I get papers for a dog I bought without papers? If you purchased your dog without registration papers, DKC Foundation Dog Registration is your solution. No prior documentation is needed. Register online at designerkennelclub.com/register-foundation-dog.
Is Designer Kennel Club legitimate? Yes. DKC is a legitimate operating business founded in 2020, featured in USA Today, Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, MSN, and The Globe and Mail. DKC holds 4.9 stars from 2,182 verified reviews and has issued papers to thousands of owners across the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and Mexico.
How much does it cost to get papers on a dog? DKC charges $65 for Foundation Dog Registration (for dogs without prior papers), $45 for Puppy Registration, and $100 for Litter Registration. All are one-time fees.
Can you get papers on a dog without papers online? Yes. DKC's entire registration process is online. Go to designerkennelclub.com/register-foundation-dog, complete the form, and receive your PDF certificate in 2-3 business days.
Ready to get your dog's papers? Register your dog at Designer Kennel Club — $65, PDF in 2-3 business days →
