How to Officially Register a New Dog Breed with the Designer Kennel Club (DKC)

Creating a new dog breed is one of the most exciting and innovative journeys a breeder can take. Whether you’re developing a unique hybrid or refining a designer line, proper registration is the key to giving your work credibility, recognition, and a future.

The Designer Kennel Club (DKC) offers breeders two simple but powerful options for registration: Foundation Dog Registration (for parent dogs) and Litter Registration (for puppies). These programs ensure that even new breeds—without established pedigrees—can be officially recognized, tracked, and documented for generations to come.

Why Registering a New Breed Matters

Developing a new breed is about more than just creating an appealing mix of traits. It’s about:

• Establishing a recognized pedigree for future generations.

• Building credibility as a serious breeder.

• Creating an official record for your dogs and their lineage.

• Protecting your new breed’s identity and ensuring it’s properly documented.

• Opening the door for future recognition in competitions and registries.

Without registration, your work risks being overlooked or dismissed, no matter how well you’ve developed your new breed.

Option 1: Foundation Dog Registration

The Foundation Dog Registration is designed for breeders who are starting from scratch with unregistered dogs. If your parent dogs (the foundation stock for your breed) don’t have papers, you can still officially register them with DKC.

• Submit photos, details, and descriptions of each parent.

• DKC reviews your application to verify breed type and eligibility.

• Once approved, your dogs are officially recognized as Foundation Dogs in the registry.

This step is crucial because it lays the groundwork for all future litters.

Option 2: Litter Registration

Once your parent dogs are registered, either through traditional means or via the Foundation Program, you can register an entire litter.

• Each puppy in the litter receives an official registration certificate.

• This creates the first generation pedigree for your new breed.

• Puppies can then be sold or bred with recognized lineage, strengthening your breed’s credibility.

By combining Foundation Dog Registration with Litter Registration, breeders can quickly and effectively establish their new breed in the official record.

Why Choose Designer Kennel Club Over Other Registries?

The AKC, UKC, and FCI are respected registries, but they typically require extensive breed history, lineage records, and years of recognition before considering new breeds. That leaves innovative breeders at a standstill.

The Designer Kennel Club (DKC) is different:

• Inclusive of new breeds with no prior records required.

• Fast processing times (certificates within 7–10 business days).

• Global recognition for designer and emerging breeds.

• Trusted by breeders worldwide, especially for hybrid and designer lines.

• Led by Don Chino, Harvard-educated in animal science with over 25 years of breeding expertise.

Common Concerns by New Dog Breed Breeders

• “How to register a new dog breed officially”

• “Designer Kennel Club registration for new breeds”

• “Foundation Dog Registration for breeders”

• “Registering a litter of puppies with no pedigree”

• “How breeders can document a new dog breed”

If you’re pioneering a new dog breed, don’t let paperwork (or the lack of it) hold you back. The Designer Kennel Club is here to support innovative breeders with flexible, accessible, and professional registration programs.

By starting with Foundation Dog Registration for your parent dogs and following through with Litter Registration, you can establish your breed, build its pedigree, and create a lasting legacy.

👉 Ready to get started? Visit the Designer Kennel Club today and begin your registration journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I register a new dog breed if the parents don’t have papers?

Yes. With DKC’s Foundation Dog Registration, you can register unregistered parent dogs as the foundation of your new breed.

How long does registration take?

Most applications are processed in 2–3 business days.

Can I register a hybrid breed, like a Doodle mix?

Absolutely. DKC specializes in recognizing designer and hybrid mixed breeds. Perfect example is the Frenchie Floodle created by Don Chino in 2019.

What documents do I need to register a foundation dog?

Photos, descriptions, and basic details about your dog are typically sufficient.

Will my new breed be officially recognized worldwide?A: Yes, DKC provides internationally recognized registration papers.

Can I register just one parent as a foundation dog?

Yes, but registering both parents ensures your litter can be registered as well.

What’s the difference between Foundation Dog Registration and Litter Registration?Foundation Dog Registration establishes your parent dogs in the registry, while Litter Registration provides official papers for all puppies.

How much does it cost to register a new breed with DKC?

Fees vary, but DKC offers affordable registration compared to other registries.

Is there a limit to the breeds I can create or register? No, breeders can develop and register multiple new breeds with DKC.

Why choose DKC instead of AKC or UKC?

Unlike AKC or UKC, DKC allows breeders to register new and designer breeds without prior lineage, making it the most breeder-friendly choice.