How to Register a Litter with DKC When Parents Are Not Registered

Registering your litter with the Designer Kennel Club (DKC) is one of the most important steps in establishing credibility, preserving lineage, and adding long-term value to your puppies. Many new breeders worry that they cannot register a litter if the parents are not already registered — but DKC makes the process simple, transparent, and breeder-friendly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to successfully registering your litter with DKC when the parents are not yet registered.

Step 1: Register Both Parents as Foundation Dogs

If the sire (father) and dam (mother) are not yet registered with any kennel club, DKC allows you to register them as Foundation Dogs. A Foundation Dog is the starting point for your bloodline within the registry, serving as the first generation of record-keeping.

• Provide the basic details for each parent: name, breed, color, gender, and any known pedigree history.

• Upload clear photos of each dog for official documentation.

• Submit health or vet records if available (this helps strengthen the credibility of your registration).

👉 Once approved, both the sire and dam will receive official DKC registration numbers, creating a permanent record in the registry.

Step 2: Register Your Litter with DKC

After the parents are registered as Foundation Dogs, you can move forward with litter registration. This ensures every puppy in the litter receives an official DKC record from birth.

• Complete the Litter Registration Form online with details such as date of birth, number of puppies, and parent registration numbers.

• Assign names (temporary or permanent) to each puppy.

• Upload photos of the litter and individual puppies if possible.

👉 Once processed, each puppy will receive a DKC registration certificate, making them officially recognized.

Step 3: Benefits of Registering Your Litter with DKC

Registering your litter through the Designer Kennel Club gives you and your puppy buyers confidence, trust, and proof of lineage. Benefits include:

• Official recognition of your bloodline

• Professional registration certificates for each puppy

• Transferable ownership records for future buyers

• Credibility as a breeder, ensuring your puppies hold more value

Final Thoughts

If your dogs are not already registered, don’t worry — DKC makes it easy to start fresh by registering them as Foundation Dogs. Once the parents are established in the registry, you can seamlessly register your entire litter and ensure every puppy begins its life with verified documentation.