Question 1

How do I update my address?

Accepted Answer

To update your address with CKC, you must make the request in writing. The easiest way is to email from the address currently on file and include both your old and new addresses, or you can submit a Change of Address form by mail or fax. All registration documents and correspondence are sent to the mailing and email addresses on record, so it is each member’s responsibility to keep that information current.

Question 2

How do I become a member or breeder with CKC?

Accepted Answer

You automatically become a CKC member once you successfully register or transfer your first dog with Continental Kennel Club. Membership, including breeder status, is tied to your registration activity and is subject to CKC’s terms and conditions, which may be updated over time.

Question 3

Does CKC offer special rates for breeders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Members who qualify for kennel status receive discounted registration rates compared to standard individual pricing. Kennel rates apply once you meet CKC’s criteria for kennel status, and additional details are outlined in the Member Service Fee Schedule.

Question 4

What are the differences between a kennel account and an individual account?

Accepted Answer

An individual account is for members with fewer than eight active breeding dogs registered, while a kennel account is for members with eight or more active breeding dogs within a year. Kennel accounts may qualify for kennel-rate discounts after the required number of breeding dogs is registered within a calendar year, and accounts can be upgraded from individual to kennel status once that threshold is met.

Question 5

What is the difference between a member number and a CKC registration number?

Accepted Answer

A member number identifies you as the owner and is linked to your personal account information, while a CKC registration number uniquely identifies an individual dog. Canine registration numbers include a breed code and a series of digits, and CKC does not release full canine registration numbers over the phone, although members can request their own member or account numbers after verifying their identity.

Question 6

How do I transfer ownership of CKC registered dog?

Accepted Answer

To transfer ownership of a CKC-registered dog, the transfer section on the back of the original CKC registration certificate must be completed and submitted with the appropriate fees. If the original certificate is missing, you may use CKC’s supplemental transfer or certification of ownership forms, and the previous owner generally needs to sign to approve the change of ownership unless you follow the alternative process outlined on those forms.

Question 7

What is a pedigree?

Accepted Answer

A pedigree is the official record of a purebred dog’s ancestry, typically listing several generations such as parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. CKC can provide pedigrees for eligible dogs upon request, although in some cases information may be incomplete if the necessary data was never provided or if the dog descends from foundation animals.

Question 8

Why is my dog's pedigree incomplete?

Accepted Answer

A pedigree may be incomplete when CKC does not have full ancestral information on file, such as when prior owners did not submit pedigrees from other registries or when a dog or its ancestors were first registered as foundation animals through the PAW program. You may be able to update the pedigree by supplying missing information or documentation from breeders or previous owners so CKC can revise its records.

Question 9

I lost my Puppy Registration Application(s). Can I order another one?

Accepted Answer

CKC can reissue Puppy Registration Applications if they were lost or never received. Replacements may be free if requested soon after the original issue date, but after that period a reissue fee applies; requests can typically be made by phone with card payment or in writing with a check or money order, and replacement applications are mailed to the breeder or seller, not directly to the new puppy owner.

Question 10

I lost my dog's certificate. Can I get another copy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can order a duplicate CKC registration certificate for your dog by contacting CKC and paying the current duplicate-certificate fee. Requests must include identifying details such as your name, address, and the dog’s name so that CKC can locate the record and issue a new certificate.

Question 11

My dog's certificate has an error/typo. How do I fix it?

Accepted Answer

If your dog’s certificate contains an error or typo, you should contact CKC’s Customer Service team for specific instructions, since the correction process and any fees depend on the type of error and how long ago the registration was completed. The Member Service Fee Schedule outlines potential costs, and CKC will advise you on the steps needed to correct the record and reissue documents.

Question 12

What are breed standards, and why are they important?

Accepted Answer

A breed standard is a written description of a breed’s ideal appearance, movement, and temperament that distinguishes it from other breeds. CKC maintains its own breed standards, based on global sources and historical information, to guide breeding decisions, preserve healthy structure and function, and discourage extreme or harmful traits while allowing appropriate genetic diversity.

Question 13

Why does CKC register non-purebred dogs?

Accepted Answer

CKC’s primary role as a registry is to provide accurate identification and record-keeping for dogs and their owners, which includes both purebred and non-purebred dogs. Mixed-breed and designer dogs are clearly identified as non-purebred on CKC documents, and registering them allows CKC to maintain ownership, progeny, and genealogical records for a wide variety of dogs while still distinguishing purebred status where applicable.

Question 14

Which colors are acceptable for my dog?

Accepted Answer

Each CKC breed standard lists the standard coat colors associated with that breed, but CKC also recognizes that some purebred dogs can have non-standard colors. CKC therefore maintains lists of both standard and non-standard colors for many breeds and advises owners to consult the detailed breed standard for their dog to see which colors are acceptable and how they are recorded.

Question 15

My dog is bigger or smaller than I hoped. What can I do?

Accepted Answer

Adult size is influenced by the dog’s genetics, and even when both parents are a particular size variety, offspring may mature larger or smaller than expected because of traits inherited from earlier generations. If your CKC-registered dog’s size variety is listed incorrectly, you can request a correction by submitting a completed measurement chart, returning the current registration certificate, and paying the appropriate reissue fee.

Question 16

CKC's purebred definition and qualifications.

Accepted Answer

CKC defines purebred dogs using pedigree information, breed standards, and, when appropriate, genetic considerations. To be considered purebred, a dog must typically descend from purebred parents or foundation stock, belong to a breed with a recognized and maintained standard, and be capable of producing offspring that reliably conform to that standard; CKC may also apply internal pedigree calculations for developmental breeds.

Question 17

What breeds does CKC recognize?

Accepted Answer

CKC generally recognizes long-established purebred dog breeds from around the world, including rare and landrace breeds, as well as newer breeds that meet CKC’s recognition criteria. For breeds not yet recognized, owners can contact CKC by phone or email to inquire about starting a breed recognition request.

Question 18

Should I breed my dog?

Accepted Answer

Breeding a dog is a serious decision that should only be made after evaluating the dog’s health, genetics, temperament, and how well it meets the breed standard. CKC recommends that breeding stock be free of defects and disease, have stable, appropriate temperaments, and ideally demonstrate their abilities through training or performance events, and that prospective breeders consult with a veterinarian and educate themselves thoroughly before proceeding.

Question 19

What are the minimum and maximum ages for breeding stock?

Accepted Answer

To register a litter with CKC, both the sire and dam must be at least six months old at the time of breeding, and CKC will not register litters produced from younger parents. Generally, the maximum breeding age is 12 years for dams and 13 years for sires; breeding beyond those ages requires annual veterinary documentation and should always be discussed with a veterinarian.

Question 20

Can I limit the registration of puppies I sell?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CKC allows breeders to limit the registration status of puppies so that they cannot be used to produce CKC-registered litters while still allowing ownership transfer and standard member benefits. Preferred Breeder Program members can use limited registration more easily and without extra fees, while other breeders may submit puppy applications with a written request to register specific puppies as limited before they go to their new owners.

Question 21

What is CKC's stance on inbreeding and linebreeding?

Accepted Answer

CKC strongly discourages intentional inbreeding and close linebreeding because of the negative effects these practices can have on litter size, fertility, disease resistance, and inherited health problems. While some breeders use close matings to fix traits, CKC aims to balance breed type with genetic diversity and reserves the right to refuse registration of litters produced from closely related parents, such as full siblings or parent-offspring pairs.

Question 22

How do I change a breed or breed variety?

Accepted Answer

In certain cases, CKC may allow a dog’s recorded breed variety or even its breed designation to be updated, especially for breeds with multiple accepted varieties. Owners requesting a change must submit appropriate forms, such as a measurement chart with witnesses, a new PAW application with photos and measurements, a written explanation, original registration documents, and any required fees, and CKC may also independently correct designations when necessary; each dog is generally allowed only one such change in its lifetime.

Question 23

Special Cases

Accepted Answer

CKC reserves the right to refuse registration of litters that fall into specific high-risk or ethically problematic categories. Examples include homozygous merle (double-merle) litters and closely inbred litters produced from full-sibling or parent-offspring matings, and CKC may extend related decisions to affected relatives where appropriate.

Question 24

What is required to advertise my dogs with CKC?

Accepted Answer

To advertise puppies or dogs with CKC branding, any animals described as CKC-registered or CKC-registerable must actually be eligible for or covered by valid CKC documentation, such as a registration certificate, supplemental transfer form, or Puppy Registration Application. Advertised breed names must match what appears on CKC paperwork, so breeders should not market dogs under different or misleading breed titles if the registration lists another name.

Question 25

How do I find responsible owners for my puppies?

Accepted Answer

Finding responsible puppy buyers starts with planning ahead, screening potential owners, and using tools like deposits and written contracts. CKC encourages breeders to evaluate whether buyers’ lifestyles fit the breed, provide clear expectations for veterinary care and training, and use advertising thoughtfully to reach suitable homes while being willing to decline placements that do not seem appropriate.

Question 26

How do I prepare buyers for ownership?

Accepted Answer

Breeders can help new owners succeed by providing well-socialized puppies that have begun basic training and by sharing educational resources. CKC suggests using tools like its puppy starter materials and reminding buyers to register their puppies promptly so they can access CKC’s training videos, support services, and benefits, and stresses the importance of giving buyers correct, signed original paperwork at the time of sale.

Question 27

What should I include in a puppy contract to ensure a smooth sale?

Accepted Answer

A solid puppy contract typically outlines the health guarantee, any spay-neuter or training requirements, expectations for care, and how registration and breeding rights will be handled. It should also explain what happens if the dog needs to be rehomed and ensure that all terms are written clearly and signed by both parties before the puppy goes home.

Question 28

What is a return rate? Why is it important?

Accepted Answer

A return rate reflects how many Puppy Registration Applications requested by a breeder are eventually submitted by buyers to register their puppies. High follow-through on registration helps CKC maintain accurate records and allows new owners to access member benefits; CKC encourages breeders to educate buyers on the value of registration and may develop incentives based on strong return rates.

Question 29

What advice would you give about buying a puppy?

Accepted Answer

When buying a puppy, CKC recommends working with a reputable local breeder, meeting the parent dogs when possible, and confirming that the puppies have received appropriate veterinary care and vaccinations. For CKC-registered litters, buyers should verify registration claims and insist on receiving an original, signed Puppy Registration Application at pickup, and they should arrange for a prompt veterinary exam to protect both the puppy’s health and their consumer rights.

Question 30

I didn't register my puppy right away. Is it too late?

Accepted Answer

Puppy Registration Applications issued by CKC do not expire and there are no late fees for registering later. However, CKC advises owners to register their puppies as soon as possible so they can access all membership benefits and support services right away, whether registering online or by submitting the completed application by mail, fax, or email.

Question 31

Release of Information

Accepted Answer

As a private canine record-keeping organization, CKC does not share confidential information about members or their registered dogs with outside parties, except under limited circumstances. Information may be released to another member only with the owner’s consent or under proper legal process, and additional customized record requests may be available for a fee as outlined in CKC’s service schedule.

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