AKC registration refers to the process of registering a purebred dog with the American Kennel Club (AKC) . The AKC is a not-for-profit organization that maintains a registry of purebred dogs in the United States. When a dog is registered with the AKC, it receives an AKC Registration Certificate, which contains detailed information about the dog.

The benefits of AKC registration include access to resources and services for every stage of a dogs life, such as the Canine Health Foundation, kennel inspections, and the Canine Good Citizen program. Additionally, AKC registration allows dogs to compete in AKC events and whelp puppies that would be AKC-registrable.

To register a dog with the AKC, the owner must submit an application and receive approval through a registration certificate from the AKC. When a person buys a dog represented as "AKC-registrable," they should receive an AKC Dog Registration Application, properly filled out by the seller. When the buyer completes their portion and submits it with the proper fee, the AKC processes the application, and the buyer receives an AKC Registration Certificate.

It is important to note that AKC registration is not a guarantee or even an indication of quality. Registration itself does not examine the parent dogs or the puppies to see if they qualify for registration, and AKC depends on breeders to be honest when applying for a litter registration. Some unethical breeders apply for registration forms for puppies that have died or were never born, and they then use these certificates on puppies of doubtful parentage. However, AKC will investigate and may revoke the litter registration if the puppies or adult dogs do not have the appearance of the breed they are registered as.