REGISTRIES AND BREED CLUBS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:

How do I prove that I am a member of a purebred dog club?

A:

Send us documentation from the purebred dog breed club that shows you are a member in good standing.

Q:

What do I need to submit to prove that my dog has participated in a sanctioned dog show or sporting competition within the required year?

A:

Provide documentation from the show that demonstrates your dog was entered and competed in the competition. Show records, receipts, placement listings, etc. will all suffice.

Q:

What is the difference between a dog breed registry and a purebred dog breed club?

A:

Registries keep records about purebred dogs, such as the breed, color, name, gender, pedigree and owner’s information. Registries will track this information with a registration number that is unique to each dog. They record the births of puppies and who they are descended from and related to. Registries normally also maintain records regarding any titles earned by the dogs registered with them.

Breed Clubs are clubs that are formed to promote a particular breed of dog. To ensure club members only breed dogs with suitable genetics, many breed clubs have Codes of Ethics that includes restrictions from breeding dogs of that breed with genetic defects and life threatening health problems that commonly threaten the breed.

Q:

What are the requirements for a dog breed registry to be approved by the Department?

A:

Dog breed registries must be incorporated nonprofit corporations and have been incorporated for at least three years. The registry must provide the following information to the Department: a list of the registry’s board members; proof the club has sanctioned shows or competitions; a copy of the articles of incorporation; a copy of the registry’s bylaws; and a description of the registration process and requirements for that registry.

Q:

What are the requirements for a purebred dog breed club to be approved by the Department?

A:

Purebred dog breed clubs must be incorporated nonprofit corporations and have been incorporated for at least three years. Approved must maintain and enforce a Code of Ethics for dog breeding that includes restrictions from breeding dogs with genetic defects and life threatening health problems that commonly threaten the breed.

Q:

Where do I get a list of approved breed registries and breed clubs?

A:

Click on Approved Breed Registries or Approved Breed Clubs.

Q:

What if my dog is registered with a registry that is not on your approved list?

A:

Dogs registered with registries that are not approved by the department will not qualify for an exemption to the spay/neuter requirements. If you believe your registry would qualify to meet the Department’s criteria, encourage them to apply to be an approved registry.