Why a Puppy With Correct Pedigree May Be Refused KC Registration

For a puppy to be formally recognised as a pedigree dog by the Kennel Club and be eligible for paperwork, dog shows, and future pedigree recognition of offspring, it must be registered with the Kennel Club. However, this process is not automatic and involves strict eligibility criteria.

This article explains why a puppy with the correct pedigree background might be refused Kennel Club registration and outlines the key registration requirements to consider before breeding or buying.

1. The Parents Must Be Kennel Club Registered

A fundamental requirement is that the puppy is bred from two parent dogs that are themselves registered pedigrees with the Kennel Club. Their ownership details must be current, and accurate dates of mating and the dam’s birth must be provided.

2. Dam’s Breeding History Restrictions

The Kennel Club limits registering to a maximum of four litters from any one dam in her lifetime. This restriction helps protect the dam’s health and welfare by preventing excessive breeding. Therefore, puppies from a fifth or later litter of a dam who has already had four registered litters cannot be registered.

3. Age Limits of the Dam

The dam must be at least one year old at mating and under eight years old at the time of whelping for the litter to be eligible. Exceptions to the upper age limit are rare and must be approved in advance. Litters from dams mated under one year or over eight years at birth are typically refused registration.

4. Prohibition on Close Inbreeding

Maintaining genetic diversity is crucial for breed health. While some breeding between related dogs (such as cousins) is permitted, close incestuous matings are not allowed. This includes parent-offspring or full sibling matings, which will lead to refusal of registration. Exceptions may be granted but are very unusual and only under strict conditions.

5. Caesarean Delivery Limits

Because caesarean sections place extra strain on a dam, the Kennel Club only permits registration of litters from dams with a maximum of two registered caesarean deliveries. Subsequent caesarean litters will be refused unless an unusual exemption has been granted beforehand.

6. UK Residency and Birth Location

For a litter to be registered, it must be born in the UK, and the dam must have a fixed UK address at the time of whelping. Litters born abroad or where the dam was not resident in the UK cannot be registered, ensuring that all registered puppies come from recognised UK breeding lines.

7. Breeding Endorsements Restricting Registration

Some individual dogs have breeding endorsements on their Kennel Club record, such as “progeny not eligible for registration.” This often occurs when breeders sell pups for pets only and do not want their offspring to be used for breeding. If either parent has such an endorsement, the litter cannot be registered.

8. Breed-Specific Registration Barriers

Certain breeds have additional specific restrictions in place to prevent the spread of harmful hereditary conditions or traits. For example, puppies exhibiting a particular colour pattern associated with health concerns (like merle in some breeds) may be ineligible. Always check breed-specific rules before breeding to avoid surprises.

By understanding these criteria and restrictions, breeders and owners can ensure responsible breeding practices that support the health and future of pedigree dog breeds in the UK.

Applying for a Kennel Club registration requires careful preparation, including submitting correct parent details, meeting health and welfare standards, and complying with all relevant regulations. The standard fee is typically £25 per puppy, with discounts for Kennel Club Assured Breeders.

Registering your puppies properly helps protect the integrity of the breed and supports ethical breeding standards across the UK.