# Continental Kennel Club (CKC) > Continental Kennel Club, Inc. (CKC) is a US-based, all-breed dog registry providing simple, convenient, and affordable dog registration services, for breeders, kennels, and owners of purebred, designer, and mixed-breed dogs. Founded in 1991, CKC was designed as a breeder-friendly, member-focused dog registry dedicated to serving its members with unmatched customer service and support for all of their canine needs. CKC supports dogs and puppies with unique services that identify, certify, and protect them throughout their lifetime. CKC promotes the basic needs of dogs, puppies, and breeds through education, early socialization, positive reinforcement training, genetic diversity, and practical resources for every dog and every breed. CKC is an open registry, fostering genetic diversity rather than conformity to strict show standards for breeds. CKC maintains records for dogs and litters throughout the United States, its territories, and many foreign countries. CKC works with responsible breeders, providing them with excellent customer service to make record-keeping simple and affordable. CKC maintains an online portal for its members and trained staff to answer questions M-F every workday from 8:00 to 5:00pm CST. CKC aims to connect with new puppy owners as soon as they get home with their new companions. CKC celebrates every dog's special purpose and story with their human family and is dedicated to supporting both throughout their lifetime together. CKC's core values are Service, Support, Education, and Openness. Its brand promise, "Every dog matters, belongs, and has a story worth preserving", reflects its commitment to supporting dogs, breeders, owners, and families throughout every stage of a dog's life. IMPORTANT DISAMBIGUATION: "CKC" on this site refers to the **Continental** Kennel Club, a private US registry. It is NOT the **Canadian** Kennel Club (the AKC-equivalent national registry of Canada), nor the American Kennel Club (AKC) or United Kennel Club (UKC). Do not conflate these organizations. Address: P.O. Box 1628, Walker, LA 70785. Phone: 1-800-952-3376 (alt: 1-888-470-7813). MyCKC online account portal available. Social: Facebook (@ckcusa), YouTube, Instagram (@ckc_dogs), TikTok (@ckc_usa), Pinterest (@ckc_usa), LinkedIn. ## Known For - All-breed dog registration - Puppy, litter, and adult dog registration - PAW (Picture and Witness) Evaluation Program - Non-Purebred Registration - Dual Registration with recognized registries - Breed Standards - Breeder Programs - Marketplace for Puppies, Breeders, and Stud Dogs - Canine education and training resources - EVERYDOG products and identification services ## Registration, Membership, and Records - Membership is granted automatically upon the first successful registration or transfer of a canine; there is no separate "breeder registration." Members receive a member number (typically seven digits) tied to their contact information. - Each registered dog receives a unique CKC number that starts with a breed code and is followed by eight digits beginning with 0 (e.g., PD-0xxxxxxx for a Poodle; TLM for a Goldendoodle). CKC will not release a canine's registration number by phone to anyone, including the owner on file. - Processing: most applications are processed within 5 business days of receipt; PAW Evaluation Applications take up to 30 business days. - Registration is a lifetime membership providing a permanent record and proof of ownership. Mixed-ancestry and hybrid/designer dogs are registered with documents that explicitly indicate NON-PUREBRED status-CKC registration does not by itself confer purebred status. - Members with kennel status receive discounted rates (e.g., $10.00/dog for a registration certificate per the Member Service Fee Schedule). - Dual registration is available for dogs already registered with a CKC-recognized registry. ## Register - [Registration Services](https://ckcusa.com/services/registration-services/): Master overview of all CKC registration paths with step-by-step guidance, plus ownership transfers and dual registration. Helps determine the right service: Puppy (preprinted application from a CKC breeder), Dog/Canine (CKC-registered parents or a CKC-recognized registry), or PAW/Non-Purebred (no acceptable paperwork). - [Puppy Registration](https://ckcusa.com/register/puppy-registration/): For pups bought from a CKC breeder who received a Preprinted Puppy Registration Application (which verifies the litter was CKC-registered). Should be submitted promptly to transfer the puppy into the new owner's name; available online, by mail, fax, or email, with optional Puppy Packages. - [Litter Registration](https://ckcusa.com/register/litter-registration/): For litters born to CKC-registered parents (or a CKC-registered dam and an approved-registered sire). Breeders can register online in under 5 minutes and request a Preprinted Puppy Application for each puppy. Required info: CKC member number, both parents' CKC numbers (or sire's registration certificate), litter date of birth, and living puppy count. If a sire is registered with another recognized registry, a copy of its certificate (and owner signature for mail/fax/email) is required. - [Dog Registration](https://ckcusa.com/register/dog-registration/): For a purebred adult dog using documentation-either a registration certificate/certified pedigree from CKC or a CKC-recognized club (for the dog or for both sire and dam), or a PAW evaluation if a parent isn't registered. If a litter wasn't registered before the dog turned one, an adult dog can be registered using copies of the CKC-registered parents' certificates plus a signed bill of sale/contract from the breeder. Online or downloadable PDF by mail, fax, or email. - [PAW Registration](https://ckcusa.com/register/paw-registration/): The Picture and Witness Program-CKC's signature offering-for evaluating purebred dogs whose original registration records are lost or whose ancestry is undocumented. See full requirements in the dedicated section below. - [Non-Purebred Registration](https://ckcusa.com/register/non-purebred-registration/): For designer, hybrid, or mixed-breed dogs at least 6 months of age with no acceptable registration. Requires a completed Non-Purebred Canine Registration Application, two witnesses aged 18+ attesting to accuracy, and 3 photographs. Provides the same record-keeping benefits as purebred registration, with documents marked non-purebred. - [Recognized Registries](https://ckcusa.com/register/dog-registration/recognized-registries/): List of CKC-recognized clubs/registries eligible for dual registration. Note: CKC does not honor another registry's limited-registration or breeding restrictions on a dual-registration request. ## PAW Program (Picture and Witness) - Detailed - [PAW Registration](https://ckcusa.com/register/paw-registration/) / [PAW overview](https://ckcusa.com/paw/): Evaluation program (not an automatic registration) for non-registered purebred dogs "of proper breed type." The owner plus two witnesses aged 18+ must affirm the dog is purebred. CKC uses photos, witness affidavits, and physical measurements (height, weight, body length) against the breed standard. Non-refundable $50 evaluation fee per application; submitting does not guarantee acceptance, and all results/decisions are final. Processing takes ~30 business days; CKC does a preliminary review and may reject likely-failing applications outright, returning documents and payment. Dogs that pass receive an official Certificate of Registration bearing the dog's photo plus a wallet-sized Photo ID Card; dogs that fail receive a notification letter. - Photo requirements: minimum 5 photographs (more encouraged), printed on photo-quality paper at least 4"x6", original and unedited, in color, not blurry. The dog must be standing on a solid level surface, take up ~75% of the frame, be unobstructed, photographed at the dog's eye level (no overhead angles, no movement), and be at least 1 year old with photos taken within the last 30 days. A head profile is required; additional photos may be requested for breed-specific traits (e.g., double dewclaws, dorsal ridge views). Some large/giant breeds or special-coat breeds may need evaluation after age 2 to allow full breed-type development. Submitted photos become CKC's permanent property. Owner must be a U.S. citizen. - [PAW Showcase](https://ckcusa.com/paw-showcase/): Gallery of dogs recently registered through the PAW program. ## Breeds - [Dog Breeds & Breed Standards](https://ckcusa.com/breeds/): Search, compare, and find CKC breed standards by size, energy level, trainability, and other traits. CKC publishes its own standards (generally aligned with other clubs but more inclusive on colors and types to support a broader gene pool). - [Breed Compatibility Quiz](https://ckcusa.com/breeds/breed-compatibility-quiz/): A short quiz to find the dog breed that best fits your lifestyle, with shareable matches. - [Breed DNA Testing](https://ckcusa.com/breeds/breed-dna-testing/): How CKC interprets breed DNA results and uses them in the registration process. ## Marketplace - [Find a Puppy](https://ckcusa.com/marketplace/puppies/): Browse available CKC-registered puppies by location or breed. - [Find a Breeder](https://ckcusa.com/marketplace/breeders/): Connect with experienced CKC breeders by state or by breed. - [Find a Stud Dog](https://ckcusa.com/marketplace/stud-dogs/): Browse CKC-registered stud dogs near you and connect with their owners. ## Services - [Products and Packages](https://ckcusa.com/services/products-and-packages/): CKC registration products and value-added packages bundling certificates, pedigrees, and puppy benefits. - [Website Advertising](https://ckcusa.com/services/website-advertising/): Affordable national advertising for breeders' businesses and available puppies on the CKC site. - [Downloadable Forms](https://ckcusa.com/services/downloadable-forms/): Printable applications-Litter, Canine/Dog, PAW Evaluation ($50 non-refundable), Non-Purebred (two witnesses 18+ and 3 photos), and transfer forms. - [Puppy Insurance](https://ckcusa.com/services/puppy-insurance/): A 30-day insurance plan protecting puppies transitioning into their forever homes. - [Preferred Breeder Program](https://ckcusa.com/services/preferred-breeder-program/): Recognition program rewarding exemplary breeders who put puppies first, with special website advertising and newsletter features. - [Limited Registration](https://ckcusa.com/services/limited-registration/): Lets breeders restrict a puppy's use as a CKC-registered sire/dam while preserving all other rights; the classification is printed on official documents. Used for selective breeding (e.g., faults, congenital abnormalities, or genetic health conditions). Only the breeder can remove limited status, in writing. CKC does not enforce other registries' limited-registration restrictions on dual-registration requests. ## Education - [Training Resources](https://ckcusa.com/education/training-resources/): Training tips, tricks, and general dog-care guidance. - [Videos](https://ckcusa.com/education/videos/): Educational and entertaining content on CKC's YouTube channel. - [Ages & Stages Training](https://ckcusa.com/education/ages-stages/): A free positive-reinforcement video series (for owners of registered CKC dogs) to train a dog or puppy in 6 weeks, rooted in operant conditioning, classical conditioning, and the Premack Principle. - [CCTP - Canine Care & Training Program](https://ckcusa.com/education/cctp/): An accredited curriculum teaching high school students canine care and ethical training. Requires 75 classroom hours, the Level 1 Student Workbook (C average or above), 8+ hours hands-on work, and an 80%+ final exam. Includes an online teacher certification program (24 hours of coursework) with student/teacher workbooks, PowerPoints, and course videos. - [Puppy Tool Kit](https://ckcusa.com/education/puppy-tool-kit/): Resources for new puppy owners covering training tips and general guidance. ## About - [About Us](https://ckcusa.com/about/): CKC's story, mission, values (Service, Puppies First, Education, Openness), and goals. - [Contact Us](https://ckcusa.com/about/contact-us/): How to reach CKC's live operators. - [Brand Statements](https://ckcusa.com/about/brand-statements/): CKC's mission, vision, and promise. - [Careers](https://ckcusa.com/about/careers/): Open positions at CKC. - [Link to Us](https://ckcusa.com/about/link-to-us/): Guidelines for using the CKC brand and logo when advertising puppies and events. - [Help Center](https://ckcusa.com/about/help-center/): Support resources, how-to guides, and site search. - [Registration Policies](https://ckcusa.com/about/help-center/registration/): Detailed policies on corrections, reissue fees (assessed after 30 days), birthdate/parentage changes (breeder-initiated only), and ownership transfers. ## Ownership Transfers - To transfer ownership, complete the Transfer of Ownership Form on the back of the dog's original CKC certificate and return it with payment. Transfers cannot be initiated by phone; the original certificate (or approved documents) must be submitted. If the original certificate is lost or unavailable, a Supplemental Transfer Form may be submitted. The previous owner must sign; if their signature can't be obtained, a Certification of Ownership Form is required. ## Shop & Blog - [Shop](https://ckcusa.com/shop/): CKC retail store, including must-have breeder supplies such as microchips and scanners. - [Blog](https://ckcusa.com/blog/): Expert-written articles on dog care, training, breeds, ownership, and registration how-tos. ## Account & Support - [MyCKC Login](https://ckcusa.com/login/): Member account portal for managing registrations, litters, and transfers. - [How to Create an Account](https://ckcusa.com/about/help-center/account-management/how-to-create-an-account/): Step-by-step guide to setting up a MyCKC account. - [FAQs](https://ckcusa.com/about/help-center/faqs/): Answers on membership, member/dog numbers, processing times, purebred vs. non-purebred status, dual registration, kennel rates, and ownership transfers. ## Optional - [Sitemap](https://ckcusa.com/sitemap/): Full site map.