Can Goldendoodles be AKC registered? Does AKC recognize Goldendoodles? Anyone with a keen interest in the Goldendoodle asks these questions often. Asking yourself such questions is fine because you want to get your dog from an AKC-approved and responsible dog breeder. AKC recognizes many dog breeds, but does it accept Goldendoodles? Keep reading to discover if this is the case.

The American Kennel Club – An Overview

Can Goldendoodles be AKC registered? Before we answer this question, let us find out what the American Kennel Club (AKC) is. The American Kennel Club is an association that promotes ethical dog breeding and responsible dog ownership in the USA. 

The century-old AKC also traces the family lines of purebred dogs. After tracing a purebred dog’s lineage, it produces an AKC certificate to serve as its birth certificate. You should purchase a dog with an AKC certificate because it reflects its history and lineage. 

Another service that the AKC offers is education. It educates pet owners on how to care for their dogs. It uses various online platforms and offline events podiums to teach people about the best practices to ensure when parenting a dog. 

Can Goldendoodles be AKC registered?  – Dog Breeds that the AKC recognizes

Can Goldendoodles be AKC registered? The answer is a resounding no. The American Kennel Club does not recognize doodles despite having a pleasant personality, temperament, and other excellent traits. Why does this club not recognize this popular dog breed? Here are the reasons: 

  • Doodles are Hybrid Dogs – Goldendoodles lack the purity that the AKC looks for in a dog breed. It is because doodles are a crossbreed of the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. They are more of a designer dog than a purebred pet. 
  • Goldendoodles Differ From Their Parents – The Golden Retriever and Poodle are pure breeds. They are on the AKC-approved dog breeds list. Unfortunately, doodles have varied genes and characteristics they pick from either parent. It makes them a different dog breed. 
  • Lacks Standardization – Goldendoodles are crossbred dogs with diverse colors, coat textures, and sizes. There is no standard way of classifying their appearance. Some have wavy coats, while others have straight or curly hair. Although multigenerational doodles bred from fellow Goldendoodles are emerging, the AKC has yet to recognize them. As a result, doodles fail to meet a vital criterion for AKC registration. 

The American Kennel Club recognizes and lists up to 190 dog breeds. The Golden Retrievers and Poodles are some of the dogs that meet the strict AKC’s registration rules. 

So, can Goldendoodles be AKC registered?  The Goldendoodle is missing from the AKC listing because it is not a purebred dog like its two parents, the German shepherd, Labrador retriever, and other dog breeds.

Does the ACK Registration Matter?

Can Goldendoodles be AKC registered, and does the status matter? The AKC hosts prestigious dog events like shows and performance sports every year. These have gained recognition in the USA and other nations. 

If your dog is a pure breed recognized by the AKC, it gets the pleasure of participating in these luxury events. Another reason why AKC recognition matters is that the association holds the benchmark for choosing responsible dog breeders and healthy canines.

How Does Failure to Get the AKC Registration Affect Doodles?

The American Kennel Club is specific on the type of dog breeds it accepts. Can Goldendoodles be AKC registered at all? Goldendoodles will probably enter the AKC list in the future. Today, they are not on the list like their parents. 

This does not mean that doodles are a lesser dog breed. On the contrary, they are blended dogs boasting the best traits from their purebred parents. While they are not eligible for the AKC certification, another association recognizes them. 

This is none other than GANA (Goldendoodle Association of North America). The association began in 2008, meaning it is younger than the AKC. Amy Lane, the founder of GANA and Fox Creek Farm, made GANA to ensure ethical doodle breeding standards and responsible ownership. 

So, can Goldendoodles be AKC registered or should I try GANA? The Goldendoodle Association of North America is your only choice because you cannot register your pet with the AKC. GANA dedicates itself to doodles and has unique rules like the AKC.  GANA does not accept any purebred dogs or other designer dogs. Here are its duties: 

  • GANA creates standards for breeding healthy and quality Goldendoodle puppies.
  • GANA provides a channel you can use to locate a reputable doodle breeder in your state. This can prevent you from getting your pet from irresponsible breeders focusing only on the dollar.
  • Amy Lane’s Fox Creek Farm acts as a role model for doodle breeders who have joined GANA. This farm is a registered member of GANA.

How GANA’s Doodle Registration Works

Now you can answer this: can Goldendoodles be AKC registered? Since there is no way to obtain ACK certification for your doodle, your only option is to get it from GANA. Here are the simple registration steps: 

  • Get a Goldendoodle puppy from a GANA-registered dog breeder. This will enable you to get its background information and necessary paperwork.
  • The dog breeder who will sell you a doodle pet should get you a litter registration document from the GANA registrar. Ensure they have signed this document, as it indicates the transfer of dog ownership to you. 
  • Register your pet with GANA by contributing the registration fees. GANA charges this small fee to continue running the club’s affairs on behalf of members.

Can Goldendoodles be registered? Yes, GANA is the best AKC alternative available in the USA. Like the AKC, GANA has an objective of ensuring ethical dog breeding practices. 

It offers community education to ensure dog owners know how to treat their doodles right. GANA, like the AKC, provides a list of reputable dog breeders you can rely on. Even if your Goldendoodle won’t get an AKC certificate, it will be fine with GANA. 

Final Word 

Can Goldendoodles be AKC registered? We presume you know the answer is no. The lack of recognition from the American Kennel Club does not mean doodles are inferior dogs. They are not purebred dogs like Poodles and Golden Retrievers. 

Since their appearances lack consistency, these dogs do not meet the AKC’s registration criteria. Luckily, GANA dedicates itself to serving Goldendoodles and provides alternative registration and certification.

 

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