AKC Entry Form - Fill Out and Submit Your Dog Show Entry

AKC Entry Form PDF Details

The American Kennel Club Entry Form is the official document required for all AKC-sanctioned events, including conformation dog shows, obedience trials, agility competitions, rally trials, and junior showmanship events. Whether you are a seasoned handler or entering your first AKC event, understanding the form's structure will help you complete it accurately and on time.

Who must complete the AKC Entry Form
Any owner, co-owner, or authorized agent who wishes to enter a dog in an AKC event must submit a completed entry form before the closing date published in the premium list. Dogs must meet AKC registration requirements. Purebred dogs typically need an AKC registration number, and dogs of foreign registry must provide a foreign registration number and country of origin. Mixed breed dogs may compete under the Canine Partners program in select performance events using an AKC Canine Partners number.

Key sections of the form
The AKC Entry Form contains several important sections you must complete accurately. The event information section identifies the specific competition by date and location. The dog information section requires your dog's registered name, AKC number, breed, variety (if applicable), and sex. The class selection section lets you specify which class your dog will compete in, such as Puppy, Novice, Bred-by-Exhibitor, American-Bred, or Open for conformation, or Novice, Open, Utility, or Graduate Novice for obedience.

Owner and handler details
You must provide complete owner information, including full legal name, address, city, state, and ZIP code. If the dog is co-owned, all co-owners must be listed. If a handler or agent is representing you at the show, include their name in the designated field. The certification section requires you to acknowledge that the dog is not barred from AKC competition, that you agree to hold the show-giving club harmless for any injury or loss, and that you will comply with all AKC rules, regulations, and procedures.

Common mistakes to avoid
Always check the event closing date before submitting your form, since entries received after the deadline are returned unprocessed. Entering your dog in the wrong class or wrong variety is a frequent error that results in disqualification. Make sure the AKC registration number on the form matches the official registration certificate exactly, including any prefix letters. Late entry fees, if accepted at all, are typically double the standard entry fee.

For dogs of foreign origin entering AKC competitions, you may also need the AKC Foreign Dog Registration form to establish an AKC registration number. If you need to register your dog at the local or state level, a dog license application is a separate requirement from AKC entry paperwork. Breeders looking to register a litter may also need an ACA litter registration form as part of their documentation.