Breeding Rights FAQ
Q: What does “breeding rights” mean?
“Breeding rights” simply means whether or not a dog can be bred and produce AKC-registerable puppies.
AKC Limited Registration: This does not include breeding rights. A dog with Limited Registration may still compete in AKC performance and companion events (such as agility, obedience, rally, dock diving, etc.), but if the dog is bred, the puppies cannot be registered with the AKC.
AKC Full Registration: This includes breeding rights. A dog with Full Registration may be bred, and any puppies can be registered with the American Kennel Club. Full Registration also allows the dog to compete in AKC conformation (show ring) events.
Q: Why do most ethical breeders sell on Limited Registration?
Responsible breeders place pet puppies on Limited Registration to protect the breed. This helps prevent accidental or irresponsible breeding and ensures that only dogs who meet health, temperament, and breed standards are used in breeding programs. Breeding rights (Full Registration) are typically only given to approved homes that share the breeder’s commitment to preserving and improving the breed.
Q: A dog I got from another breeder has Full Registration and isn’t a show dog or used for breeding. Why does Dark Horse limit Registration for pet homes?
At Dark Horse Boxers, pet puppies are always placed on Limited Registration to protect the breed, our bloodlines, and the families who welcome our dogs. Limited Registration prevents accidental or irresponsible breeding, while still giving you full ownership and the ability to enjoy your dog in every way — as a beloved family companion and, if you choose, in AKC performance and companion events.
Q: Do I legally own my dog even if it has Limited Registration?
Absolutely. Limited Registration has nothing to do with ownership. When you bring your puppy home, they are fully and completely your dog. The “Limited” part only refers to breeding and AKC registration of future puppies. Your dog is still eligible to be registered in your name, participate in many AKC events, and most importantly — to be your lifelong family companion. Limited Registration simply helps ensure the breed is protected, but it doesn’t make your dog any less “yours.” AKC Limited Registration Information
Q: Can I have my Limited Registration changed to Full in the future?
For pet homes, the answer is no — Limited Registration is permanent. This doesn’t affect your ownership at all; your dog is still fully and completely yours. Limited Registration simply means your dog cannot be bred to produce AKC-registerable puppies. Full Registration is only granted in special cases for dogs placed in approved show or performance homes under a co-ownership agreement. For families looking for a lifelong companion, Limited Registration is the perfect fit — it protects the breed while allowing you to enjoy every moment with your dog.
Q: What happens if I breed my Dark Horse dog on Limited Registration?
Breeding a dog on Limited Registration is a direct violation of your purchase agreement. Any puppies produced from such a breeding cannot be registered with the AKC, and doing so may result in the forfeiture of all health guarantees, loss of contractual protections, and enforcement of financial penalties as outlined in our contract. Limited Registration is in place to protect both the breed and our bloodlines. Breeding rights must be pre-approved, and only dogs granted Full Registration by Dark Horse Boxers may be ethically and legally bred.
Q: I am interested in learning more about how to become an approved sport or show home. What are the ways that I can do that?
That’s wonderful to hear! Becoming an approved sport or show home means committing to the same values we hold at Dark Horse Boxers: protecting and improving the breed through health, temperament, and proper training. Here’s a quick summary of the required commitments:
- Start with Education: Learn about the American Boxer Club’s breed standard, health testing requirements, and the responsibilities of competing in sports or conformation shows. Attending local dog shows or trials is a great way to start.
- Commit to Health Testing: Approved homes must complete all recommended health screenings and submit results to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Passing results must be public.
- Earn Titles: Show homes must obtain a recognized AKC/CanKC/UKC Championship, while sport homes must earn advanced performance titles in their chosen activity (such as agility, obedience, rally, or dock diving).
- Work in Partnership: All prospect puppies are placed under a Co-Ownership Agreement. Dark Horse remains listed as a co-owner until the agreed-upon health and title requirements are met. After that, Full Registration and sole ownership are released to you.
If you’re curious about the specifics of what it takes, read below for all of the steps necessary to obtain Full Registration/Breeding Rights from Dark Horse Boxers.
Requirements for obtaining
Full Registration
Co-Ownership
Any Boxer puppies sold as prospects for either Conformation or Performance purposes will be sold on a Co-Ownership Agreement. Dark Horse will remain as a secondary owner on the dog until the conditions of the Co-Ownership Agreement are met. Once the terms have been fulfilled by the primary owner, Dark Horse will sign off on the registration paperwork and sole ownership will be granted to the primary owner.
Health Testing
Full and PASSING Health Tests must be completed on the dog based on the recommended Health Screenings provided by the American Boxer Club. These results must be submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and made publicly available. The Primary Owner is responsible for all costs associated with these health screenings and OFA fees.
Conformation Titles
If purchasing a puppy as a conformation prospect, the Primary Owner will be required to obtain either an AKC Championship, CanKC Championship, OR a UKC Grand Championship on the dog. ICKC, IABCA, or any other registries will not substitute the above listed requirements. No breedings will be approved for a dog prior to earning these titles.
Performance Titles
If purchasing a puppy as a performance prospect, the Primary Owner will be required to obtain advanced titles in the sport of their choice through AKC, UKC, or other performance sport body as approved by Dark Horse Boxers. Please see the link below for more information on accepted performance titles. No breedings will be approved for a dog prior to earning these titles.
Performance Title Requirements →
Still Interested?
If you are in agreement with the above terms for your prospect puppy from Dark Horse Boxers, we are excited to learn more about you and your goals!
If you are only looking for a pet and do not wish to breed, we are always looking for excellent pet homes as well. Not every puppy will be a conformation or performance prospect, but every puppy deserves a loving home. We couldn’t do what we do without pet homes like you!
Please fill out a puppy application (link to the left) to get started on your ownership journey with us.
Dark Horse Boxers 