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A common question we get asked almost every day is: Are Goldendoodles recognized by AKC?
The short answer is: No, Goldendoodles cannot be registered as an official breed with the American Kennel Club (AKC).
The AKC only registers recognized purebred dogs with established lineages, whereas Goldendoodles are considered mixed-breed or “designer” dogs (a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle).
Even though you cannot register a Goldendoodle as a pure breed, you still have options to participate in certain programs and events:
- AKC Canine Partners Program: You can enroll your mixed-breed dog in this program. This allows Goldendoodles to participate in AKC-sponsored companion events like obedience, agility, tracking, and rally. It also earns them an official AKC number.
- Alternative Registries: Because AKC does not register designer breeds, some breeders offer registration through alternative organizations such as the:
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Continental Kennel Club (CKC) or the Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA). GANA was specifically formed to establish standardized breed rules and ethical breeding practices for Goldendoodles.
If you are just looking to enjoy a loving pet or participate in local canine sports, registration isn’t necessary.
However, if you want to compete in official AKC conformation dog shows, only officially recognized purebreds are permitted.