One of the AKC’s functions is to assign a number to each dog born in a litter and keep a record of the number of litters from each bitch. Your new puppy will come with all the paperwork that you need to mail in the registration form. You will simply sign the paperwork and mail it in with a check. If there is a missing signature or information missing the AKC will contact you and you will need to contact the breeder to obtain the information. This is another reason you should keep in contact with the breeder.

You can also purchase a pedigree from the AKC. They have record of your puppy's parents, grand parents, great great grand parents and so on.