
The AKC permits registration of litters from multiple sires, provided breeders follow specific protocols. The parentage of each puppy must be verified through DNA testing, which is essential for ensuring accurate records and lineage. Below is a comprehensive guide to help breeders plan a successful multiple sire litter. From start to finish, this process can take 6-12 weeks. In 2023 the AKC processed 120 multiple sire litter registrations.
Evaluate Your Goals
Before proceeding, clarify your breeding objectives. Some breeders choose to use frozen semen from a stud who is long deceased, which can be expensive and time-consuming. To ensure puppies are produced from a mating, they may cover the breeding with a second, younger male. Anecdotally, the AKC DNA Program has heard many of these breedings result in puppies only from the younger male. Although semen quality can be maintained with the freezing process, not all semen starts with the same quality, or the freeze-thaw process may affect it. We have seen many breedings that result in the entire litter being sired by the younger male. If a breeder desires offspring primarily from the frozen semen, it may be simpler and more successful to use the frozen semen alone. Clearly define the qualities you seek in the offspring and choose sires that align with those goals. This will help you make informed decisions throughout the process.
Select Compatible Sires
When selecting sires, consider:
- Health Testing: Ensure all sires have undergone the necessary health screenings and meet breed-specific requirements.
- Pedigree Compatibility: Analyze pedigrees to avoid doubling up on undesirable traits or genetic risks.
- Temperament and Conformation: Select sires with traits that complement the dam’s strengths and address her weaknesses.
Plan the Breeding Timeline
Timing is critical in a multiple sire litter. Work with a veterinarian experienced in canine reproduction to:
- Monitor the dam’s heat cycle using progesterone testing.
- Schedule breedings to optimize the chances of fertilization by both or all selected sires.
Plan the order and timing of breedings carefully. For example, breed with one sire on one day and another sire on a subsequent day to increase the likelihood of both sires contributing to the litter.
Document the Process
Keep detailed records of:
- The dates and times of each breeding.
- The identification of the sires (including AKC registration numbers).
- Any relevant observations during the process.
This documentation will be vital when submitting the litter registration application and conducting DNA testing.
Perform AKC DNA Testing
Once the litter is born, AKC DNA testing is required to determine the parentage of each puppy. The mission of the AKC DNA Program is to use DNA to protect the AKC registry. The AKC DNA Profile provides a unique genetic identity for each dog. Every sample submitted automatically checks a dog’s DNA against its dam and sire based off pedigree to verify parentage. The AKC DNA database contains genetic signatures of over 1 million dogs. The AKC DNA Profile uses a rigorous panel of 201 markers. Because the same genetic markers must be compared for parentage verification, the AKC DNA Profile is the only genetic identity panel accepted by the AKC.
- Order AKC DNA Kits from the AKC for the dam, sires, and puppies. All involved dogs must have AKC DNA testing. Panels from other companies are not accepted.
- Due to a technology update, profiles submitted prior to December 2022 (with 14 markers) are not compatible with those submitted after that date (with 201 markers).
- Please contact AKC DNA Operations to ensure that compatible profiles are run on all dogs involved.
- You can also purchase AKC DNA + Health Kits, which include the updated AKC DNA Profile.
- If you already have AKC DNA Profile on your dogs, we recommend checking for compatibility as soon as possible. The AKC DNA Program has the ability to run the 14 marker panel, but this technology is becoming obsolete and can take 6-12 weeks.
- Collect DNA samples (typically cheek swabs) according to the kit instructions. Dogs and puppies must be separated from other dogs for at least 30 minutes prior to sampling, and they cannot have food in that time. Nursing can contaminate samples, so samples can be taken as early as a breeder feels comfortable keeping a puppy separated from the mother for at least 30 minutes. Be sure to activate your sample (link the DNA sample to your dog) online at dna.akc.org.
- In AKC-registered dogs, the AKC DNA Profile automatically links to their AKC registration number and follows that dog through their life. Because these puppies are not yet registered, they must be submitted as unregistered dogs. We recommend entering a microchip number for a puppy so that the AKC DNA Profile can be linked to the puppy’s AKC registration number in the future. Otherwise, there is no documentation linking a puppy to its future registration number. You can submit a request to link the profile to the AKC registration number by contacting the AKC DNA Program at dnasamples@akc.org.
- Samples are collected using a painless, non-invasive cheek swab and can be returned via US Mail, Fed Ex, or other express mail.
- We recommend submitting the sires and dams DNA samples as soon as you are aware of the possible multiple-sire mating to reduce the chance of delay in the registration of the litter based on potential insufficient sample results.
- Submit the samples promptly for analysis.
Determine “Who’s the Daddy”
After the DNA testing is complete, AKC DNA letters of Analysis for each dog tested will be emailed to the owner, and there are two options to choose from concerning the parentage evaluation.
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- First, the breeder may utilize the DNA profiles and the accompanying explanatory worksheet to perform the parentage evaluation on their own.
- The second option is to complete and submit an AKC Parentage Evaluation Request Form. With the proper signatures, the AKC will evaluate the parentage and report the results in writing, cost is $50.00. The AKC Parentage Evaluation Form must be mailed to the Raleigh NC office (please do not mail this form to the lab).
Submit Litter Application
When the correct parentage is determined, submit the appropriate litter registration application.
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- If all puppies are sired by one dog, then a regular AKC Litter Registration Application is used (cost is $25 plus $2 per puppy).
- If the litter has two or more sires, then the Multiple-Sire Litter Registration Application is used. Only the normal registration fees for each sire/pup combination are required.
- If the second sire is not the same breed as the bitch (part purebred, part mixed-breed litter), then the purebred pups, and their sire and dam, need be tested.
- Depending on the breed of the other stud dog, a DNA sample may be required from him, as well.
- After the DNA results confirm the parentage, a regular AKC Litter Registration Application is used.
The AKC is pleased to present this option to breeders to allow for the registration of these litters where correct parentage can be determined. Please do not hesitate to contact AKC DNA Operations for assistance.