AKC Canine Good Citizen
Earning the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen title is an excellent milestone that demonstrates your dog has solid manners and reliability in public.
Get your Canine Good Citizen Certification in North Chelmsford
This guide walks you through exactly how to register your dog—whether purebred or mixed breed—and how to apply for the official CGC title.
For official information and applications, visit AKC Canine Good Citizen Program and AKC Canine Partners Program.
Step 1: Pass the Canine Good Citizen Test
The CGC test evaluates 10 practical skills, including:
Accepting a friendly stranger
Sitting politely for petting
Grooming and handling
Loose leash walking
Walking through a crowd
Sit, down, and stay
Coming when called
Appropriate reaction to another dog
Appropriate reaction to distractions
Supervised separation
All dogs—purebred or mixed breed—are eligible to participate.
Step 2: Determine How Your Dog Should Be Registered
Option 1: AKC Registered Purebred Dogs
If your dog already has full AKC registration papers, you can use your existing AKC registration number.
Examples:
Golden Retriever
Labrador Retriever
German Shepherd Dog
Typical Registration Cost
AKC registration fees vary depending on options selected and whether the breeder pre-registered the litter.
Registration Page
Option 2: AKC Canine Partners (Mixed Breed Dogs)
If your dog is mixed breed (or otherwise ineligible for standard AKC registration), enroll through the AKC Canine Partners program.
Examples:
Goldendoodle
Labradoodle
Rescue dogs
“All American Dogs”
Current Enrollment Fee
The standard Canine Partners enrollment fee is generally around $35–$45, depending on AKC promotions and package options.
Enrollment Page
AKC Canine Partners Enrollment
Requirements
Dog must be spayed or neutered upon adulthood
Dog cannot be a wolf hybrid
Any age is eligible
Option 3: PAL (Purebred Alternative Listing)
If your dog appears to be a recognized AKC breed but lacks papers, you may apply for a Purebred Alternative Listing (PAL).
Example:
Rescue Poodle without registration papers
Current Enrollment Fee
A non-refundable $45.00 application fee.
Dogs must be at least 6 months old
Dogs are required to be spayed/neutered.
PAL Page
Step 3: Receive Your AKC Number
Once registration is processed, you will receive:
An AKC registration, Canine Partners, or PAL number
Official documentation
Eligibility to record AKC titles such as CGC
Processing typically takes 2–6 weeks depending on application volume.
Step 4: Submit Your CGC Title Application
After passing the test, your evaluator will provide documentation needed to apply for the title.
Current CGC Title Fee
The title application fee is commonly around $25–$32 when submitting the title to be added to your dog’s official record.
Submit Online
AKC Title Application Portal (TAP)
What You Receive
Official CGC certificate
Permission to use the “CGC” suffix after your dog’s registered name
Title recorded in AKC records
Example: Shanelle’s Supernova CGC
Helpful Tips
Register before taking the test if possible to streamline title submission.
Ensure your dog’s name is exactly how you want it to appear on the certificate.
Save copies of all paperwork.
Consider future titles such as CGCA, CGCU, Trick Dog, and Therapy Dog.
Benefits of Earning CGC
Demonstrates your dog is a well-mannered companion
Common prerequisite for therapy dog programs
Builds credibility with landlords and the public
Creates a strong foundation for advanced training
Recommended Next Steps
Confirm whether your dog needs AKC registration, PAL, or Canine Partners.
Complete the registration.
Schedule your CGC test with Brighter Days Dog Training.
Pass the CGC test.
Submit the title application.
Celebrate your dog’s achievement.
Quick Links
Trainer Recommendation
Register your dog before your CGC test whenever possible. It reduces paperwork delays and ensures the title can be processed immediately after you pass. For mixed-breed and rescue dogs, Canine Partners is the simplest and most common route.