When a breeder says a puppy "comes with papers," they could mean half a dozen things. Most buyers nod along, assume they understand, and only learn what they actually got when they try to use it later. This page explains the differences.
Quick rule. Always ask which registry the papers are with, and whether the registration is permanent and full, permanent and limited, or temporary (puppy papers).
Permanent registration
The dog is registered in your name with the registry. The registration certificate shows the dog's registered name, registration number, sex, date of birth, color, and parents. The registration is permanent - it stays with the dog for life.
OBBA permanent registration costs $20 for a single dog. Once registered, the dog gets its own public profile page on bulldoggeregistry.com with the full pedigree.
Puppy papers (temporary registration)
When a litter is registered with OBBA, the breeder gets a litter registration and each puppy gets a temporary "puppy paper" with its own registration number. The puppy paper identifies the puppy, its parents, and the breeder.
The buyer is then expected to convert the puppy paper to a permanent registration in their own name. With OBBA, that's $20.
Some buyers never convert. That's fine - the dog is still registered (the puppy paper number stays valid), but the registration is in the breeder's name, not yours, and the dog won't appear under your account on the site.
Full vs limited registration
A registered dog can be registered as full or limited:
- Full registration. If the dog is bred, its puppies can also be registered with OBBA. This is what breeders need.
- Limited registration. The dog itself is registered, but if it's bred, its offspring cannot be registered. Used by breeders selling pet-quality puppies who don't want their lines used for backyard breeding.
Most pet puppies are sold on limited registration with a spay/neuter contract. Breeding-quality puppies are sold on full registration, often at a higher price or with breeding rights bought separately.
Dual-registration
Many OBBA-registered dogs are also registered with a second registry - UKC, IOEBA, OEBKC, or LBA. This is called dual-registration. The dog has a separate registration number with each registry, and offspring can be registered with either.
OBBA accepts dual-registration applications from dogs registered with any of the major OEB registries. Apply here.
What papers don't mean
Registration papers prove a dog's pedigree. They do not prove:
- The dog is healthy.
- The parents were health-tested.
- The breeder is reputable.
- The dog will look like the breed standard.
Papers are necessary but not sufficient. A registered dog from a backyard breeder is still from a backyard breeder. Vet the breeder, not just the papers.
Verifying papers before you buy
The simplest verification: ask for the parents' OBBA registration numbers, then look them up on bulldoggeregistry.com. If the dogs exist, are owned by the breeder you're talking to, and have a public profile, the breeder is who they say they are.
Don't trust photos of certificates. Photos can be edited. Always verify on the registry's website directly.