Buyer trust standard
Why DNA-Verified matters when you buy a puppy.
The gold DNA-Verified badge means parentage on this dog was confirmed by an Armstrong K9 Registry administrator against a third-party DNA panel report from a recognized lab. It's the one badge on this platform that the breeder cannot fake — the chain of custody runs through us.
What it means
- The breeder uploaded a DNA panel report from a recognized lab (Embark, Wisdom Panel, VGL, or equivalent).
- An Armstrong K9 Registry administrator reviewed the panel and confirmed the parentage claim matches the registered sire and dam.
- The breeder paid a $75 verification fee — they have skin in the game.
- The badge is automatically revoked if the breeder requests a refund or transfers the dog out without re-affirmation.
What it does NOT mean
- Armstrong K9 Registry did not independently lab-test the dog. We are not a genetics laboratory.
- We do not certify or guarantee the accuracy of the underlying lab's methodology or results.
- A DNA-Verified pedigree does not imply health clearances (OFA, PennHIP, eye CERF, etc.). Those are separate.
- The badge is not a substitute for asking the breeder for the raw panel PDF, a health guarantee, or a sales contract.
How the verification works
Breeder pays $75
The kennel purchases a DNA-Verified Pedigree Registration on a specific dog. The fee is non-refundable once review starts.
Upload panel report
The breeder uploads the PDF or image of their lab's parentage panel (Embark / Wisdom Panel / VGL / equivalent).
Admin review
An Armstrong K9 Registry administrator manually compares the panel parents to the registered sire and dam. Decision within 2 business days.
Badge goes live
On approval, the gold DNA-Verified badge appears on the dog's profile, every marketplace listing, and the kennel's public page.
Buyer checklist — even when DNA-Verified
DNA-Verified is one signal in a stack. Treat it like the receipt on a watch — it proves provenance, not condition. Pair it with:
- Ask the breeder to email you the raw DNA panel PDF directly from the lab.
- Ask for OFA / PennHIP / eye CERF documentation on sire AND dam.
- Get a written health guarantee covering at least 2 years.
- Use escrow for the payment — Armstrong's built-in escrow protects you.
- Visit the kennel or do a video tour before paying anything.
- Verify any award case links — every entry on a kennel's award case should be checkable.
Are you a breeder?
Add the gold DNA-Verified badge to any of your registered dogs. Open the dog's profile and tap Submit for DNA Verification — $75 per dog, reviewed within two business days.
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