ABRA -- the American Bulldog Registry and Archives -- is the official registry of record for the American Bulldog breed. It has been maintaining pedigree records and preserving the history of the American Bulldog since 1998.
When your dog is registered with ABRA, they receive an official registration number and their record becomes a permanent part of the American Bulldog Archive -- a living database of the breed's history that will exist long after any individual dog, kennel, or breeder is gone.
What Is ABRA?
ABRA stands for American Bulldog Registry and Archives. It was founded in 1998 by Tony Mancera, Vern Hopley and Rob Armour. Lance and Lesli Rose of Rosebull American Bulldogs in New Brunswick, Canada bought the registry in 2005.
ABRA is not a general dog registry. It is breed-specific -- focused exclusively on the American Bulldog. Every record in the Archive is an American Bulldog, documented as part of a permanent, searchable pedigree database at pedigreedatabase.ca.
The Archive currently holds records for over 28,904 American Bulldogs across multiple generations -- making it the most comprehensive online American Bulldog pedigree resource in existence.
About ABRA → Search the Pedigree Database →
Why Does ABRA Registration Matter?
Your Dog's Breed Is Officially Documented
An ABRA registration certificate is your dog's proof of breed. Under breed-specific legislation in parts of the US and Canada, dogs can be seized and euthanized based on a visual identification as a "Pit Bull type." An American Bulldog is not a Pit Bull -- but they are frequently misidentified. ABRA registration papers are documentation that can make the difference in a legal challenge.
Is an American Bulldog a Pitbull? → BSL and the American Bulldog →Your Dog's Bloodlines Are Traceable
Registration connects your dog to their full pedigree -- sire, dam, grandparents, and beyond. You can search the Archive at pedigreedatabase.ca and see exactly where your dog comes from, what kennels produced their ancestors, and how their bloodlines connect to the broader history of the breed.
Your Dog Becomes Part of Permanent History
The American Bulldog nearly went extinct after World War II. It survived because a small number of dedicated breeders kept meticulous records and refused to let the breed disappear. Every dog registered with ABRA is a continuation of that effort.
When your dog is in the Archive, they are not just your dog. They are part of the documented history of the American Bulldog breed -- a record that will exist permanently for future generations of breeders, researchers, and AB enthusiasts.
Your dog. Their story. American Bulldog History Forever.
It Is Required for ABRA Verified Breeder Status
Breeders who want to apply for the ABRA Verified Breeder badge must have registered litters in the Archive. Registration is the foundation of verified status.
ABRA Verified Breeder Badge →What Can Be Registered with ABRA?
Individual Dog
Register your American Bulldog. Requires registration from another registry, sire and dam info. Your dog receives an official ABRA number and their record goes live in the Archive.
Litter Registration
Breeders register litters before individual puppy registrations are issued. Each puppy buyer can transfer registration into their name.
Transfer of Ownership
When a registered dog changes hands, the ownership record in the Archive is updated. Keeps the historical record accurate and complete.
How to Register Your American Bulldog
Registration is handled through abra1st.com -- ABRA's official registry portal.
What you need:
- Your dog's name
- Sire and dam information, official pedigree from another registry (registered names or ABRA numbers if available)
- A photo of your dog
- An ABRA free account
Steps:
Pedigreedatabase.ca Membership Levels
Legacy Builder and Breeder Pro memberships unlock additional features.
| Free | Legacy Builder | Breeder Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual registrations | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Litter registration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| COI calculator | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Breeder directory listing | Basic | Basic | Full profile |
| Verified Breeder eligible | No | No | Yes |
| Monthly | Free | $9/mo | $24/mo |
| Annual | Free | $90/yr | $240/yr |
What Happens After Registration?
Once your dog is registered:
- They receive an official ABRA registration number
- Their record is live and searchable in the pedigree database at pedigreedatabase.ca
- Their pedigree is traceable going back through any registered ancestors
- Their photo appears on their profile if submitted
- They are permanently part of the American Bulldog Archive
You can search your dog's record any time at pedigreedatabase.ca using their name or registration number.
Registering a Dog Without Papers
Registering a dog without papers is not possible. ABRA requires a registration certificate and pedigree from another registry to verify your dog's breed and lineage.