Decoding Your Canine Companion: A Comprehensive Guide to Checking Your Dog’s Pedigree

Bringing a new dog into your life is an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether you’ve chosen a playful puppy or a seasoned senior, understanding their background can deepen your bond and provide insights into their potential health and temperament. One crucial piece of this puzzle is the dog’s pedigree – a record of their ancestry that can trace their lineage back for generations. But how do you actually check a dog’s pedigree? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, providing detailed steps and instructions.

Why is Checking a Dog’s Pedigree Important?

Before diving into the “how,” let’s explore the “why.” Understanding your dog’s pedigree isn’t just about satisfying curiosity; it has several practical benefits:

• Health Insights: Certain breeds are predisposed to specific genetic health conditions. A pedigree can help you identify if your dog’s ancestors had any known issues, allowing for proactive monitoring and care. This includes things like hip dysplasia, heart conditions, and eye problems. Knowing the potential genetic risks can help you make informed decisions about veterinary checkups and preventative measures.
• Temperament and Behavioral Traits: While environment plays a significant role in a dog’s personality, genetics can influence their temperament and behavior. A pedigree can give you an idea of the breed’s typical characteristics, helping you understand your dog’s instincts and predispositions. For example, some breeds are known for their high energy levels, while others are more laid-back. Understanding these tendencies can help you tailor training and care accordingly.
• Breed Standards and Confirmation: If you are interested in showing your dog, a pedigree is essential to verify that your dog meets the breed standards set by kennel clubs. It shows the dog’s lineage, ensuring they are purebred and eligible for competitions. A good pedigree demonstrates the consistency of certain desirable traits within a lineage.
• Avoiding Puppy Mills and Irresponsible Breeders: Purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder who provides a verifiable pedigree demonstrates that the breeder prioritizes ethical breeding practices. Reputable breeders carefully select dogs with good temperaments and health histories to reduce the risk of passing on undesirable traits to future generations. A lack of pedigree often signals that a dog may have come from a puppy mill or an irresponsible source where the health and welfare of the dogs are not prioritized.
• Personal Connection and Appreciation: For many, knowing their dog’s heritage is a way to deepen their bond with their companion and appreciate their unique history. Tracing a dog’s ancestry can reveal fascinating stories and a deeper understanding of the breed itself.

Where to Obtain a Dog’s Pedigree

The first step is knowing where to find this important document. Typically, a pedigree is provided by one of the following:

• The Breeder: If you purchased your dog from a reputable breeder, they should provide you with a pedigree certificate registered with a recognized kennel club at the time of purchase. This certificate usually lists at least three generations of your dog’s ancestors.
• Kennel Clubs: Major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Kennel Club (UK), and the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) maintain pedigree databases for registered breeds. If you know your dog’s registration number, you can often access their pedigree information through these organizations. Some clubs charge a fee for access or to request a certified copy of the pedigree.
• Rescue Organizations: If you adopted your dog from a rescue or shelter, a pedigree may or may not be available. Purebred dogs sometimes end up in rescue situations, and sometimes the rescue may have some information about the lineage. However, most of the time they don’t have any way to verify a pedigree. Mixed-breed dogs won’t have a pedigree as they have different breeds in their family. However, rescue organizations might be able to share information about the dog’s known history if available.

Step-by-Step Guide to Checking a Dog’s Pedigree

Now that you know why a pedigree is important and where to get one, let’s break down the steps for checking it:

Step 1: Identify the Registering Organization

The first thing you’ll want to do is identify which kennel club or registry issued the pedigree certificate. This is usually prominently displayed on the document. Common registries include:

• American Kennel Club (AKC) – USA
• The Kennel Club (KC) – UK
• Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) – Canada
• United Kennel Club (UKC) – USA
• Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) – Worldwide
• Various national registries in different countries

Knowing which registry is involved will guide you on how to verify the pedigree’s authenticity.

Step 2: Locate the Dog’s Registration Number

Every registered dog will have a unique registration number associated with them and their pedigree. This number is usually located on the pedigree certificate. It may be referred to as a “registration number,” “registration ID,” or “certificate number” depending on the specific registry. Make a note of this number as you will use this to verify the information provided.

Step 3: Access the Registry’s Website

Visit the official website of the kennel club or registry identified in Step 1. This will typically involve a quick search on the web, such as “American Kennel Club website” or “The Kennel Club UK website.” Once you’re on the site, look for sections such as “Registration Services”, “Online Registry Search,” “Pedigree Lookup,” or similar options. Each registry’s website may have a slightly different layout but these common terms should help you find what you’re looking for.

Step 4: Utilize the Online Database or Lookup Tool

Most reputable kennel clubs have online databases that you can use to verify a pedigree. Locate the search function on the website and enter your dog’s registration number. Here’s what you should expect to see:

• Dog’s Registered Name: Make sure the name matches the one on your pedigree certificate.
• Breed: Confirm that your dog’s breed listed matches the one you were informed of.
• Date of Birth: Verify that the date of birth is consistent with what you were told and what is written on the pedigree certificate.
• Color and Markings: These may not be as consistently recorded as other information, but they can be a helpful secondary check.
• Breeder Information: The name and details of the breeder should also be available. This helps you verify that the breeder is recognized and registered with the kennel club.
• Pedigree Chart: Most importantly, the online database will display the dog’s pedigree chart showing the lineage.

Step 5: Review the Pedigree Chart

This chart is where you’ll get the meat of the pedigree information. It visually represents your dog’s family tree. Here’s what you should examine:

• Generations: Most pedigrees list at least three generations of a dog’s ancestors – the parents, the grandparents, and the great-grandparents. A more detailed pedigree may include additional generations.
• Registered Names: Each dog listed in the pedigree will have a registered name and registration number. Cross-reference these against your initial pedigree certificate to make sure they match. If you find discrepancies, this could indicate an issue with the authenticity of the pedigree.
• Titles: Pay attention to any titles listed after a dog’s registered name. These titles (such as CH for Champion, GCH for Grand Champion, etc.) indicate that the dog has successfully participated in conformation shows or other dog sports. Titles are an indication of that dog’s adherence to breed standards.
• Health Testing Information: Some registries will allow you to access health test results for the dogs in the pedigree. These are often abbreviated using codes (for example, OFA for Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). Check if the dogs in the pedigree have been tested for common hereditary conditions associated with the breed. This information will not always be included but if it is, it is a good indication that the breeder prioritizes health and genetics.

Step 6: Contact the Registry if Necessary

If you have any questions about the information on the pedigree or if you encounter any discrepancies, contact the kennel club or registry directly. They will be able to help answer questions or look into any discrepancies you may have identified. They are also the best source for verifying the pedigree’s authenticity.

Step 7: Understanding Common Pedigree Abbreviations

Pedigrees often use abbreviations that may seem cryptic at first. Here are a few common examples:

• CH: Champion (A dog that has won a certain number of points at dog shows)
• GCH: Grand Champion (A dog that has earned the Champion title multiple times)
• BIS: Best in Show (The top dog of an all-breed competition)
• BISS: Best in Specialty Show (The top dog at a breed-specific competition)
• OFA: Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (Indicates the dog has been tested for orthopedic health conditions)
• CERF: Canine Eye Registration Foundation (Indicates the dog has been tested for eye health conditions)
• HD: Hip Dysplasia (A common hereditary hip condition)
• ED: Elbow Dysplasia (A common hereditary elbow condition)
• PRA: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (A hereditary eye condition)
• DM: Degenerative Myelopathy (A neurological condition)

Familiarizing yourself with these abbreviations will help you gain more detailed information from the pedigree chart and the health testing results that are available.

Step 8: Be Wary of Inconsistencies or Missing Information

When examining a pedigree, it is crucial to pay attention to any red flags that could indicate that the pedigree may not be authentic, or that the breeder may not be reputable:

• Missing Registration Numbers: If registration numbers for the ancestors are missing, this can be a cause for concern. Missing numbers make it impossible to verify the lineage.
• Inconsistent Names or Dates: Any discrepancies between the written pedigree certificate and what is found on the registry database should be investigated further. Even minor inconsistencies should raise questions.
• Excessive Inbreeding: Some inbreeding can be unavoidable, but excessive inbreeding (especially in very close relations like parent to offspring or sibling to sibling) can lead to an increase of hereditary conditions. A reputable breeder will make sure to have enough genetic diversity in their lines.
• No Health Testing Information: The lack of any health testing information can also be concerning. Reputable breeders prioritize health, and thus will provide documentation of any health testing done on the dogs within the pedigree.
• Unregistered Breeders: If the breeder isn’t registered with a reputable kennel club, they are more likely to be irresponsible or a puppy mill.
• Generic or Vague Information: Vague language or the lack of specifics should always be a warning sign.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Pedigree Analysis

For those who want to dive deeper, there are several additional tools and analyses you can perform on a pedigree:

• Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI): This calculation determines the likelihood that two alleles at a genetic locus are identical by descent in an individual dog. A higher COI indicates a greater degree of inbreeding and thus a higher risk of hereditary conditions. This is a complex calculation that can be done online using specialized tools.
• Pedigree Analysis Software: There are several specialized programs available that you can use to map and analyze pedigrees, calculate COI, and identify specific ancestors of interest.
• Consult with Experienced Breeders: Experienced breeders within your dog’s breed can also provide valuable insights and knowledge about specific bloodlines and genetic tendencies. Their experience can help you identify trends and patterns within specific families.

What to Do if You Don’t Have a Pedigree

If you rescued or adopted a dog of unknown origin, you likely won’t have a pedigree. That doesn’t diminish your dog’s value or your love for them. Here’s what you can do:

• DNA Testing: DNA tests can provide some information about your dog’s breed mix and identify potential health risks associated with those breeds. Although this won’t provide a full pedigree, it may give some insight into the genetic background of your dog.
• Focus on Individual Needs: Since you don’t have a pedigree, pay close attention to your dog’s specific needs and behavior. Work with a trainer and veterinarian to address any specific issues.
• Provide the Best Care: Regardless of their ancestry, provide your dog with the best love, care, and training possible.

Conclusion

Checking your dog’s pedigree is a valuable exercise that can provide insights into their health, temperament, and ancestry. By following these detailed steps and instructions, you can gain a better understanding of your canine companion and make informed decisions about their care. Remember that a pedigree is just one piece of the puzzle. Each dog is unique and deserving of love and attention, regardless of their ancestry.

Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or a first-time pet parent, taking the time to understand your dog’s heritage can enrich your relationship and ensure a happy and healthy life together. Embrace the journey of discovery and celebrate the unique qualities that make your dog so special.