Pedigree is like inflation: most times it’s mentioned, people actually don’t have a clear idea of what they are referring to.
The name comes from the French “pied de grue“, meaning “crane’s foot”. This is because, in the old days of horse breeding, a horse’s value was determined by a mark formed by three lines. This mark was placed on official documents, representing the animal’s genealogy. This shape was similar to the footprint left by cranes as they walk.
It may not be particularly advanced or imaginative, but it’s a protocol that has been in use since the 15th century. At that time, its purpose was to ensure that the animal was of pure breed and to assist in selecting animals for breeding.
Much like now, but with fewer competitions involved.
Generally, a pedigree is an official document that records an animal’s genealogy, with our particular focus being on dogs. In dogs, it certifies the lineage and purity of an animal and proves its breed. For a dog to have this certificate, it requires three generations of ancestors of that breed to have been registered previously.
How Do You Obtain a Dog’s Pedigree?
Its definition offers a key clue. To obtain a pedigree for an animal, it must have an established genealogy record. But what if the animal lacks these records or they are lost?
There’s an alternative. You can send a DNA sample of the dog to these associations. If after analysis, the genealogy shows that the animal meets the conditions, the association would issue a pedigree certificate. This last step is paid for because, although everyone likes free things, they are not common.
These prices vary depending on the exact conditions of the service and the country. In Spain, recognizing a dog’s breed costs between 60 and 40 euros. In the United States, a pedigree certificate and participation in a dog show can cost between 65 and 85 dollars.
Pedigrees can be issued by various organizations, but it’s better to be cautious with these associations. If a person really wants a pedigree dog, it’s best to adopt animals whose pedigree is endorsed by an association recognized and respected by the International Cynological Federation (FCI).
A litter of dogs can be directly registered with their pedigrees as long as both parents (of the same breed, of course, otherwise you end up with a litter of mixed breeds) are already registered as purebred dogs. This way, you ensure that the newborns are of that breed, without any mix.
Registering a litter as pedigree animals costs less than 5 euros per individual. At this time, they are also given their official name, which will accompany them in their pedigree registration and other certificates. Veterinarians are involved in these procedures, taking the opportunity to add the microchip and fill out various forms.
While this process is not expensive, it is lengthy, taking even months. Whenever bureaucracy is involved, it turns any simple protocol into a time-consuming machine for trivialities. This is why, even if you adopt a purebred animal, if it is a puppy, it may still lack a pedigree.
Once obtained, the pedigree does not expire. You don’t need to perform periodic genetic tests to check that its breed hasn’t changed because associations assume it’s not a magical dog.
My Dog Descends from Fenrir Itself, What’s the Use of a Pedigree?
This document, which confirms your dog’s breed, has three uses. The first is the clinical and medical advantages linked to the fact that dog breeds differ from each other. Knowing the exact breed of an animal gives you an idea of some of its potential medical problems.
Secondly, for breeders. It allows them to know precisely the origin of an animal. It enables them to carry out specific breeding plans, evaluating which animals should be crossed with each other. Again, there is a significant clinical component here.
Finally, for competitions. Many dog contests require that the dog meets certain established conditions, one of which is the proven belonging to a specific breed.
Most beauty or canine morphology contests require the animal’s pedigree as an indispensable condition for enrollment.
Pedigrees can vary depending on the association that issued them, but all have a series of common sections. The most important is the genealogical tree with, at least, three generations. From that minimum, the genealogical tree can include as many relatives as can fit on the pedigree sheet.
It’s normal for them also to include the animal’s name, date of birth, sex, a series of physical traits such as color, breed, microchip number, its origin (both country and breeder), the owner’s name, and the final touch: all the championship titles the animal has won.
Some versions also include the awards won by other relatives of the animal in question.
It’s not necessary for all pedigree dogs to have won awards, but it is necessary to be a pedigree to win such awards.
So Much Fuss Over a Family Book
A problem that comes, indirectly, with pedigree, is the quest to maintain it. Since pedigree requires the purity of the breed and records the animal’s genealogy, there are breeders who, in order to maintain it, commit acts of questionable morality. Let’s face it, breeding close relatives is not smart from a genetic standpoint. This consanguinity within the same breed can lead to genetic malformations and the perpetuation of chronic issues in them.
Honestly, nowadays, there are fewer breeders who engage in these practices. These genetic problems harm the animal’s health, with varying severity depending on the pathology. Professionals now seek to eliminate these faults while maintaining the breed’s identity.
Thanks to genetic advances, it is possible to identify which diseases animals carry and to perform breeding in a way that prevents negative mutations from continuing to spread.
If you think the whole pedigree issue is tough, it’s even more strict and rigid in horses.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide pedigrees. However, our Koko DNA test for dogs can tell you the breeds of your dog, whether purebred or not. In the end, it’s a dog. Most of us don’t love them for their breed. We love them because they are beings of light in a dark world.