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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 21 2008, 9:13 AM EDT (current) | bigdoglover03 | 719 words deleted, 1 photo deleted |
| Dec 13 2007, 6:00 PM EST | Novel_Weims | 17 words added, 12 words deleted |
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Your dog and his pedigree If you think a “family tree” is just for us humans, think again. If Fido is registered with a “Kennel Club” such as the American Kennel Club , Canadian Kennel Club, or The Kennel Club (UK), then he has a “Pedigree” or another term, "Bloodline"A pedigree is much like our family tree. They are a record of your dogs ancestors ; it lists Fido, Fido’s Sire, Dam, Grand Sires and Grand Dams, etc. Also listed would be the Registration numbers,Coat Color, and any health clearances (not preliminary tests though) along with titles. This does depend on the Registry and where you order Fido's pedigree from.Your probably asking why Pedigree’s are important, and why a breeder or even an owner, would want to look it over or even study it ? Well there are allot of different reasons, and one being “Just because”. While you may think that is a bit odd at first, quite a few people enjoy researching Pedigrees’ and even make it their job and hobby researching pedigree’s for others. I, myself enjoy researching Labrador pedigrees. To me, it’s very educational by way of expecting what my dog would *possibly* look like , conformation , health and I learn so much about different Lines. Also, it‘s one important factor when choosing your puppy. Notice how I stated *ONE* important factor ! . You see, Health, Temperament , Conformation (how a dog is suppose to look) and other traits are recorded in your dogs pedigree. Health is one of the most important factors in breeding. Why do I bring up breeding, when I am speaking of Pedigrees' ? Well, a person known as a “breeder” bred Fido, thus making Fido’s Sire and Dams pedigrees’ an important factor the breeder would of (or should of) researched before Fido’s parents were paired. While it is very true that you can not eliminate all health defects and problems, one can minimize them by Health screening and properly researching the pedigree of the Dam AND Sire. Knowing what was produced in each of their lines, will help breed a healthy and sound litter. If Fido’s parents , grand parents and so forth were health screened , via the ( Hips and Elbows) , CERF, etc, you can easily access their information by their Registration number (it would also be listed on Fido’s pedigree under each dog (AKC pedigree). The OFA also lists if a Dog had their eye’s screened and results sent in to CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) and if the dog had his Heart tested (Cardiac) . Hips, Elbows, Eye’s and Heart are just a few. It’s very important to review what potential Health problems Fido’s breed is prone to. This will help you be prepared for the future. You would be able to track siblings, offspring, and parents , thus finding their results and what they produce. Another good thing, and it is kind of fun, about researching pedigrees is finding pictures or information about Fido’s great-great grand sire, in example, or other relatives. It is always to my enjoyment that I find a few Aunts and Uncles of my Labs. Would it not be great to find Fido’s Uncle ? Grand-Sire ? It’s great to see how my Labs look so much like their relatives, and if I see a consistent look-a-like , I have a great idea of how my puppy would look.Above all else, Pedigree research and Fido’s pedigree can be an important tool and will give you and in-depth look in Fido’s breed and his “family history”. How do you get Fido’s Pedigree ? If Fido is registered (see above) you will be able to order a pedigree from that registry. In example, the AKC lets you order a 3 or 4 Generation pedigree when you send off your pups registration form. You can also see the AKC ( American Kennel Club) website and order a printed one or an on-line report. There are also a dozen or more Pedigree research hobbyist that offer their services and usually can offer up to 8 generations which gives you a better start for your researching . As always, happy browsing and best of luck on your journey in researching your dogs pedigree.
