Reading
a Pedigree
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here for explanations of Pedigree Abbreviations
American (AKC) and European pedigree abbreviations
differ greatly which can make it difficult to
read and understand a pedigree for a dog which
you are considering. Our list of AKC and European
abbreviations and definitions should make your
job in deciphering one a little easier. Keep in
mind that AKC registration is not a guarantee
nor even an indication of quality. No one from
the AKC examines the parent dogs or the puppies
to see if they really qualify for registration.
To further complicate matters, sloppy breeders
may have allowed the female to be attended to
by inferior males or by several males during estrus.
The AKC is merely a not-for-profit organization
established in 1884 to keep track of the lineage
of the dogs submitted for registry. A registration
certificate identifies the dog as the offspring
of a known sire and dam and born on a known date.
It in no way indicates the quality or state of
health of the dog. Instead, the dog’s quality
is determined by many factors including the dog’s
health, physical condition, its ability to move,
its appearance (conformation) and the diligence
of the breeder.
Many people breed their dogs with no concern
whatsoever for the quality demands of the breed
and, when this occurs repeatedly over several
generations, the animals, though still “purebred”,
can be of extremely low quality. Indeed, a breeder
proud of the quality of his or her dogs may even
show you their paperwork before showing you his
or her puppies. The number of champions on the
mother’s and father’s side within
3 or 4 generations is generally a more reliable
indication of quality but remember, the champion
is only as good as the dogs it has beaten so,
if you are looking for a show dog, check out the
level of competition it has faced.
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here for explanations of Pedigree Abbreviations |
