Introduction
Pedigree papers play a crucial role in determining a dog’s breed, health history, and overall quality. For breeders, it’s a way to make well-researched and well-informed matings for new litters and puppies. For pet owners, pedigree papers ensure the dog’s heritage, provides health assurances, and that your dog is coming from a reputable Dogs Australia or Dogs New Zealand Breeder.
What Are Pedigree Papers?
Basically, think of them as the birth certificate of your purebred dog, they are essential documents that verify a dog’s ancestry and authenticity as a purebred dog. They are official documents that show parentage in the form of a family tree; and detail the credentials and show & sporting title achievements of those listed dogs. They include the prefix (kennel name) of the parents, grandparents, and great grandparents, which identifies who bred those dogs, and together this historical information paints a most wonderful picture of the puppy at your feet; truly living history!
Pedigree papers are issued by internationally recognised canine registries, the only one of which in Australia is Dogs Australia (formerly known as ANKC).
There are two types of pedigree paper registration; Main & Limited.
MAIN registration (Blue Pedigree papers) is the type that is required by Dogs Australia to breed with, and compete in Conformation shows. The other is LIMITED registration (Orange Pedigree Papers) which means that the dog cannot be bred, compete in conformation shows, or be exported out of Australia.
Pedigree papers will include:
- Name of the registered owner of the puppy
- The pedigree name of the puppy
- The Dogs Australia registration number of the puppy
- The breed of the puppy
- Gender
- Date of birth
- Colour and coat type
- The country of origin (what country the puppy was bred)
- Microchip number of the puppy
- Name of the breeder
- Registration date of the litter
- The Dogs Australia state body member that issued the pedigree papers
- The date the pedigree papers were issued
Importance of Pedigree Papers for Breeders and Pet Owners
Pedigree papers are crucial for both breeders and pet owners as they verify a dog’s lineage, ensuring breed purity and authenticity. For breeders, these documents help maintain breed standards, enhance credibility, and facilitate genetic health screening. Pet owners benefit by understanding their dog’s ancestry, potential health risks, and gaining eligibility for dog shows and competitions should they choose to. Overall, pedigree papers provide transparency and assurance, promoting responsible breeding and ownership practices.
How to Get Pedigree Papers for Your Dog in Australia
Step-by-Step Guide
- Registration with Recognised Canine Registries: The breeder will register their litter with their state member body of Dogs Australia. This is the process that will trigger papers being issued for each puppy. The timeframe for registration differs slightly from state to state but litters generally must be registered by the breeder by 12 months of age.
- Required Documentation: With the above, in order to register their litters, breeders must provide an official Application which includes their own breeder details, whelping (birth) date, and specifies the parents (sire and dam) plus their Dogs Australia registration numbers. Also required are details of each puppy by sex, colour, and microchip number, as well as requests for their own preferred registration names. If the sire of the litter is not owned by the breeder, an accompanying stud certificate must be signed by the owner of the sire - who must also be a financial member of Dogs Australia.
- Fees and Costs: Breeders pay a litter registration fee per puppy as well as processing fees.
Reading and Understanding Pedigree Papers
Dogs Australia Pedigree certificates list ancestors up to three generations back and include information about the dog’s parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, their colour and their registration numbers…this information can then be used to look even further back. Not all dogs are show or sports titled, but certificates will list the title achievements of the dogs if they are. Dogs in the pedigree that have been bred abroad will also show as imported, and can be identified by the “(Imp)” appearing at the end of their name; for example (Imp UK).
Some key terms and symbols you might find in pedigree papers often include indicators of various achievements and health clearances. For example:
“Ch” (Champion): This term signifies that the dog is a conformation (show) championship.
“Gr Ch” (Grand Champion) & “Sup Ch” (Supreme Champion): Indicates higher conformation show titles.
Titles and Awards: Other titles like “CD” (Companion Dog) or “UD” (Utility Dog) indicate achievements in obedience or other dog sports.
Online Access to Dog Pedigree Papers and Information
By becoming a member of an affiliated Dogs Australia state body, you can review pedigrees via the body’s member portal.
This is a convenient way to access detailed information about a dog's lineage without needing physical documents.
Several websites offer online pedigree databases where you can search for and verify a dog's pedigree, including Dogz Online. Breeders will often list their Dog Profiles on their accounts, providing pedigree information of all the dogs in their program.
Getting Pedigree Papers in Australian States and Internationally
Australia
In Australia, it is up to your breeder to register every litter with their affiliated Dogs Australia State member body, to obtain pedigree papers for each puppy and the breeders are required to supply you with the papers. Due to the administrative nature of this process, it can sometimes take a few weeks after the breeder registers the litter to receive the pedigree papers to pass on to you.
The recognised bodies in Australia area as follows:
- Dogs ACT
- Dogs NSW
- Dogs NT
- Dogs Queensland
- Dogs SA
- Dogs Tasmania
- Dogs Victoria
- Dogs West
International Import/Export
When importing or exporting dogs, it's crucial to follow the guidelines set by international canine registries. These guidelines often include providing detailed pedigree information, health clearances, vaccination records, and translation of pedigree if needed. Additionally, you must comply with quarantine regulations and other import/export requirements specific to the countries involved. Ensuring all paperwork is in order helps facilitate a smooth transition for your dog and maintains the integrity of its pedigree.
International Canine Registries
Organisations like the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) play a significant role in international canine registration. The FCI is a global canine governing body that recognises and registers pedigrees from various countries. By adhering to FCI regulations, breeders and pet owners can ensure that their dog's pedigree is internationally recognised. This is particularly important for the lineage, health, ancestry and for breeders to plan litters selectively and carefully. It’s also crucial if anyone has involvement in international dog shows, breeding programs, or when relocating to another country with their dog. Not all countries are governed by the FCI, but all countries will have only one officially & internationally recognised canine registering body. The Kennel Club in the UK, American Kennel Club (AKC) in the USA, Dogs New Zealand and so on.
In conclusion, pedigree papers guarantee that breeders are members of a legitimate body like Dogs Australia, adhering to ethical standards and a Code of Conduct. These documents trace your dog’s lineage back to the breed’s foundation. Buying a pedigree dog from a Dogs Australia registered breeder increases your chances of owning a well-bred purebred dog, ensuring your new furry family member has the best start to a long, happy life.
What to Do If You Lose Your Dog’s Pedigree Papers
Steps to Take
If you lose your dog's pedigree papers, the first step is to contact the registry that issued the original documents. This could be a national or state-recognised canine registry, such as Dogs Australia or a state body like Dogs NSW or Dogs QLD. Inform them about the loss and request guidance on the replacement process. You can easily do this via email or through their websites.
Replacement Process
The registry will typically require you to provide proof of ownership and any available documentation related to your dog. This may include previous registration details, purchase receipts, or any other documents that can verify your ownership. The registry will guide you through the necessary steps, which may involve filling out specific forms and paying a replacement fee. The process ensures that the new pedigree papers are issued accurately and reflect the dog's true lineage.
Required Proof
To facilitate the replacement process, you may need to provide certain proofs, such as:
Microchip Number: The dog's microchip number is a unique identifier that helps verify its identity. This is also given to you by the breeder on purchase of your puppy and it is your responsibility to ensure it is changed into your name and details.
Previous Registration Details: Any previous registration numbers or documents that can confirm the dog's pedigree.
Breeder Information: Details about the breeder, including their registration number and contact information, can also be helpful.
By following the steps outlined by the state governing body and ensuring that you have all the above information close at hand will facilitate a smooth transaction of replacing papers. Please note that this process can take a number of weeks depending on the backlog of Dogs Australia’s internal processes.
Is It Okay If There’s No Pedigree for Your Dog?
Implications
Without pedigree papers, verifying a dog's lineage becomes challenging. Pedigree papers provide a documented history of a dog's ancestors, ensuring that the dog is a purebred and meets specific breed standards. Without these papers, it can be difficult to confirm the dog's breed, health background, and genetic traits. This lack of verification can impact decisions related to breeding, showing, and even healthcare.
Purebred vs. Non-Purebred
Purebred dogs come with documented lineage, which means their ancestry is recorded and verified through pedigree papers. This documentation ensures that the dog meets the breed's standards and often includes information about health clearances and achievements of the ancestors. Non-purebred dogs, on the other hand, do not have this documented lineage. While they can still make wonderful pets, the lack of pedigree papers means their breed and genetic background are not officially recognised or verified, which can make it difficult or more challenging to be aware of future health concerns, temperament issues, how your dog may grow, among others
Alternative Verification
If pedigree papers are not available, DNA testing can be an alternative way to verify a dog's breed. DNA tests can provide insights into a dog's genetic makeup, identifying the breeds present in its ancestry. This can be particularly useful for mixed-breed dogs or when pedigree papers are lost or unavailable. DNA testing can also help identify potential genetic health issues, allowing for better-informed healthcare decisions.
Why Dogzonline.com.au Is the Best Resource
We provide you with the essentials for your dog search
Dogz Online is a largest and most established online platform dedicated to Dogs Australia registered dog breeders in Australia and New Zealand. We offer a comprehensive site with a simple, easy to use platform where buyers and breeders can communicate effectively during the search for a puppy or mature dog. We offer a wealth of comprehensive resources, such as our secure payment system Dogz Pay, an online blog full of informative articles on a wide range of topics and a location based breeder search, making it an invaluable tool for anyone involved in the world of purebred dogs.
Our site provides numerous benefits, including:
The ability to connect users with registered and reputable breeders, ensuring ethical breeding practices and high-quality puppies.
Our platform offers detailed pedigree information, allowing users to learn about a dog's lineage. This is crucial for making informed decisions about breeding, showing, and purchasing dogs. We also foster a supportive community where breeders and dog owners can share experiences, seek advice, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Breeders often promote when they have puppies for sale, or even older dogs for sale and looking for new homes - that way you can easily find and connect with breeders if you're currently looking for a dog to add to your family.
By leveraging the resources and support available on Dogz Online, you can make well-informed decisions and ensure the best for your furry friends.
