What does imp mean on a dog's pedigree?

1.     Purpose of the test

This performance hunt test for Kleine Münsterländer hunting dogs, whose purpose is to determine breeding potential, encompasses the work of a versatile dog in the broadest sense of the word, i.e. work in the field, water and forest. The test activities should reflect our image of a real hunting dog. If possible, live game will be shot in the field and during the water work. The International Münsterländer Test Variation A (Elite) is a breed test at the elite level. This means that passing the International Münsterländer Test fulfills the requirements for use in international breeding. Still, each country must decide whether this is possible. The goal is to accelerate breeding across borders and strengthen performance. In this way, the performance profile of the KlM breed shall be strengthened and secured over the long term.

2.   Organization of the test

3.   Organizational Guidelines

4.   Execution of the Test

A dog that does not meet a “Must” requirement has to be scored “deficient” (0 points) in the respective subject.

Non-compliance with a “Should” requirement in the dog’s performance results in the proportionate lowering of the test result.

5.   Tasks of the international judges – the evaluation system

“outstanding”                                                                                     12 points

“very good”                                                                                         11 points

10 points

9 points

“good”                                                                                                   8 points

7 points

6 points

“satisfactory”                                                                                       5 points

4 points

3 points

“deficient”                                                                                           2 points

1 point

0 points

“not tested”                                                                                         –(dash)

Work in the forest places high demands on the dog’s ability to concentrate and perform. The dog can be scarcely observed in the forest and must therefore work independently with great care and dependability. Dogs which do not want to share their prey with the hunter can be used in only a limited way during a hunt and do not meet the goal of a versatile hunting dog, which can work in a variety of hunting situations.

1.1        Bloodtracking

whether the dog is working correctly. They may not be used by the handler as an aid.

1.2        Searching and retrieving shot furred small game / fox /predators

1.2.1             Only those dogs shall be tested which did not have the opportunity to retrieveun- sighted furred game during thetest.

The foxes or predators used in the test must have a minimum weight of 3.5 kg and be natural (full length tail, without head permissible). Previously gutted foxes or predators are not permissible.

The dog is to be leashed at a distance of at least 40 paces from the thrown game, and the handler is to stay there too.

The placement points of the game, which is to be found, must be at least 100 paces from each other.

The handler will be shown the approximate direction in which the game is tobe sought. In accordance with hunting practice, the dog shall be directed in the di- rection of the presumed placement point of the game against thewind.

1.2.3             In the free search and retrieval the dog should not race around, but shouldsearch the cover in a controlled fashion by taking advantage of the wind and with use of its nose, demonstrating that it wants to find thegame.

1.2.4             A time period of 10 minutes shall be given for finding and retrieving the game, during which the dog may be sent into the cover several times. Continuous influ- ence by the handler lowers thepredicate.

1.3                  Retrieving furred small game or featheredgame

1.3.1             A dog which fails to independently (without influence by the handler, if thedog works incorrectly) retrieve captured, freshly shot or placed furred small game upon finding it for the first time, shall receive the predicate“deficient”.

1.3.3             Retrieving is the manner of picking up, carrying and delivering of all kinds of furred small game and feathered game at the test, during free searching orre- trieving and during actual hunting which occasionally occurs at thetest.

1.3.4             The dog shall pick up all shot and placed game without delay, bring it quicklyand joyfully and deliver it by sitting next to itshandler.

1.3.5             Correct retrieval is understood to mean that the dog – according to the type and weight of the game – properly grasps the game and brings it to the handler. If the dog briefly drops the retrieved game, in order to intentionally improve its grip and without raising its head, this is not to be considered afault.

1.3.6             Hard-mouth is considered a fault. Dogs which heavily mouth or pluck receive the predicate“deficient”.

1.4                     Independentsearch

1.4.1             For the independent search the dog assumes the role of beaters. Upon com- mand, the dog shall enthusiastically enter cover and search it systematicallyand

completely. It should drive out all game and bring it before the gunners without hunting far beyond the cover being searched. The dog should also make an effort to maintain contact with its handler. The length of the test shall be about 10 minutes.

1.4.2             For the independent search, woodlots and thickets with a sufficient amount of game shall be chosen. An area already searched by another participantshould not be used again on the same day, ifpossible.

1.4.3             The handler shall send the dog out on the independent search from theiras- signed position. After multiple starts, the position can also bechanged.

game or remains silent. A dog which hunts silently can only receive the predicate “good”. Dogs which bark without the presence of game can only receive the pred- icate “deficient” (0 points).

1.4.5             If the dog captures game during the independent search and brings it to itshan- dler, this does not affect the score in the independentsearch.

1.4.6             An incomplete search, repeatedly leaving the area of cover, inadequate reaction to the directional commands of the dog’s handler, wild chasing far beyondnormal driven hunting and remaining on point for a long time during the search are defi- cient. If a dog remains on point for a long time during the search, it is to be given another chance to do the independentsearch.

1.5.1             Dogs will be tested in young stands of forests with undergrowth, in clear cuts orin brushyareas.

1.5.2             The dog should constantly work within shooting range of its handler, systemati- cally search the area, point game, remain steady before flushed game, or allow itself to be called off and not wildly chase, as well as bring shot game on com- mand. Important is continual contact with the handler and good control of thedog.

1.5.3             During the dog’s search the handler is to shoot upon command of the judgessev- eral times, during which the dog should remaincalm.

1.5.4             Deficient are these behaviors: a search that is too broad and wild, insufficient de- sire, overrunning game, chasing, not pointing game and unsatisfactory coopera- tion between dog and handler, disobedience after theshot.

Work in the water requires toughness, the desire to find game and the ability to retrieve. Without work on a wounded, live duck, the ability of a dog for humane and successful waterfowl hunting can only be partially evaluated. As this test subject is not allowed in all states, another alternative is to separately evaluate work behind a wounded, living duck, during an actual hunt.

The test water must be sufficiently large (at least 0.25 ha surface area), wide (at least6 m in some spots) and deep (forcing the dogs to swim) and have sufficient cover (about 500 square meters), so that the duck can fully utilize its capability to getaway.

For every test, KlM-International designates one person, who is responsible as theSen- ior Judge at the water. This individual advises the judging group, so that the water work can be evaluated as uniformly aspossible.

The test on a living duck may be conducted only after the dog has passed the gun sen- sitivity test and demonstrated reliable blind searching and retrieving a dead duck from dense cover.

If live ducks are planted, then only one duck will always be used for each dog. The use of another duck is only permissible, if the dog could not be tested on the planted duck (e.g. the duck flushes prematurely). If the dog finds a live duck by accident during the entire water work segment, then the performance is to be evaluated for this part of the test.

2.1        Gunsensitivity

2.1.1             A shot duck is thrown as far as possible into the open water while the dog is watching, and the dog is commanded to retrieve. A dog that fails to enter thewa- ter within approximately 1 minute after the first command may not continue the test at thewater.

2.1.2            While the dog swims toward the duck, a round from a shotgun must be firedinto the water. The dog must retrieve the duck independently. (see1.3)

2.1.3            A dog that fails this test may no longer be tested at thewater.

2.2        Blind retrieve from densecover

2.2.1            The blind retrieve from dense cover is tested immediately following the gunsensi- tivitytest.

2.2.2             For this, a freshly-killed dead duck is thrown into deep water in such a manner that neither the fall nor the duck can be seen by the dog. The duck must be placed in such a location (e.g. an island, opposite shore) that the dog must be sent across open water to reach thecover.

2.2.3            The handler is shown a spot at least 30 m from the location of the duck and is shown the approximate direction where the duck lies. The dog should search for the duck independently from this spot. The dog must find it and retrieve it inde- pendently to the handler (see 1.3). A duck which is seen is consideredfound.

2.2.4            The handler may support and direct the dog, although constant influencing ora shot/stone throw reduces thepredicate.

2.2.5            A dog which does not receive at least a predicate of „satisfactory“ in this subject, may not be tested further on thewater.

2.3        Independent duck search in densecover

2.3.1             The judges lead the handler to a point which is at a distance of at least oneshot- gun shot away from a duck in cover and indicate the direction of the duck. Then the handler commands the dog to search for theduck.

2.3.2             The dog should search for, find and flush the duck. The handler may direct and help the dog during the work, but constant influencing lowers thepredicate.

2.3.4             The shot and captured duck must be retrieved by the dogindependently.

2.3.5             The judges should conclude the dog’s work as soon as they have reached a final judgment. This also applies to situations in which the duck was not shot in front of the dog or the judges have the impression that the dog has not met the require- ments. If the duck was not shot during the search, then a dead duck shall be thrown into the water within sight of the dog about 30 meters away. The dog must retrieve the duck independently (without influence of the handler, if the dog works incorrectly).

2.3.6             A dog which fails to retrieve a duck upon finding it for the first time – whether shot, captured or visibly thrown – cannot pass the test. A duck which was been sensed by the dog is consideredfound.

2.4        Duckretrieve

The dog must retrieve every duck which it has found.

2.4.3             In scoring the dog, all retrieving done by the dog during the water work will be considered. If a single task is scored “0 points” or “not tested”, the total score for the duck retrieve can only be “0 points” or “nottested”.

The test in the field has the goal of evaluating usefulness during a field hunt. The dog’s behavior before and after the shot is judged. Before the shot, the dog must search and point, in order to make shot at feathered or furred game possible. After the shot, the dog must search for and retrieve the shot or wounded game.

For the field work, hunting grounds with a good amount of small game should be chosen to guarantee testing of the dogs which is thorough and similar to actual hunting. The field must be open, so that the judges can observe the work of the dog well, and large enough – if necessary – to allow several handlers and their dogs to search a field in a driven hunt. (Minimal width about 300 meters, depth about 200meters)

3.1        Use ofnose

Signs of the good use of nose during the search are, among other things, taking good advantage of the wind, quick and frequent finding of game, occasional marking of bird scent, rapid pinning of birds while relocating, scenting of game from far away.

3.2.1             In the evaluation of the search, the main emphasis is on the dog’s will to find game and also how systematic the search is. The dog should show enjoyment in its work and passion. The search should be conducted in a manner similar to hunting and adjusted to the terrain and not continually exceed a distance of about 100 paces to the handler. If the dog still works for its handler at greater distances, giving the handler an opportunity to shoot through its steadiness on point, this should be scored especiallyfavorably.

3.2.2             It should be noted how the dog allows itself to be handled during its work and whether it follows the commands heard from its handler. In this case too, cooper- ation means that the dog works for the success of its handler free of too much in- fluencing and independently, for the mostpart.

The dog should not pursue game it has found but bring his handler to make a shot. The game can be shot by the dog handler or a person commissioned by the organizer, as far as the relevant regulations permit. The organizer determines in advance who shoots.

3.2.3             The dog should not chase game which it has found but enable its handler to get a shot. The game can be shot insofar as the relevant regulations allowthis.

3.3        Field search inpairs

A search of about 10 minutes with two dogs at the same time (search in pairs without shot) is to be completed. The dogs should demonstrate an effective search for small game in a hunting-like manner. The handlers should be 20 paces from each at the most and proceed slowly. The search must be suited to the ter- rain, systematic and thorough. The dogs should not cross at a distance longer than about 40 paces before their handlers, allow themselves to be handled with- out loud commands and not bother each other during the search or while on point. Honoring the other dog‘s point is highlyregarded.

After every point (whether successful or not), both dogs are to be leashed and un- leashed once again at the instruction of the judges. In the process, the handlers must change sides.

In particular, faults are frequent chasing and interfering, aggressive behavior to- ward the dog’s brace mate, unsatisfactory obedience, inadequate search as well as numerous loud commands and frequent whistling by the handler. The dogs should be able to be stopped on game.

First-rate pointing is demonstrated if the dog calmly points – standing or lying – tightly sitting game until its handler has approached in a relaxed pace and can shoot without rushing.

3.5        Manners behind game andrelocating

3.5.1             Good manners are demonstrated in the dog’s tense but elegant movementsand the expressive bearing of its head, body and legs, as soon as it scentsgame.

3.5.2             The dog should relocate, if it encounters a fresh bird track or if feathered game runs ahead of him during its search. The dog should demonstrate that it knows exactly how to produce game for the gun of its handler by calmly relocating and finally pinning the bird or by purposefully circling around thebird.

3.6 Free search and retrieving shot game birds

For this, number 1.2 is to be applied in the field. Going with the dog reduces the predi- cate.

Without obedience during the hunt, the dog will only become a burden and distract the hunter too much. This will often damage the success of the hunt and substantially re- duce the suitability of the dog as a versatile hunting companion. Excellent performance in the obedience subjects receives 10 points. In addition, one cannot hunt humanely with an undisciplined dog. Numerous or serious reductions in the predicates in the obe- dience subjects are also to be taken into account in the subject “team work”.

4.1        Obedience during the drivenhunt

4.1.1             During the driven hunt, which is to be conducted in a humane and principled fash- ion, the dog is to remain calm next to its handler, free or leashed, lying down or sitting.

4.1.2             There is no impact on the evaluation, if the dog lies or sits, as long as itmaintains the position originally given it during the driven hunt. If a dog is leashed, this will reduce the score by at least one predicate – assuming otherwise error-free be- havior.

4.1.3             At the request of the judge’s group, each handler or a person authorized bythe organizer must shoot immediately. During the course of the driven hunt, each handler is to fire a shot at least twice. If a handler delays firing after being re- quested to do so by the judges, this is considered afault.

4.1.4             Deficient is: whining, barking, pulling on the leash, moving from its place and re- peated reprimands by its handler. Barking and constant whining are to bescored “deficient”. If an unleashed dog jumps into the driven hunt, the performance is to be scored “0points”.

4.2           Heeling onLeash

4.2.1             The leashed dog should follow its handler through dense forests (pole timber) or young saplings without tangling the leash and hindering the progress of thehan- dler. The handler must repeatedly pass closely by individual trees and stop at least once.

4.2.2             Every tangling of the dog with the leash, and every pulling at the leash by thedog lowers the predicate for thisperformance.

4.3           Heeling off leash and downstay

The subjects „heeling off leash“ and „down stay” should be tested in a single step.

4.3.1             Heeling off leash should be tested on a forest road or stalking trail, so that the un- leashed dog closely follows behind or to the side of the handler’s heel without loudcommands.

4.3.2             In doing this, the handler should walk a distance of at least 80 paces at varying speeds and come to a stop several times, upon which the dog should stop imme- diately too. Dog and handler should demonstrate behavior typical of a hunt in walking thetrail.

4.3.3             After completing the walk, the dog is placed in a down position, either free ornext to an object (e.g. a rucksack, jacket, etc.). While doing this, the handler lets the dog know by a hand signal or soft command that it should remain quietly in this position. Everything should take place with utmostsilence.

4.3.4             Thereafter, the handler walks away as if stalking and moves to a spot assigned by the judges earlier, where the dog can neither see nor sense the handler (a minimum of 30 meters). In doing this, the handler should not turn around to check on the dog or call to it. The handler or an authorized person authorized should wait at this position for at least one minute and then fire two shots from a shotgun in intervals of 10 seconds Then, the handler should wait at least another minute, before returning to thedog.

4.3.5             The dog must thereby remain at its place until it is picked up fromthere.

4.3.6             It should not whine or bark. If it leaves its place, then this performance is tobe scored “deficient”.

4.4           Steadiness to wing and spotted furredgame

The dog should not chase fleeing or flushed game throughout the entire test. The dog must always stop by a call or whistle from its handler. If a dog chases small game more than two times and cannot be stopped by voice or whistle, its perfor- mance shall be scored “deficient”.

Steadiness to shot can only be tested on flushing or fleeing game, which the dog has seen. Steadiness to shot is to be scored “very good”, if the dog does not chase in the direction of fleeing or flushed game after the shot. The handler should not in- fluence the dog.

Hunting intelligence, team work and character are the decisive fundamentals for a successful hunt with a dog. These qualities should be observed during the entire test and scored separately in summary as test subjects.

5.1        Hunting intelligence anddesire

Hunting intelligence is reflected in those subjects in which the dog must work inde- pendently and without influence of its handler (among other things, the independent search in forest and water, search, free blind retrieve in the field, forest, and water). Determination, use of nose, the ability to evaluate actual experiences like checking typical areas of cover, purposefully making use of the wind, reaction when game is lost, endurance and tenacity as well as independence are the most important crite- ria. Frequently finding game is an important sign.

The desire of the dog can be seen especially in the water work and the tenacity in the work on scented and tracked, but unseen game. The dog learns very quickly, if it has good hunting intelligence.

5.2        Team work

This characteristic shows itself in the course of the entire test. The dog must follow commands during its work, behave calmly while other dogs are working and not disturb them by whining, howling or pulling on the leash. The dog should focus on the handler, always seek eye contact to the handler and noticeably want to work for success before and after the shot. Noticeable problems with obedience as well as significant instances of stubbornness or very strong distractions by game must be considered in reducing the scores.

5.3        Character

The character of the dog is mirrored primarily in its behavior. It should be noticeably quick to learn, react stably to correction by its handler, show attentiveness and strong nerves. Calmness and balance are paramount. Dogs of strong character must have a strong prey drive. Restless, nervous, over-passionate or aggressive dogs cannot receive the predicate “very good”.

Only the handler of a dog running in the test in question is entitled to the right of ap- peal. The time limit for appeals begins with the call to the dogs to the test and ends half an hour after the end of the awards ceremony. The appeal is to be lodged in writing in a simple form by naming the reason for the appeal and paying 50 € at the same time. This fee will be refunded if the objection is upheld; otherwise the €50 will be forfeited to the organizer. The organizer decides on the appeal, unless the affected group of judges has made use of the possibility to find acorrection.

(As of September 25, 2016)

Breeding dogs has nothing to do with luck and everything to do with genetics and heredity. Therefore, knowing how to read a dog’s pedigree is essential if you want your bloodline to be amongst the best.

In essence, a dog’s pedigree is its family tree (so yes, every dog has a pedigree). What people tend to mean by pedigree is a family tree where each family member was registered on a pedigree dog registration scheme — such as the Kennel Club, the International Sheep Dog Society, and there are plenty of others.

For newcomers in the dog breeding world, the pedigree is not clearly understood and a common mistake is to get a registered Dam and Sire and think it is a great start. Well, not really. Not at all quite frankly. Being registered does not mean, in any way, that the dogs are of high quality: it is just a record in a database. The simple rule is that all exceptional dogs are registered but not all registered dogs are exceptional. What makes the difference is who is composing the pedigree of a particular dog or litter.

In short, you need to dissect it and research its family members to then study them individually. It is called the pedigree analysis. If they fit the characteristics are looking for, you then want to have a deeper look at them and see how well they performed in championships and shows.

For example, if you are breeding herding Border Collies, you want to find a dog that has a line which demonstrated amazing herding abilities, either by reputation or by actually winning herding contests and championships.

Obviously, the more champions there are in a bloodline or a pedigree, the more expensive the puppies produced will be. This is exactly why you really need to figure how much you are ready to invest.

This article tells you what you should pay attention to in every single pedigree you read. Obviously, every breeder has different needs, and each pedigree displays its very own set of unique pieces of information. With experience and by having a clear dog breeding program laid out, reading the pedigree of a dog will become a simpler exercise.

While a pedigree certificate offers valuable insights into a dog’s lineage, there are additional factors beyond what is recorded on paper that can greatly contribute to your understanding of the dog’s background and potential. It is essential to consider these factors to make a well-informed decision when selecting a new furry family member.

The health of a particular dog at this point in time is not going to appear on every pedigree. The good news is that the American Kennel Club has taken some very progressive steps to try to bring 21st-century science into a 19th-20th-century system. The AKC now includes DNA analysis and a unique number on dogs that are categorized as Frequently Used Sire (i.e. a stud who sired more than seven litters of puppies or sired three litters in a calendar year.)

Health clearances or health testing are done to ensure that even before breeding a certain type of dog, the breeders are sure that there is little to no chance of transferring whatever disease the dog might have. The current health condition of the dog will also be assessed easily during the testing.

The health clearances of a dog should be checked by a qualified veterinarian. These clearances help evaluate the potential health risks associated with the dog you are considering. By examining the health clearances, you can gain valuable knowledge about any genetic predispositions or underlying conditions that may affect the dog’s well-being. Ensuring the health of the dog should be a top priority, and consulting with a professional can provide you with invaluable guidance.

Many types of diseases have genetic roots. Tests may be developed in the future for common canine ailments like cancer and diabetes. The AKC, by building a genetic database and also displaying on a dog’s pedigree that it has that information available, will someday be extremely valuable to a breeder or a prospective buyer. A dog with a DNA record will have the annotation DNA and its unique number on its pedigree so the public can dig deeper.

Currently, there are few but important pieces of health information that can be found on a pedigree. The abbreviation OFA is an important abbreviation to see on a dog’s pedigree. It stands for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. The OFA has maintained a database on hip dysplasia in dogs since 1966 and sets out standards for the examination of a dog for this condition. A dog examined under those standards is given the grade of E (Excellent), G (Good), or F (Fair). The age of the dog when it was examined (in months) and the grade are sent in by the breeder or owner to be noted on the pedigree.

Similarly, the OFA has set out criteria for a pass examination for elbow dysplasia in dogs. A pass on that exam will appear only as OFAL and the exam date in months. Finally, EYE means that the dog passed the eye examination and was free of any apparent eye disease when tested. These kinds of certifications can be very important for prospective buyers and breeders of breeds known to have problems with such conditions.

All the titles and awards a dog earns at qualified AKC events becomes part of its record maintained by the AKC. When a dog or bitch wins a championship title in an AKC qualified event, it will have it permanently noted in its pedigree. Any buyer of an offspring of a champion dog will know it by looking at the pedigree. The various kennel clubs share a common core of several abbreviations and titles, you can find a list here.

Titles and achievements earned by the dogs listed in the pedigree indicate that they have been recognized for their quality and performance in various areas such as conformation shows, obedience trials, or working events. These accolades highlight the exceptional qualities and abilities of the dogs in question. It demonstrates that the lineage possesses desirable traits and can excel in specific areas, further supporting your understanding of the dog’s potential.

The abbreviation “CH” appearing before a dog or bitch’s name on a pedigree means “Champion”. Please mind that UKC records note CH in red. Champion or “CH” means a champion in a Conformation show. Meaning, the dog carrying the “CH” before its name conforms closely to the standards for that particular breed. A close look at the ancestors’ names on the pedigree for the abbreviation “CH” indicates how many champions have made up the genetics of this particular dog. With dog breeding, it can also give some assurance that the future offspring of the dog, if mated well, will carry on those desirable traits. Proven dogs are always scoring better.

Other championships and trials like Field and Obedience also have their abbreviation and are noted on the pedigree. For example, an “FC” before a dog’s name indicates a dog that is champion in the field, e.g. perhaps a pointer or retriever. A label like this would be most important for a breeder who specializes in breeding dogs for duck hunting, and the likes.

Other awards appear behind a dog’s name and, also, carry their own abbreviations. For example, the abbreviation “CD” means that this dog or bitch has been certified in a formal process as a companion dog. Again, this information can be very important to a particular breeder or buyer. The American Kennel Club, of course, is the primary source for the decoding of information appearing on its pedigrees.

Assessing the diversity of ancestors within the pedigree is crucial. It allows you to gauge the extent of genetic variation present in the lineage. Linebreeding and inbreeding are terms that commonly appear when discussing pedigrees. Linebreeding refers to the practice of breeding dogs with a common ancestor, usually within a few generations, to accentuate specific traits. Inbreeding, on the other hand, involves mating closely related individuals, such as siblings or parent-offspring, and carries a higher risk of inheriting genetic issues. Understanding these concepts helps you evaluate the potential implications for the dog’s health and well-being.

Inbreeding in dogs has its good and bad sides. On the good side, it increases the likelihood that puppies carry on the most desirable traits of their breed. In fact, inbreeding is how many of our most popular breeds came into existence. People in the late 19th and early 20th centuries didn’t have the scientific knowledge of current canine genetics, but they did understand from years of raising farm animals how selective breeding worked. In fact, eugenics which now carries many negative associations was a very popular thing among the rich and intellectual elites in that time period.

The creation and recognition of dog breeds in an organized way sprung out of that movement. Inbreeding will appear simply on a dog’s (or bitch’s) pedigree by the reappearance of a certain dogs’ names and identifying registration number on different lines of the same family tree. In case of grading up, the same stud will appear over and over again with his distant offsprings.

A championship dog or a national champion dog will be a carrier of valuable genes (as a eugenicist might say.) That dog will be sought after for stud services, and the owner of the dog may try to breed that dog also (this is how the popular sire effect begins…) If that dog is bred with one of its own progenies, inbreeding will appear on the puppies’ future pedigrees. Those puppies are now more likely to be champions themselves because of their advantageous genetic makeup. This is generally called coming from or having a championship bloodline.

The bad side of inbreeding is that a closed gene pool increases the chances of bad genes being passed along, too. A knowledgeable breeder will understand the risks involved with the appearance of inbreeding and linebreeding on a dog’s pedigree.

For example, a breeder of German Shepherds knows that hip dysplasia is a major problem within the breed. If inbreeding occurs in a pedigree of a German Shepherd pup, a responsible owner of that pup will be on the lookout for screens of that condition so that it is not bred in the future. Unfortunately, it is difficult if not impossible to know from just a pedigree if a puppy or dog has come from responsible breeders. This is why it is a starting point that will require further research (and hours of investigation sometimes.)

In general, inbreeding in breeds with a high number of known genetic diseases and conditions may be more of a worse than a good thing to see on a pedigree. Genetic diversity is very important and this is how humans and most animals on Earth thrive over centuries. Inbreeding depression can irreversibly destroy a bloodline or a breed (e.g. the English bulldog.)

The pedigree of a dog carries a lot of information just on the face of the document. It doesn’t contain all the information, though. If a dog does not carry that “CH” in front of the name, does it mean that it has some flaw or does it mean that the dog didn’t compete in any show? This is where pattern recognition will help!

A close reading of a dog’s pedigree with a bit of detective work will give much information about a dog and how its genetic makeup translated in our practical world. Most genes only represent a potential that the dog’s environment and life experiences will express to a certain extent.

It is important to investigate whether there are any known genetic conditions or diseases present in the pedigree. Look for instances of these conditions in the ancestors and assess their significance. Understanding the prevalence of specific health issues in the lineage can help you assess the potential risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. By being aware of the genetic background, you can make more informed decisions regarding the dog’s health and well-being.

Seeing how often a particular characteristic appeared in a dog’s ancestors can give you an idea of what can appear in your future litters. This goes with most traits that you seek to have or better in your own bloodlines. These traits may be the ability to perform a specific job (herding skills, or athletic performance for example), or a particular physical attribute that you are keen on (e.g. longer and more powerful legs, longer snout, naturally more muscular body, etc.)

Reality is, undesirable traits may be more difficult to glean from a pedigree because not having a “CH” in front of the name of a dog doesn’t necessarily mean that the dog had flaws. And unless a dog is a champion or participated in many shows, it will be hard to find relevant information for you to work with. Perhaps the owner never wanted to compete nor breed himself.

Many fine AKC dogs with good bloodlines do simply serve as companion animals while many flawed puppies are registered by unscrupulous breeders just to be able to raise their price tag.

Familiarizing yourself with the breed standards of the dog you’re interested in is essential. Each breed has specific characteristics, appearance, and temperament traits outlined by breed clubs or kennel clubs. By studying the breed standards, you can gain a better understanding of what to expect from a particular breed and assess if it aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.

Coat colors should appear on a dog’s pedigree when the color of the dog’s coat is one of the breed’s standards. For example, Labrador Retrievers will conform to breed standard with one of three colors: yellow, black or chocolate.

The pedigree of a Labrador puppy normally shows each parent’s color indicated by the abbreviations ylw (yellow), blk (black) and chlt (chocolate). Many other breeds have allowable and disqualifying coat colors. Information about coat color is a piece of important information on a pedigree to note, especially if you have a particular focus on your bloodline’s appearance.

If the same coat color appears everywhere on the pedigrees of a mated bitch and dog, the puppies have an extremely high probability of having the same color. That is simple genetics. However, an ancestor somewhere in the family tree with a different color — even a conforming to standard one — increases the chances of a random puppy being born with a beautiful but potentially disqualifying mix of two conforming colors. The same goes for the different coat patterns and lengths.

Canine genetics are just beginning to be analyzed and understood and there is much more scientific research that still needs to be done. Yet, the genetics behind dog colors is very well covered on this particular website.

The Stud Book is the key to the success of any kennel club. For over a century, the original and first British Kennel Club as well as the American Kennel Club have kept a careful record of the breeding of its qualified dogs. The number on each pedigree will provide information as to the lineage of a particular dog.

This kind of information can be used for all kinds of purposes, even just for just the curious. Need a name for a dog? A look at the pedigree will show great-great-grand dog was a Champion and carried the name, “Sylvester” —a great name to pass down to a pup. There could be even litigation that calls into question whether this dog produced those puppies. The studbook, then, could even find its use in a courtroom.

The pedigree is what sets purebred dogs apart from the average mutts on the street (no judgment here, all dogs are amazing.) It makes them, perhaps, more interesting for dog breeders seeking particular traits and characteristics. A pedigree does, in fact, make a dog more valuable.

In addition to the pedigree, it is crucial to research the reputation and expertise of the breeder associated with it. Responsible and reputable breeder prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs, follows ethical breeding practices, and maintains high standards of care. By investigating the breeder’s background, you can gain insights into their dedication to producing healthy and well-socialized puppies.

We are currently not accepting import applications from Russia and Belarus.

Information on Imports from UKRAINE, SERBIA, CHINA and other unlisted countries

We are urging dog breeders and owners to ensure they are aware of the current ban in place for the commercial imports of dogs from Belarus, Poland, Romania and Ukraine.

For further information on this please click on the links below:

Please be aware that if the dog entered the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme, we require the following documents:

If the dog entered the UK under the BALAI directive (commercial travel rules), we will require:

For more information on the current commercial import ban, please visit the Government website.

All import applications must also be in compliance with The Kennel Club registrations rules and regulations and DEFRA Regulations, if import applications are not in compliance then the application will be refused.

Unfortunately The Kennel Club can only accept import applications from overseas clubs that have full membership, associate membership or contract partnership of the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale).

The import application can only be completed if supported by a valid Export Pedigree from an overseas kennel club. As an alternative, the dog can be registered on the Activity Register.

If you reside in the UK and are applying to import a dog that is registered with any of the above clubs, then you will not require an Export Pedigree. Your application must be accompanied by a copy of a certified Registration Certificate and Pedigree Certificate which confirms your name and UK address.

We do not require original documents, but request that only clear copies are provided. If the copies provided are not legible, this may delay your application.

ATC applications are for exhibitors who reside abroad, who wish to show their dogs in the UK. If you reside in the UK, you must register your dog using an import application.

An imported dog will be registered using the name as stated on the documentation from the overseas kennel club and cannot be amended, unless by the addition of a kennel name.

Providing the ownership of your kennel name matches the ownership as stated on your Export Pedigree, your kennel name can be added free of charge at the time of registration to the end of your dog's name and you may use a link word.

If, at the closing date for entries, you have applied for an import application but have not yet received your paperwork, the dog can be entered and the name should be followed by the letters 'NAF' (name applied for).

The Kennel Club will only record a title won at a national show from the country of origin. Please submit a copy of the award certificate with the application.

We would normally only record three generations when importing, however, we would record up to five generations of a pedigree, providing the overseas kennel club pedigree contains this information.