What you Need to Know about Pedigree Dogs and Breeders?

I hope this Frequently Asked Question on pedigree dogs will help enlighten some doubts for those potential dog owners.

What is a pedigree dog?

Loosely term it; is a dog with papers - birth certificate called pedigree certificate.

How does a dog owner obtain a pedigree certificate?

First the breed of the dog has to be recognized by your local Kennel Club or Canine Association. Once the litter has been born, you may wish to query your local kennel club for registration form for the litters. You will have to provide copies of both the sire’s and dam’s pedigree certificate for verification. An officer appointed by the Kennel Club will come to do an inspection when the litter is about 3 to 5 weeks old together with their mom to certify the litter’s authenticity. Weeks later, the Kennel Club will issue pedigree certifications for the litter. *PS The procedure and fee may vary from countries to countries however this is a general guideline most kennel clubs operate.

Suppose if you would to breed two purebred dogs of the same breed without pedigree certificates, the litters will NOT be qualified to obtain pedigree certificates. Therefore your new puppies will not be legitimate to exhibit in conformation dog shows, (i.e. Crufts) and compete in performance events (i.e. Obedience trial). But this shouldn’t stop you show casing your puppy in a dog talent show or best behaved dogs or dog agility class organized by local communities.

What will you see on the pedigree certificate?

Just as you would see on a family genealogy, however on pedigree certificate it only lists up to 3 generations. Some pedigree certificates will be more impressive or valuable than others as they have a string of champion sires and dams.

Has there been a false claim of identity on pedigree certificates?

I will be surprise to know there isn’t. Though I personally haven’t had the “privilege” to meet one (probably never will since no one will be idiotic enough to come forth and claimed themselves as “criminals”) but I heard enough horror stories to say there are unscrupulous “breeders” that will not hesitate to earn extra cash. As in all business, where there is handsome money to be made, there will always be corruption or forgery. After all dog breeding can be a very lucrative business especially if you have dogs with very impressive pedigree certificates.

It’s hard to rule out that the litters are not sired by Ch. Sir and Ch. Lady especially if the breeder has more than two adult dogs and bitches almost of the same age. If the inspection is done within a few weeks after the birth and a closer inspection of their mom, chances will be slim for any false identity. Honestly, reputable breeders and exhibitors will never do such a thing. These fanatic breeders are very serious about their business and reputation, and they take great pride of their dogs and offspring. You will often find them have books of photos of their dogs; trophies and ribbons line their walls.

However, you will do yourself a great favor if you do extensive research and scouting for good breeders. This will certainly pay off.

How profitable is pedigree dog breeding business?

Very profitable I must admit but breeder has to be prepared that some pups will not be in show quality. Hence the breeder needs sufficient space and cash to raise these puppies until 8 to 10 weeks before they can be sold to the public as pet dogs.

And if the breeder owns a Champion prodigy dog, the breeder is able to demand high stud fee ranging from $400 to $1500 per “courtship”. Usually the breeder of the bitch will request two mating within a span of 3 days in order to achieve successful conceiving rate.

The highest bid Snowball ever received was $600, however only a couple bitches passed my screen test for breeding. I’m sure Snowball wouldn’t mind to offer his service for free.

Then there is another option is trading stud fee for a pup which is commonly done within breeders. This option might not be variable especially for small breed dogs as the number of litter can go from one to three.

The most lucrative breeding has to be those “custom made” or “special delivery” puppies. There are a few serious show dog exhibitors or dog fanatics who would fork out up to $15k for one dog. They would make arrangement with the top breeders to ONLY deliver top quality show dog with really impressive prodigy – pedigree certificate that hasn’t been tampered with.

From my experience as a former breeder and exhibitor, this business is not meant for anybody. It requires years of dedication, scarifies, perseverance and most importantly an endless love for dogs. If you are already a dog owner, be it one or six dogs, then try to multiply your commitment level by 10, and 20 if you breed and exhibit long coated dogs.

But if you want a pedigree dog as pet, I would strongly suggest you adopt a rescue dog from your local shelter. Believe me; you will see some very good looking dogs that had been abandoned by some negligent dog owners.

It was always entertaining to listen to their unbelievable reasons for giving up the dog. Of course, not all are “rotten” owners. Being a dog rescuer for a few years had indeed sharpened my sniffing sensory motor – sniffing out the genuine ones from the bad.

These rescued dogs will never short change you in another way, as a matter of fact they will give you just as much love, and if not more than any other pedigree dogs would.

All my best wishes to you in finding your dream dog.

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