How to read a pedigree
Jeff Davis | Go back to current news
Posted 02/25/2025
Reading a dog's pedigree requires understanding the layout and significance of the information provided in a pedigree chart. A pedigree is essentially a family tree that documents a dog's lineage, often spanning multiple generations. It typically includes details such as registered names, titles, health clearances, and sometimes coat colors or other genetic traits. The purpose of a pedigree is to track ancestry, assess genetic diversity, and evaluate breeding potential based on lineage.
A standard pedigree chart lists the dog's name at the far left, followed by its parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on. The sire (father) is usually listed above the dam (mother) at each level. Titles such as "CH" (Champion), "GCH" (Grand Champion), or "FC" (Field Champion) indicate achievements in conformation or performance events. Health clearances, often noted with abbreviations like "OFA" (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or "CERF" (Canine Eye Registration Foundation), show whether a dog has been screened for hereditary conditions. Breeders and owners use this information to assess the likelihood of inheriting desirable traits, such as strong conformation, temperament, or working ability.
To fully understand a pedigree, it's also essential to recognize inbreeding coefficients and line-breeding patterns. Close relatives appearing multiple times in a pedigree suggest line breeding, which can concentrate desirable traits but may also increase the risk of genetic disorders. Some pedigrees also include colors or genetic markers, which can be helpful for breeders aiming for specific coat patterns or health traits. By analyzing a pedigree thoroughly, prospective owners and breeders can make informed decisions about a dog's background, potential health concerns, and suitability for specific activities or breeding programs.
A standard pedigree chart lists the dog's name at the far left, followed by its parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on. The sire (father) is usually listed above the dam (mother) at each level. Titles such as "CH" (Champion), "GCH" (Grand Champion), or "FC" (Field Champion) indicate achievements in conformation or performance events. Health clearances, often noted with abbreviations like "OFA" (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or "CERF" (Canine Eye Registration Foundation), show whether a dog has been screened for hereditary conditions. Breeders and owners use this information to assess the likelihood of inheriting desirable traits, such as strong conformation, temperament, or working ability.
To fully understand a pedigree, it's also essential to recognize inbreeding coefficients and line-breeding patterns. Close relatives appearing multiple times in a pedigree suggest line breeding, which can concentrate desirable traits but may also increase the risk of genetic disorders. Some pedigrees also include colors or genetic markers, which can be helpful for breeders aiming for specific coat patterns or health traits. By analyzing a pedigree thoroughly, prospective owners and breeders can make informed decisions about a dog's background, potential health concerns, and suitability for specific activities or breeding programs.
