Pedigree & papers

A dog’s pedigree is “the record of descent of an animal, showing it is to be purebred” (Oxford Dictionary). Although some DNA tests can prove to be fairly accurate as far as determination of breed ancestry is concerned, the only officially recognized and registered way of demonstrating a dog’s pedigree is by way of tracking the lineage’s registration papers. Any responsible and ethical Doberman breeder will register their litters as well as the puppies as soon as they are placed in their new homes.

The registration takes place with the CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) in Canada. The price of such registration should be included in the purchase price of your Doberman. The “Purebred Dog Certificate of Registration” will be issued to the new owner(s).  Multiple ownership of a dog is very common. Even in the case of a non-breading contract, the breeder’s name may remain on the Certificate until the Doberman is spayed or neutered, at which point the Certificate may be amended and re-issued to the sole owner. Some breeders will remain co-owners for life.

Any responsible and ethical breeder will be able to easily provide you with a full pedigree going back at least three generations – two parents, four grandparents and eight great-grandparents – registered with the CKC and/or AKC, or their respective national kennel association.