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 owner. In the event there is more than one owner, the Certificate will be issued to and reside with the owner who normally has care and custody of the Doberman.

Multiple ownership of a dog is very common. Even in the case of a non-breading contract, the breeder’s name will remain on the Certificate until the Doberman is spayed or neutered, at which point the Certificate will be amended and re-issued to the sole owner. The same would happen in the case of a breading contact, until the owners agree to spay or neuter the Doberman.

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 – all registered with the CKC or their respective national kennel association.