Examples of Pedigrees

The American Kennel Club recognizes almost 200 breeds of dogs, and the list is constantly growing. These dogs vary in size, function and appearance, but they've all got one thing in common: a well-documented pedigree.

  1. Identification

    • A dog's pedigree is the ancestral line that was used to create the dog. A pedigree is important, because it shows that the dog was raised from a strong line that meets a breed standard.

    History

    • Some pedigrees date back for centuries. Examples of these ancient breeds include the Rottweiler, the Mastiff and the Siberian husky.

    Time Frame

    • During the Middle Ages, many modern dogs were introduced. Breeds that can trace their pedigree to this time period include the Portuguese water dog, the Saint Bernard and many types of terriers.

    Significance

    • The 19th Century was a prolific era for organized hunting. This resulted in an explosion of hunting breeds being created. Such famous hunting dogs as the German wirehaired pointer, the English setter and the cocker spaniel can all trace their roots to this time period.

    Fun Fact

    • Considering how popular they are, it may be surprising that America's two most commonly owned dogs, the Labrador retriever and the golden retriever, are relatively new breeds. Both pedigrees can be traced back to the 1800s.