The Pedigree: what it is, what it’s for, and how to read it
What is a pedigree
A pedigree is an official document that certifies the origins and genealogy of a purebred animal, such as a cat or a dog. It is issued exclusively by a recognized association or authority (in Italy, for example, ANFI for cats or ENCI for dogs).
The pedigree is not just a “certificate of breed,” but a true family tree that records the parents, grandparents, and ancestors of the animal, usually up to the fourth or fifth generation.
What is a pedigree for
- Breed guarantee – certifies that the animal truly belongs to the declared breed.
- Genetic traceability – makes it possible to know and monitor bloodlines, avoiding inbreeding.
- Health protection – responsible breeders select breeding animals based on genetic and health testing.
- Access to shows and official breeding – only animals with a pedigree can participate in shows and pass on a pedigree to their offspring.
- Cultural and historical value – it tells the story and heritage of a bloodline.
Why register puppies/kittens with a pedigree?
- Requesting a pedigree for every litter is both an ethical and legal obligation for a serious breeder.
- It protects the breeder’s selection work and guarantees the new owner a truly purebred kitten/puppy.
- It offers transparency on origins, preventing fraud or false claims.
- It gives the animal and its future owner the right to take part in shows, competitions, and, if intended, in recognized breeding programs.
➡️ Without a pedigree, a kitten or puppy cannot officially be considered “purebred,” but only “type.”
How much does a pedigree cost?
The cost of a pedigree is very low compared to the overall price of a kitten or puppy.
In Italy, registering a feline pedigree with ANFI generally costs between €15 and €25 per kitten (the amount may vary slightly depending on the litter and processing times).
This is a negligible expense compared to the real value of the breeder’s work: genetic and health testing, quality nutrition, veterinary care, raising in a suitable environment, and socialization.
👉 This means that when a breeder does not request a pedigree, it is not to save money, but often because they cannot obtain it (for example, if the kittens are born from unregistered parents or from unrecognized matings). In such cases, transparency is lacking.
How to read a pedigree
- Animal identification data → name, cattery, sex, color, registration number, microchip.
- Genealogy → shown in a family tree table: parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, great-great-grandparents.
- Titles and abbreviations → CH, IC, SC, etc., indicate show titles obtained.
- EMS code → international code that describes breed, color, and pattern (e.g., MCO n 22 = Maine Coon black tabby blotched, commonly known as brown tabby).
- Issuing association → official logo and references.
Every pedigree carries the official logo and details of the association that issued it.
An important concept: no pedigree, no breed
An animal without a pedigree, even if it resembles a certain breed, cannot officially be considered part of that breed. Without documentation, it is registered as a “cat/dog of type,” and it will not be able to pass on a pedigree to its offspring.
In summary: The pedigree is the official identity card of a cat or dog. Registering litters with a pedigree is not optional, but an act of seriousness, responsibility, and transparency on the part of the breeder. Its cost is minimal, but its value is immense: it safeguards health, selection, and the heritage of every kitten or puppy.