Sunara Dog Training
509-220-9598
& Sunara Papillons
What is a PEDIGREE and why is it so important to some people and not so important to others? Why do different people charge different amounts for a dog when (seemingly) the only distinction may be a piece of paper called a pedigree. Do you need a pedigree if you’re buying a dog as a pet and you have no intention of showing him/her?
Every living being has a pedigree but unless it gets tracked and recorded it becomes lost in time. In addition to listing the accomplishments of an individual (dog), the pedigree can track health (good and poor), desirable traits and characteristics, and the temperament necessary to make those qualities needed for a good family dog.
The American Kennel Club records information such as: registered name, accomplishments (titles) age, breed, sex, color, sire, dam.
But, you can’t trust a pedigree alone to tell you everything! THE PEDIGREE CAN’T TELL YOU IF THE DOG IS OF GOOD QUALITY OR NOT. FOR THAT, YOU MUST GO TO A REPUTABLE BREEDER AND ASK FOR THE FOLLOWING:
· References – this includes people that have purchased dogs from them as well as professional clubs and organizations they belong to. Have they been denied membership to AKC or any other organization?
· Have they ever sold their dogs to a store? How often do they breed?
· Are they breeding for the sake of breeding or to improve the breed?
· Do they show? What titles do their dogs have?
· How long have they been in business?
· Who is their Veterinarian? Do they have a long-term, established relationship?
· Are their puppies planned? How do they select the breeding?
· What health checks are done and when?
· What vaccinations are done and when?
· If the puppy is not a good fit for me/my family or if I am relocated to someplace and can’t take my dog with me, will you take my dog back or help me find him/her a new home?
A healthy dog must be the first consideration when you start your search for a dog. Next, you need to decide if you are looking for a pet companion or if you plan to show the dog.
If you plan to show and breed then it is important that you see (if possible) not only the parents of the dog, but also his/her grandparents.
In summary, a pedigree is just one tool of many that ethical and professional breeders use to breed healthy animals. A pedigree by itself doesn’t mean much—it’s just a list of names. It’s a starting place to begin your research on the breeders of your new family member!
At Sunara Papillon Kennels each litter is carefully planned. Extensive research goes into each breeding to ensure the best chance for superior health, show quality, character and disposition. Before leaving to go to a new home each puppy has the following:
