What is a Pedigree?

Benefits of owning a purebred dog:

For many thousands of years, dogs with desired characteristics were selected to perpetuate and enhance these characteristics and the resulting progeny then become predictable in size, appearance, instincts and temperament.

The various types of purebred dogs are the result of many years of selective breeding and were developed for a specific purpose ie herding (Working dogs), guarding (Utility Dogs), hunting (Hounds), retrieving (Gundogs), vermin eradication (Terriers) and companionship (Toys). Documentation is available on their history and heritage.

When purchasing a purebred puppy, the characteristics of the adult dog will be predictable in respect to size, temperament and appearance.

• When considering a purebred dog, it is possible to narrow down the choices to those with attributes which most clearly fit into your lifestyle and interests in respect to size, exercise and grooming requirements.
• Responsible breeders will answer your questions and provide background on the breed characteristics of the adult dog.
• Breeders have knowledge and experience to care for and nurture puppies at critical early stages ensuring a healthy puppy. Breeders will provide you with information about the correct care in feeding, health issues and training and will continue to provide support as your puppy grows.
• Owners of registered purebred dogs can join Dogs SA and participate in a variety of activities and events with their dogs, providing an opportunity for social interaction with others with common or similar interests.
• All Dogs SA members are bound by a code of practice and ethics covering responsible dog ownership and breeder responsibilities.

Do purebred dogs have better temperaments?

Purebred dogs have predictable temperaments and by viewing the dam and sire of the litter or other examples of the breed, you will be able to predict the temperament of the puppies.

Are purebred dogs healthier?

Crossbred dogs are unpredictable in many ways, including health and in particular inherited diseases plus there is no guarantee to the parentage of a crossbred dog. Crossing breeds creates a genetic lottery with unknown diseases which are not tested for in advance.

Purebred dogs are tested prior to breeding for any health issues known to affect the breed thereby ensuring only sound and healthy dogs are used for breeding. Many health issues are being eradicated in this way as breeders strive to improve their breed.

Do purebred dogs make good house pets or are they just for showing?

Breeders will select their ‘pick’ of the litter as their next show dog with the other puppies chosen to become much loved family pets. Pet puppies may not have the perfect markings required for the show ring or have one ear slightly tipped but otherwise are perfectly sound, healthy puppies which are fully health tested and expertly raised.

Are there non-allergenic purebred dogs?

When referring to non-allergenic breeds, many people assume non-shedding mean non-allergenic.

This is not always correct in that some people are allergic to the saliva, dander and/or oils on the dog’s coats and not necessarily the hair which is shed.

Some breeds with low-shedding coats:

• Standard Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Toy Poodle
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Australian Silky Terrier
• West Highland White Terrier
• Chinese Crested Dog
• Cairn Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Standard Schnauzer
• Giant Schnauzer
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Airedale Terrier
• Lagotto
• Bichon Frise
• Afghan Hound

Although low-shedding, these breeds require regular brushing to prevent knots and mats forming and those with continuously growing coats need to be clipped several times a year.

Terriers require hand stripping or clipping of coats to maintain neatness.