A pedigree is essentially a birth certificate for your dog, showing the 3 generation family tree which proves that your dog is in fact a purebred.

The Australian National Canine Council (ANKC) is the only internationally recognised registry able to issue certified pedigrees for purebred dogs.

All ANKC breeders must abide the Code of Ethics outlined on the ANKC website.

The ANKC issues two types of registration papers, (pictured above) and each puppy bought from an ANKC breeder will come with its own pedigree, either Main or Limited Registration. If a breeder has issued Main Register (blue) papers for your dog, it can be exhibited at a Conformation Show, used for breeding purposes or exported overseas.

If the breeder has issued Limited Register papers (orange) it cannot be exhibited at a Conformation Show, used for breeding purposes or exported overseas.

ANKC Certified pedigrees are also recognised pedigrees with the State Government and local councils.

All other registries, such as the MDBA, ABR, Australian Canine Registry, ICBS, etc are NOT affiliated with the ANKC and CANNOT issue Certified Pedigrees.

If you have doubts about whether a breeder is registered, please contact your local ANKC State Affiliate to confirm:

Dogs SA www.dogssa.com.au (08) 8349 4797
Dogs VIC www.dogsvictoria.org.au (03) 9788 2500
DOGS NSW www.dogsnsw.org.au (02) 9834 3022
Dogs QLD www.dogsqueensland.org.au (07) 3252 2661
Dogs West (WA) www.dogswest.com (08) 9455 1188
Dogs TAS www.tasdogs.com (03) 6272 9443
Dogs ACT www.dogsact.org.au (02) 6241 4404
Dogs NT www.dogsnt.com.au (08) 8984 3570