When one talks about a “pedigree” for a dog, they’re likely referring to its lineage which, in most contexts, is understood to be documented by a recognized breed registry. Such documentation helps guarantee that a dog descends from a specific bloodline and is truly an exemplar of its breed.
That said, pedigree pet ownership can be controversial due to concerns over genetic health issues and breeding practices. However, responsibly sourced pedigree pets can bring immense joy to equally responsible owners since the predictability of temperaments and other breed-specific qualities can help guarantee a great match.
Pedigree dogs are sought after for other reasons. Having a well-documented dog from a rare breed can be a point of pride for some owners, as it ties their pet to a unique history as well as a long tradition of careful breeding. Pet owners who are interested in a dog that will do exceptionally well in things like performing tricks, companionship, or swimming may also turn to pedigree dogs that are known for any of these. Of course, many pet owners also simply like how certain breeds look.
However, a dog with a pedigree also comes with their breed’s quirks and challenges. If you’ve never had such a dog in your life before, these can come as quite a shock—sometimes even significantly disrupting your lifestyle. Before you take a pedigree pet into your life, make sure to do the following:
1) Research Your Future Dog’s Breed Thoroughly
First, you’ll want to do a deep dive into the breed’s physical traits, typical temperament, and common challenges experienced by most owners. For instance, if you’re interested in adopting pointy-headed dogs like Whippets or Bull Terriers, you might need specialized gear like Martingale collars to prevent slippage when you go on walks.
Some high-energy breeds like Huskies and German Shepherds may become anxious and destructive if not given enough daily exercise. Bulldogs and other short-snouted dogs, on the other hand, may require extra care for respiratory issues. Regardless of what breed you’re interested in, truly understanding the associated qualities ensures the best possible outcomes for you and your dog.
2) Choose a Responsible, Vetted Breeder
Puppy mills are notorious for unethical practices, driven by their owners’ need for profit at all costs. Overbreeding, cruelty, and privation are par for the course in these operations, and you may even be supporting criminal syndicates when you buy a dog from these breeders.
Though it may cost a bit more, sourcing from a reputable breeder who prioritizes health and ethical practices will disincentivize sketchy businesses and give you a better shot at having a healthy dog.
3) Pedigree Dogs Don’t Come Cheap
Even if you receive one as a gift, most pedigree dogs still require significant maintenance over their lifetime. Though some breeds may cost more to keep than others, you should still expect to shell out for specialized diets, grooming, and potential medical treatments for breed-specific health conditions. Don’t adopt or accept pedigree dogs (or other pets, for that matter) if you don’t have a stable financial situation or the emotional bandwidth to take on the challenge.
4) You Must Accept Any Breed-Specific Health Risks
As a consequence of their smaller gene pools, many pedigree dogs are associated with difficult-to-treat health issues. These conditions are especially prevalent among rare breeds and dogs produced by puppy mills.
These issues aren’t confined just to those dogs either, and even genetically robust breeds brought up by great breeders may be at risk. For example, while they may have fewer health issues than a modern Pug, Beagles are still at higher risk for hip dysplasia. If you want a certain breed type, you have to commit to caring for the dog for their lifetime, even knowing their potential health risks.
5) Early Socialization and Training are Keys to Success
Socialization and training are critical for all dogs, but they are particularly important for pedigree animals, as many have been bred for generations to be intelligent and protective. If you don’t find healthy ways for these dogs to channel these natural tendencies, they can become unhappy and difficult to manage around other people and animals.
As early as possible, try introducing your dog to different people and environments, making sure that they are kept leashed and under control in these times. Make it a point to train them on how to behave in different scenarios, including when in the company of other dogs. Whatever their breed, well-socialized dogs tend to be happier, more confident, and better able to handle different situations that come their way.
6) Learn About Breed-Specific Grooming Requirements
Many pedigree dogs often have specific grooming needs. Not all groomers can easily handle breeds with unusual coats, and you may have to take the responsibility yourself. If it’s your first time to own a dog, you may want to avoid any dog breeds with long coats as well as those known for excessive shedding, as their grooming needs can be overwhelming to newly-minted pet parents.
7) Join a Breed Community
You might be surprised at how difficult it is to find reliable information on pedigree dogs, particularly when it comes to very rare breeds. In many cases, the best way to understand your dog is to directly connect with other owners of your dog’s breed. These people can help you cut through the misinformation with valuable firsthand insights as well as breed-specific tips on caring for your dog.
Do You Have What It Takes to Care for a Pedigree Dog?
Unfortunately, many first-time dog owners who think they want a purebred dog have no clue what they’re getting into. Though all dogs demand responsibility, the health issues and specific breed requirements of some pedigree dogs often require a level of patience, grit, and financial stability that not everyone has. But if you make a commitment and take the responsibilities seriously, you’ll have a happy home and a lovable, infinitely interesting companion by your side.
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