Pedigree System Guide
Learn how to build comprehensive family trees for your dogs and cats. This guide covers everything from adding your first record to creating multi-generation pedigrees with health test documentation.
Introduction
What is the pedigree system and why use it?
The Breeders Online pedigree system allows you to create detailed family trees for your dogs and cats. By adding pedigree records and linking them together, you can:
Build Family Trees
Create up to 4-generation pedigree trees showing ancestry
Track Health Tests
Document health screenings and test results
Record Achievements
Add titles, championships, and registration numbers
Enhance Listings
Display pedigrees on your puppy and kitten adverts
Buyers increasingly want to see health-tested parents and documented lineage. A well-maintained pedigree database demonstrates your commitment to responsible breeding and helps build trust with potential buyers.
Getting Started
How to access your pedigree database
Your pedigree database is part of your Breeders Online member account. Here's how to access it:
Log in to your account
Visit the login page and sign in with your email and password.
Navigate to My Pedigrees
Click on "My Pedigrees" in the dashboard navigation bar, or go directly to pedigrees.php.
Start adding records
Click the "Add New Record" button to create your first pedigree entry.
You can add pedigree records to your database even without an active subscription. You'll only need a subscription when you want to publish adverts linking to your pedigrees.
Adding Pedigree Records
Creating new entries in your database
Each pet (whether your own or an ancestor) needs its own pedigree record. Here's how to add one:
Click "Add New Record"
From the My Pedigrees page, click the green "Add New Record" button.
Select species and breed
Choose whether it's a dog or cat, then select the specific breed from the dropdown.
Enter basic information
Add the registered name (required), registration number, titles, gender, colour, and dates.
Link parents (optional)
If you've already added the sire or dam, select them from the dropdowns. You can also add them later.
Save the record
Click "Add Pedigree Record" to save. You can then add photos and health tests.
We recommend adding your own dogs or cats first, then working backwards to add their parents and grandparents. This makes it easier to link records together.
Understanding Record Fields
What each field means and how to use it
Basic Information
Description
The description field allows you to add detailed information about the pet, including:
- Temperament and personality
- Show career highlights
- Breeding history
- Notable offspring
- Any other relevant information
Building Pedigree Trees
Linking records to create family trees
The magic of the pedigree system is in linking records together to form family trees. Each pet can have a sire (father) and dam (mother) linked to it.
How Pedigree Trees Work
When you link a sire and dam to a pet, the system automatically builds a tree showing parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.
Linking Sire and Dam
To link parents to a pedigree record:
Edit the pet's record
Go to My Pedigrees and click "Edit" on the pet you want to update.
Go to the Ancestry tab
Click on the "Ancestry" tab in the editor to see the sire and dam fields.
Select or add parents
Use the dropdown to select existing records, or click "Add New" to quickly create a new parent record.
Save your changes
Click "Save Changes" to update the record. The pedigree tree will now show the linked parents.
To show grandparents and great-grandparents, you need to edit the parent records and link their parents too. The system automatically builds the full tree from these links.
Quick Add Ancestor Feature
Rapidly add sire or dam records without leaving the page
When editing a pet's ancestry, you might realise the parent you need isn't in your database yet. Instead of navigating away, you can use the Quick Add feature:
Click "Add New" next to Sire or Dam
On the Ancestry tab, you'll see an "Add New" button next to each parent dropdown.
Enter the name in the modal
A popup appears where you simply type the registered name of the sire or dam.
Click "Create & Select"
The record is created instantly and automatically selected in the dropdown.
Records created via Quick Add only have a name, gender, and breed. You can add more details (registration number, health tests, etc.) later by editing the record from My Pedigrees.
Health Tests
Documenting health screenings and results
Health testing is crucial for responsible breeding. The pedigree system allows you to record various health tests for each pet.
Adding Health Tests
Edit the pet's record
Go to My Pedigrees and click "Edit" on the pet.
Go to the Health Tests tab
Click on "Health Tests" to see existing tests and add new ones.
Click "Add Health Test"
A form appears where you can enter the test details.
Fill in the details
Select the test type, enter the specific test name, result, date, and optionally the certificate number.
Common Test Types
The system includes predefined test types for dogs and cats:
Eye Tests
PRA, CEA, Glaucoma, Cataracts, etc.
Heart Tests
Auscultation, Echocardiogram, DCM, etc.
Hip/Elbow Scores
BVA Hip Score, Elbow Grade, OFA results
DNA Tests
Genetic disease screening, colour genetics
While you can record results here, always keep your original certificates. Some buyers may request to see the official documentation.
Record Settings
Understanding external and visibility options
Each pedigree record has two important settings that control how it's used and displayed:
External Ancestor
Check this option if the pet is not owned by you. This is typically used for:
- Sires or dams from other breeders
- Ancestors you don't own but need to include in your pedigree trees
- Stud dogs you've used that belong to other kennels
External records are displayed with an "External" badge, helping viewers understand these ancestors aren't part of your own breeding program but are included for complete pedigree information.
Public Record
Controls whether the record is visible to others:
- Public (checked): The record appears in pedigree trees and can be viewed by visitors
- Private (unchecked): Only you can see this record. Useful for pets you're still adding details to, or records you want to keep private
Linking Pedigrees to Adverts
Displaying family trees on your listings
One of the most powerful features is the ability to display pedigree trees directly on your puppy and kitten adverts. This shows potential buyers the lineage and health testing of the parents.
When Creating an Advert
In the advert editor, you can link to pedigree records for:
- The sire (father) of the litter
- The dam (mother) of the litter
Once linked, your advert will display an interactive pedigree tree that buyers can explore.
Adverts with pedigree trees tend to attract more serious buyers. They demonstrate transparency and a commitment to breeding quality, health-tested animals.
Tips & Best Practices
Get the most from your pedigree database
Use official registered names
Always use the full, official kennel club registered name. This helps with recognition and searchability.
Add registration numbers
Including KC/AKC/GCCF registration numbers adds credibility and allows verification.
Keep health tests up to date
Regularly add new health test results as they become available. This is often the first thing buyers look for.
Build complete trees
Try to add at least 3 generations (parents, grandparents, great-grandparents) for a comprehensive pedigree display.
Add photos
Photos bring your pedigree records to life. Add photos of each dog or cat to make the family tree more engaging.
Ready to get started?
Head to My Pedigrees and start building your pedigree database today.
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