Pedigrees
A German Shepherd's pedigree is the key to understanding the dog, providing insight into the dog's type, genetic temperament, working ability, drives and health. When one has access to a dogs pedigree, they are able to identify the ancestral dogs of a bloodline and have the tools to learn what they can about the dog on a genetic level.
Pedigree knowledge is especially helpful when it comes to attempting to determine what kind of dog will be the most suitable for a person or family. When viewing a potential puppy or dog, the pedigree can tell you a lot about that dogs potential. It can provide insight into temperament possibilities, workability, any potential health risks and other influential information.
If you are buying a dog or a puppy, a good knowledge of how to read a pedigree on a basic level can help you determine if that dog is right for you. Reading pedigrees extensively and knowledge of ancestral dogs is something that seasoned breed enthusiasts spend a great deal of time learning. Pedigree and bloodline knowledge is something gained by years of experience and research.
How do I learn how to read pedigrees?
Reading pedigrees is not easy, nor is it a quick skill to learn. Patience and good research skills will benefit anyone looking into gaining better pedigree knowledge. As with learning more about the breed in general, there are several steps you can take to further your knowledge.
The best way to begin learning how to read pedigrees is by starting with dogs you really like. Learn how to recognize which dogs produce which traits, both the good and the bad, in the pedigrees of your favourite breed representatives.
Alternatively, another excellent way to begin learning how to read pedigrees is by doing research on your own dog. This makes it very easy for you to compare your dog's temperament, drives and health to the "genetic picture" the dogs in their pedigree paint. You will be able to identify where certain traits in your dog came from, based on which dogs in his pedigree were known for producing said trait.
EXPERIENCE
Experience comes from first hand involvement in the breed. One should seek to attend breed specific events, conformation shows, IPO (Schutzhund) trials, other sport trials and national and/or international events. While observing the breed in action first hand, make note of the names of each dog you see (the good and the bad) so you can reference their pedigrees later. Take note of the good traits, the bad traits, the strengths and the weaknesses of each German Shepherd you observe. Start conversations with experienced handlers, reputable breeders and enthusiasts at these events. Ask them about the dogs, get as much detail as they are willing to provide. Many breed enthusiasts will enjoy in-depth discussion on the breed or certain dogs. Take notes, so that on your own time you can view a pedigree and match traits to certain dogs while putting together the information you gathered from reputable people.
Experience also comes with living with, handling and working your very own German Shepherd dog. Ideally, you will have pedigree information on that dog, and you can use that basic information to learn from. What traits, good and bad, are inherent in your dog? Do your research to find out who produces those traits in the dogs pedigree. Joining a club or training group can also provide insight on a personal level about other dogs, which can also help you identify traits of certain bloodlines and producers.
Working your own dog in a complex sport like IPO (formally known as Schutzhund) will give you honest insight into your dog. There is no better way to gain experience than to take a dog from basic obedience to advanced sport training. Many people believe that IPO is the ultimate sport for the German Shepherd breed (and can be the ultimate way to test your dog thoroughly) because this is the venue where you can push a dog to its full potential and expose every strength and weakness.
RESEARCH
Research is the key to recognizing influential dogs in the breed; Knowing what they produce, and identifying what traits come through which lines. Use tools such a the Pedigree Database and the Working Dog.eu database for pedigree information. From there, join reputable forums or online groups with which you can search for information pertaining to certain dogs by name, ask specific questions, and get involved in discussion of various bloodlines and influential dogs. Make connections with quality, knowledge breeders and enthusiasts so that you can get into discussions on certain dogs and pedigrees. The more you read and discuss, the more you will learn and remember. Eventually, after some effort, you will begin recognizing older influential dogs in a pedigree and will know what traits and attributes they could bring to a pedigree.
There is a tremendous amount of dogs, and an even more tremendous amount of pedigrees to research and learn about. This is why I stress that one should begin with their own dog or a dog they think is an excellent representation of the breed. Learning about one dog, and discovering the dogs in that pedigree, is how one begins. You likely will never become so efficient at reading pedigrees that you will know everything there is to know about every dog in every line, but you can certainly become knowledgeable about your favourite bloodlines and dogs and what you believe is the best representation of the breed.
As with all research, be certain to cross-reference information to ensure the utmost accuracy. If you have a breeder or enthusiast you know is extremely knowledgeable, check the validity of your research with them. Another way of cross-referencing is presenting the community with what you've found, and asking about accuracy.
GET INVOLVED
In the end, getting involved in different aspects of the breed will open you up to experience and connections that will inevitably further your knowledge. Attend German Shepherd conformation events, join a local training club, read books and articles, train your dog in a sport, visit your local IPO (Schutzhund) club or something similar and breed specific. Get involved with the reputable online communities and join in on discussions. As time goes on, you will gain knowledge. There is no easy way to learn, and it will not happen quickly. If you love the German Shepherd breed, it will come naturally and patience won't be a concern!
The best way to begin learning how to read pedigrees is by starting with dogs you really like. Learn how to recognize which dogs produce which traits, both the good and the bad, in the pedigrees of your favourite breed representatives.
Alternatively, another excellent way to begin learning how to read pedigrees is by doing research on your own dog. This makes it very easy for you to compare your dog's temperament, drives and health to the "genetic picture" the dogs in their pedigree paint. You will be able to identify where certain traits in your dog came from, based on which dogs in his pedigree were known for producing said trait.
EXPERIENCE
Experience comes from first hand involvement in the breed. One should seek to attend breed specific events, conformation shows, IPO (Schutzhund) trials, other sport trials and national and/or international events. While observing the breed in action first hand, make note of the names of each dog you see (the good and the bad) so you can reference their pedigrees later. Take note of the good traits, the bad traits, the strengths and the weaknesses of each German Shepherd you observe. Start conversations with experienced handlers, reputable breeders and enthusiasts at these events. Ask them about the dogs, get as much detail as they are willing to provide. Many breed enthusiasts will enjoy in-depth discussion on the breed or certain dogs. Take notes, so that on your own time you can view a pedigree and match traits to certain dogs while putting together the information you gathered from reputable people.
Experience also comes with living with, handling and working your very own German Shepherd dog. Ideally, you will have pedigree information on that dog, and you can use that basic information to learn from. What traits, good and bad, are inherent in your dog? Do your research to find out who produces those traits in the dogs pedigree. Joining a club or training group can also provide insight on a personal level about other dogs, which can also help you identify traits of certain bloodlines and producers.
Working your own dog in a complex sport like IPO (formally known as Schutzhund) will give you honest insight into your dog. There is no better way to gain experience than to take a dog from basic obedience to advanced sport training. Many people believe that IPO is the ultimate sport for the German Shepherd breed (and can be the ultimate way to test your dog thoroughly) because this is the venue where you can push a dog to its full potential and expose every strength and weakness.
RESEARCH
Research is the key to recognizing influential dogs in the breed; Knowing what they produce, and identifying what traits come through which lines. Use tools such a the Pedigree Database and the Working Dog.eu database for pedigree information. From there, join reputable forums or online groups with which you can search for information pertaining to certain dogs by name, ask specific questions, and get involved in discussion of various bloodlines and influential dogs. Make connections with quality, knowledge breeders and enthusiasts so that you can get into discussions on certain dogs and pedigrees. The more you read and discuss, the more you will learn and remember. Eventually, after some effort, you will begin recognizing older influential dogs in a pedigree and will know what traits and attributes they could bring to a pedigree.
There is a tremendous amount of dogs, and an even more tremendous amount of pedigrees to research and learn about. This is why I stress that one should begin with their own dog or a dog they think is an excellent representation of the breed. Learning about one dog, and discovering the dogs in that pedigree, is how one begins. You likely will never become so efficient at reading pedigrees that you will know everything there is to know about every dog in every line, but you can certainly become knowledgeable about your favourite bloodlines and dogs and what you believe is the best representation of the breed.
As with all research, be certain to cross-reference information to ensure the utmost accuracy. If you have a breeder or enthusiast you know is extremely knowledgeable, check the validity of your research with them. Another way of cross-referencing is presenting the community with what you've found, and asking about accuracy.
GET INVOLVED
In the end, getting involved in different aspects of the breed will open you up to experience and connections that will inevitably further your knowledge. Attend German Shepherd conformation events, join a local training club, read books and articles, train your dog in a sport, visit your local IPO (Schutzhund) club or something similar and breed specific. Get involved with the reputable online communities and join in on discussions. As time goes on, you will gain knowledge. There is no easy way to learn, and it will not happen quickly. If you love the German Shepherd breed, it will come naturally and patience won't be a concern!