pedigré

Pedigré refers to the recorded ancestry of an animal, typically a purebred dog, cat, horse, or livestock. It serves as a document that traces the animal's lineage back through several generations, listing the names of its parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on. This lineage is usually maintained by breed registries or kennel clubs that establish and enforce breed standards.

The primary purpose of a pedigré is to verify an animal's breed purity and to demonstrate its genetic background. For breeders, a pedigré is crucial for understanding potential genetic traits, health predispositions, and temperamental characteristics that may be passed down through generations. It helps in making informed breeding decisions to improve the health, conformation, and performance of a breed.

For owners, particularly those of purebred animals, a pedigré can be a source of pride and assurance. It confirms that the animal conforms to the recognized standards of its breed. In some cases, particularly in competitive dog shows or equestrian events, a strong or well-known ancestory on a pedigré can be a significant factor in an animal's value and success. While pedigrés are most commonly associated with companion animals and livestock, the concept of tracing lineage can be applied in other contexts, though the term "pedigré" itself is most widely used in the realm of animal breeding.