pedigreed

Pedigreed is an adjective describing an animal or person whose ancestry can be traced through an officially documented lineage. In animal breeding, a pedigreed animal has a verifiable family tree recorded in breed registries or stud books. These records typically list ancestors, dates of birth, and breeding status, providing a basis for assessing traits, health history, and conformity to breed standards. The term is commonly applied to dogs, cats, horses, and other livestock. A pedigreed dog, for example, may come from a breed registry with a closed stud book, meaning only offspring from registered parents within the breed are eligible.

In human contexts, pedigreed usage is more informal and refers to notable or traceable ancestry, often associated with heritage or social status. It can appear in genealogy discussions, media narratives, or descriptions of family background.

Ethical and practical considerations accompany the status. A pedigreed designation depends on the reliability of records and the integrity of the registry. Documentation does not guarantee health, temperament, or performance, and breeders and buyers are advised to consider genetics, health testing, and responsible breeding practices alongside pedigree information. Registries and breed clubs provide standards, verification, and avenues for legitimate pedigree claims, but scrutiny remains important in evaluating any pedigreed animal or lineage.

Etymology: the term derives from the concept of a familial pedigree or genealogical record, tracing lineage generation by generation.