Pedigree Chart Generator
Pedigree Chart Generator
Generate a professional, printable 3-generation pedigree chart. Enter your dog's details and ancestry to create a clean document for puppy packets, breeding records, or kennel club submissions.
Enter your dog's information
Registered name, breed, date of birth, registration number, and other details.
Fill in the family tree
Enter names for sire, dam, grandparents, and great-grandparents — 14 ancestor slots total.
Print or save your chart
Get a clean, professional pedigree chart ready to print or include in a puppy packet.
How to read a pedigree chart
A pedigree chart is a visual map of a dog's ancestry. It reads from left to right, with the subject dog on the far left and each generation of ancestors extending to the right. The sire (father) line is always on top, and the dam (mother) line is always on the bottom.
In a 3-generation chart, you'll see 14 ancestors total: 2 parents, 4 grandparents, and 8 great-grandparents. This is the standard depth used by most kennel clubs and is enough to identify linebreeding patterns, assess genetic diversity, and provide meaningful background for puppy buyers.
What registration numbers mean
Each registered purebred dog receives a unique registration number from their kennel club. This number links back to a verified chain of ancestry in the registry's database. Common registries include:
- AKC (American Kennel Club) — format like SS12345678
- UKC (United Kennel Club) — format varies by breed
- CKC (Canadian Kennel Club) — alphanumeric format
- KC (The Kennel Club, UK) — lettered format with breed code
Including registration numbers on your pedigree chart allows anyone to verify your dog's ancestry through the appropriate registry. It adds credibility and traceability to your breeding program.
Why 3-generation pedigrees matter for breeding
Three generations is the minimum depth needed to make informed breeding decisions. With just the parents, you can't see whether the sire and dam share common ancestors — which is where inbreeding risk hides. A 3-generation chart reveals:
- Linebreeding patterns — the same dog appearing multiple times in the pedigree
- Genetic diversity — whether all 14 ancestor slots are filled by unique dogs
- Health line tracking — knowing which lines have produced health-tested, titled dogs
- Breed type consistency — whether the ancestry supports predictable structure and temperament
For deeper analysis, pair this chart with a coefficient of inbreeding (COI) calculation. A 3-generation pedigree gives an approximate COI, but 5+ generations gives a more accurate picture.
Including pedigrees in puppy packets
Responsible breeders typically include a copy of the puppy's pedigree chart in their puppy packet alongside the sales contract, health records, and care instructions. This gives buyers transparency about their dog's background and helps them understand the breeding decisions behind their puppy.
Pedigree chart FAQs
1What is a 3-generation pedigree chart?
A 3-generation pedigree chart shows your dog's ancestry back three generations: parents (sire and dam), grandparents (4 dogs), and great-grandparents (8 dogs). This gives a total of 14 ancestors displayed in a branching tree format. It's the standard depth required by most kennel clubs for registration and breeding records.
2Why do breeders need pedigree charts?
Pedigree charts are essential for responsible breeding decisions. They help breeders identify linebreeding or inbreeding, track health history through family lines, verify ancestry for registration purposes, and provide buyers with documentation about their puppy's background. Many kennel clubs require a pedigree chart as part of the registration process.
3What is a registration number on a pedigree?
A registration number is a unique identifier assigned to a purebred dog by a kennel club such as the AKC, UKC, or CKC. It confirms the dog's recorded ancestry and breed status. The format varies by registry — for example, AKC numbers typically look like 'SS12345678'. Having a registration number allows the dog's offspring to be registered as well.
4Can I use this pedigree chart for kennel club registration?
This tool generates a professional-quality pedigree chart suitable for inclusion in puppy packets, breeding records, and personal documentation. However, official kennel club registration requires submitting forms directly through the registry (AKC, UKC, etc.) with verified parentage. This chart is ideal as a supplementary document for buyers and your own records.
5What's the difference between a pedigree and a registration certificate?
A pedigree is a document showing a dog's family tree — parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. A registration certificate is an official document from a kennel club confirming the dog's identity, breed, ownership, and registered ancestry. You can have a pedigree chart without registration (for unregistered dogs), but a registration certificate always comes with verified pedigree information.
6How do I read a pedigree chart?
Pedigree charts read left to right. The subject dog is on the far left. Moving right, you see the sire (father) on top and dam (mother) on the bottom. Each subsequent column shows the previous generation's parents — so the sire's parents appear above, the dam's parents below. The rightmost column shows great-grandparents. Males are traditionally listed on top in each pair.
7What does linebreeding look like on a pedigree?
Linebreeding is when the same ancestor appears more than once in a pedigree. On a 3-generation chart, you might see the same dog's name appearing in multiple positions — for example, as both the sire's grandsire and the dam's grandsire. This concentrates that dog's genetics in the offspring. Use a COI calculator alongside your pedigree chart to assess the degree of inbreeding.