French or foreign pedigree: how do you find your way around?

Has your dog arrived with a pedigree written in another language, an unfamiliar acronym and several generations of endless names? Don’t panic: start by identifying the organisation that issued the document and the stud book concerned.

A recognised foreign pedigree may allow you to take part in a show in France. You don’t have to systematically replace it with a French document to discover the rings.

Three documents to tell apart

For a dog registered in the LOF by descent, the birth certificate comes before the final pedigree: it certifies a registration that is still provisional.

How do you check a foreign pedigree?

The word “pedigree” printed at the top of a sheet is not enough. Look at:

• The issuing body: who registered the dog?
• The stud book and its number: which register is the dog listed in?
• The dog’s identity: do the name, breed and identification match the other documents?
• Any restrictions: does the document include a note limiting its use?

The FCI provides for mutual recognition of the stud books of its members and contract partners, for the breeds concerned. Other situations fall under recognition agreements. If in doubt, have the document checked by the Centrale Canine (the French kennel club), rather than relying solely on a logo.

Can you take part in France with this pedigree?

Yes, if the stud book and the breed are accepted for the show. The FCI regulations for international shows allow entries from recognised stud books, including some registers from non-member countries.

The Centrale Canine (the French kennel club) also states that confirmation is not compulsory in order to take part.

For example, your dog has a recognised foreign pedigree and you want to enter them in a French international show. You can prepare the entry with their foreign references, subject to the organiser’s conditions. Taking part in the show and having the dog registered in the LOF are two separate procedures.

And if I want to register them in the LOF?

For a dog born abroad and already registered in a stud book recognised by the FCI, the procedure is called registration by import.

The Centrale Canine (the French kennel club) requires the dog to be presented for confirmation with:

• The registration-by-import form.
• Their I-CAD identification card.
• Their export pedigree issued by the body in the country of origin.

After a favourable confirmation and validation of the file, final LOF registration is recorded on the original pedigree, notably by adding the LOF number. The original document is then returned to you: it is not simply replaced by a new French pedigree.

Beginner — three tips for recognising your papers

1. Find the exact title of the document. Birth certificate, pedigree and export pedigree do not refer to the same stage.
2. Compare the dog’s identification. It must match the documents you use for the entry.
3. Keep a legible copy. Scan every page, including any notes on the back.

Intermediate — three tips for preparing a show

1. Check that the register is recognised. If the body is unfamiliar to you, ask the Centrale Canine (the French kennel club) before paying the entry fee.
2. Copy the foreign references faithfully. Don’t make up an LOF number to complete the form.
3. Distinguish between a show and LOF import. Choose the procedure that matches your goal.

Advanced — three tips for securing a file

1. Plan ahead for the export pedigree. Ask the relevant body for it before preparing a confirmation by import.
2. Read any restrictions. Have their scope clarified before any breeding or registration plan.
3. Check the returned document. Verify the LOF references added and keep a copy of the validated file.

Sources

• Centrale Canine (France): Confirmation of an imported dog (in French)
• Centrale Canine (France): Conditions for entering a show (in French)
• FCI: Regulations for FCI Dog Shows (PDF)