Peddigree/registered?

Question
Hi Kristen,  I would like to get another labrador rertrereiver in about 2-3 years. I would like to get a papered registered puppy this time and was wondering if you might be able to help with my questions. I know its a long time before I get the other lab but would like to know this;

What are peddigree papers?    is being registered to the CKC or AKC different then a peddigree and if so how? is a good quaility puppy both papered and regisitered?    Being registered to the CKC or AKC does this mean the dog could be shown if it was NOT altered? And if so is there a way to pick a top quaility show potenciel puppy from a litter? nd Do bitches make fine show dogs? Thank you for your time

Answer
Tara, a pedigree is simply a dog's family tree. Pedigree papers list the dog's parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and great great grandparents, and allow you to trace your dog's lineage. A dog does not have to be registered to have pedigree papers, but oftentimes, they are. A dog cannot, however, be registered and NOT have pedigree papers.

A dog must be registered in order to be shown in conformation, but just because a dog or puppy is registered does not mean the dog is a show quality or breeding quality dog. No, it is not possible to pick a top quality puppy from a litter. If you are wanting to show, my advice to you is to let the breeder know ahead of time, so they can help you pick the right dog, and know that you may have to get an adolescent or adult dog, rather than a puppy, to be sure of its structural soundness and good conformation. A lot can change from puppyhood through to adulthood, that can render a dog un-showable.

If you do get into showing, and your dog is doing well, and your breeder thinks it should be bred, it's important to remember that before a dog is bred, it needs to have all the appropriate health clearances done first, in addition to winning ribbons.