A pedigree is the document that certifies a dog´s identity, genealogy, and breed purity. We could say it is the dog´s “birth certificate”.
In Mexico, the Federación Canófila Mexicana (FCM) is the only authority responsible for issuing official pedigrees with international recognition, and it is the only institution in the country recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). Having an official pedigree allows proper traceability of dog, confirms ownership, and is a requirement for dog shows and responsible breeding processes.
What is a Pedigree?
The Federación Canófila Mexicana says:
“The International Pedigree Certificate is a blue generational registration document that is valid in all countries affiliated with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), headquartered in Belgium. This document identifies each dog through a consecutive registration number issued by the FCM. This number is tattooed in the dog´s inguinal area by an FCM Veterinary Inspector to confirm that the registration belongs to that specific dog. In addition, a microchip is applied to identify this registration. The microchip is read electronically using a scanner and contains a barcode number that is also printed on the International Pedigree Certificate. This number consists of nine digits and a character, usually the letter A. When scanned, it is preceded by the initials FCM. It is important to note that this microchip does not have satellite tracking.”
In summary, a pedigree is not only a genealogical document. It is a formal identification tool that physically links the dog to its official record.
Below, we explain the types of pedigrees and how to interpret the information they contain.
Types of Pedigrees in Mexico
Not all pedigrees are the same. Below are the main differences between them.
Initial Registration Certificate – Certificado de Registro Inicial (CRI)
The CRI, is the first step for puppies that do not yet have a registered genealogy with the FCM. This is a provisional registration intended for puppies approximately 1.5 to 8 months old that do not yet have a complete genealogy registered with the FCM. The dog must pass an inspection performed by an FCM Veterinary Inspector. The CRI helps confirm the ownership and physical characteristics of the puppy and allows participation in events and competitions organized by the FCM.
It is also the first step toward obtaining a Certificate of Breed Purity – Certificado de Pureza Racial (CPR). It is important to remember that some phenotypic traits may not yet be fully defined in puppies younger than 8 months.
In the case of the Calupoh, a dog should not be presented with a CRI as if it were an “authentic Calupoh”, since this is a provisional document and does not certify an established genealogical lineage for the breed. At this stage of the breed´s consolidation, the recognized document for a Calupoh registered with the FCM is the Genealogical Certificate (green certificate). Breeding and selling dogs with only a CRI as if they were true Calupohs creates confusion and harms the breed´s international recognition and consolidation process. In addition, there is a high probability that the dog does not correspond to an authentic Calupoh.
Certificate of Breed Purity – Certificado de Pureza Racial (CPR) – Brown
The CPR, which is brown, is the next level. It is the document that certifies the breed purity of a dog at the national level. It applies to puppies 1.5 to 9 months old when both parents, or at least one of them, already have a CPR, or when a puppy with a CRI passes its second inspection and meets the official breed standard. This certificate does not always document the full ancestry of the dog (parents, grandparents, and great- grandparents). The document includes the dog´s FCM registration number, tattoo identification, and microchip.
In the case of the Calupoh, a dog should not be presented with a CPR as if it were an “authentic Calupoh”. At this stage of the breed´s consolidation, the recognized document for a Calupoh registered with the FCM is the Genealogical Certificate (green certificate). Breeding and selling dogs with only a CPR as if they were true Calupohs creates confusion and harms the breed´s international recognition and consolidation process. In addition, there is a high probability that the dog does not correspond to an authentic Calupoh.
Genealogical Certificate – Green
The Genealogical Certificate (green) is granted to dogs that meet the requirements to be considered purebred, but that do not yet have three generations registered internationally (pedigree – blue). Thies document does include the full ancestry of the dog (parents, grandparents, and great- grandparents). It also includes the FCM registration number, the tattoo identification and the microchip.
Regarding the puppy´s name, there are two possible formats:
In addition, puppies inherit the mother´s surname, which helps maintain continuity and identification of the bloodline.
In the case of the Calupoh, the Genealogical Certificate is currently the valid document for dogs registered with the Federación Canófila Mexicana (FCM). This is part of the breed´s consolidation and traceability process, helping maintain better genealogical control and contributing to its development and international recognition.
International Pedigree – Blue
This is the most widely recognized document, accepted by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (CFI), and it certifies the purity of the genetic line. This certificate contains detailed genealogical information about parents, grandparents, and great- grandparents, and it allows participation in international dog shows. Like the other certificates, it includes the FCM registration number, the tattoo identification and the microchip.
What information appears on a Pedigree?
A pedigree contains important information that helps identify your dog.
Registration number
The Federación Canófila Mexicana assigns a registration number that uniquely identifies each dog. It usually consists of the Federation initials, a letter, and four digits. If more than one puppy is born from the same litter, an additional letter is added to identify each one, for example:
FCMV0119-A, FCMV0119-B, FCMV0119-C, etc.
Breeder information
The breed´s name does not change in the document, even if the dog changes ownership. This information allows identification of the origin of the bloodline and becomes especially important when analyzing genetic history, show results, or breeding reputation. It also helps prevent inbreeding.
Owner information
This section should contain the current owner of the dog. When purchasing a dog, it is essential to complete the official ownership transfer. The previous owner must sign the back of the registration document so the new owner can complete the process without complications.
No hacer este cambio puede generar problemas futuros, especialmente si deseas participar en eventos o registrar camadas.
Dog information
The dog´s name is recorded, followed by the kennel name or the breeder´s surname, along with the breed, color, sex, date, and place of birth. Titles earned in shows and competitions are also recorded here. Likewise, any health issues the dog may have are included.
Why is a Pedigree important?
Having a complete and properly signed pedigree not only protects the legal ownership of the dog, but also provides essential information about its health, origin, and potential abilities.
Before purchasing or registering a puppy, check what type of certificate it was and confirm that the information is up to date.
Before buying or registering a puppy
If you are planning to acquire a purebred dog or register one, review the following:
Do not assume that these details “can be fixed later”. These procedures should be done properly and on time. An incomplete pedigree or one without an ownership transfer can become a problem when you need it.
In developing breeds such as the Calupoh, it is essential to carefully verify the type of registration a dog holds. Currently, the valid document for a Calupoh registered with the FCM is the Genealogical Certificate. A dog with only a CPR or CRI should not be promoted or bred as a “Calupoh”, as this affects the breed´s traceability and may harm its international recognition process.
Before acquiring a dog, always request a copy of the registration document and verify directly with the FCM that the document matches the dog.
If you want to learn more about pedigrees in Mexico, official requirements, or verify a registration, you can consult the official website of Federación Canófila Mexicana:
If you wish to verify a record, learn about requirements, or begin a process, you can visit the official website of the Federación Canófila Mexicana, where you will find information about:
Reference: Federación Canófila Mexicana, https://fcm.org.mx/tramites/pedigri.shtml
Final reflection
A pedigree is not a luxury or simply a requirement for dog shows. It is a tool for transparency.
In an environment where irresponsible breeding can lead to health, temperament, and welfare problems, having a formal document helps protect the dog, the breeder, and the owner.
Si decides apostar por un perro de raza, hazlo con información clara y documentos en regla.
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