I decided to write this post because I’ve noticed that many people looking for a puppy mistakenly believe that a pedigree is a certificate of the dog’s health.

First, I want to clarify that I firmly believe every puppy should be sold with its pedigree, which is a requirement for all Allevatori Arcobaleno breeders. However, I also want to emphasize that a pedigree is purely a genealogical certificate and has very little to do with the actual health of the dog.

A puppy’s health is **supported—but never guaranteed—**by responsible breeding practices. A conscientious breeder must ensure the following:

1. Healthy parents: The puppy’s parents must not carry genetic defects or hereditary conditions that could compromise the health of the offspring. This risk is greatly reduced if breeding dogs undergo proper veterinary screenings (knees, spine, heart) and genetic tests (multifocal retinopathy, hereditary cataracts, hyperuricosuria, degenerative myelopathy). If any of these checks are skipped, the breeder cannot be considered to have done everything necessary to safeguard the puppy’s health.

2. Proper care for breeders: Adult breeding dogs must have a lifestyle that ensures their physical and mental well-being. This includes proper nutrition, adequate space and opportunities for exercise, a clean and healthy living environment, and consistent affection and attention.

3. Responsible female breeding: Bitches should not be bred before their second heat, should not give birth at every cycle, and must never be forced into too many litters or bred in poor health.

4. Careful selection of sires: Each mating should involve a stud that maximizes the health and quality of the puppies.

5. Pre-breeding health checks: Female dogs must be carefully examined before mating to rule out hidden infections that could endanger their health or the puppies during pregnancy and after birth.

6. Care of mother and puppies: Both mother and puppies must be closely monitored, housed in a suitable environment, fed appropriately, and, if needed, supported with supplements or additional care.

7. Proper weaning: Puppies should not be separated from their mother too early and must be weaned gradually at the appropriate time.

8. Safe handling and veterinary checks: Puppies must be kept away from unrelated adult dogs until fully vaccinated and should undergo a veterinary check-up before being handed over, to confirm their overall health.

Do not be misled by someone waving a pedigree as proof that a puppy is healthy. A pedigree can be granted to anyone who breeds two registered dogs. Therefore, before selecting a puppy, carefully choose who you buy from. The breeder must not only be competent, passionate, and responsible but also able to guide and advise you at every step in caring for and raising your new family member.

By Paolo Claudio Rossini fondatore AA Allevatori Arcobaleno