I have a Rhodesian Ridgeback dog that I rehomed. I know he is a very good pedigree but I don't have his papers. His ear is tattooed though. I would like to trace his lineage and I would like another puppy, preferably from a similar bloodline, as his temperament is so fabulous. Is it possible to trace his lineage simply with the tatoo number? Many thanks for any help you can give. Justina

If you contact the National dog Tattoo register they will have a registered name for him, iof he was already registered when the tattoo was don, but at least it should give name of the breeder who had the pups tatttooed, or the owner if he was done later!

If it is the breeder, they may be willing to contact, or pass on a note from you, for informnation. Obviously they won't just give out the deatils without permission.

If he was KC registered, the KC will be able to tell you his parents names from the record they have, but not sure if the6y would give you a chance to buy a pedigree! Though obviously you wouldn't get his Registration docs, as the rescue kept them.

If it was breed rescue, they may let you have a copy of his pedigree to satisfy your curiosity, if they have it!

OK, this is not in any way to criticise the guest poster, but have you noticed how people say "he has got a very good pedigree"....now what on earth is that when its at home? I often see it in puppy adverts & feel like ringing up & questioning it just to be awkward!!! In one of my breeds there was a post war outcross to another (similar) breed because numbers were all but wiped out. Now my hubby would never ever consider using an "outcross" dog (albeit 40 odd years ago) or having anything with the outcross in it....its just his principle, but there are ch's in the breed with the outcross on both sides. Yet to him, it would signify a poor pedigree. Its subjective and its just one of those things that really makes me hopping mad! Sorry to change the tact of the post.

Hi Sam I was interested in the fact that you said your hubby would never outcross. I think this would be a very interesting thread , I wonder if you would elaborate on that a bit , not for argument sake just discussion I have outcrossed a few times when necessary , but as you know in spite of my many years in dogs I still like a good discussion , and still feel there is always more to learn in life lol Mari