English Springer Spaniel Field Trials

Pedigree Database - FAQ

Navigating the Site and Getting the Most from Your Search

Our site is designed for ease of use, but we understand that some features and search functions may raise questions. To help you get the best results, we have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

If you don’t find the information you need, please reach out using the Contact form. We are happy to assist and will respond promptly to your questions or comments.

See below for Frequently Asked Questions ⟶

Why can't I find a particular dog?

Why Can’t I Find a Specific Dog/Bitch in the Database?

If you’re unable to locate a particular dog or bitch in the database, here are some common reasons and troubleshooting tips:

1. Searching by Call Name

Most dogs do not have their call names listed in the database, so searching by call name is not recommended.

2. Searching by Registered Name

Variations in how a registered name is entered can affect search results. Consider the following examples:

  1. Kennel name variations: A kennel name may or may not include an “s” at the end.
    Example: John Doe My Dog vs. John Does My Dog vs. John Doe’s My Dog.
  2. Use partial searches: Instead of entering the full name, search for a unique portion of the registered name (e.g., “My Dog”). Avoid using quotation marks in your search.
3. Special Characters in Registered Names

Some registered names include abbreviations or prefixes like “V.,” “v.,” “Von,” or “Vom.” When this occurs, try a partial search using the remainder of the name.

4. Still Can’t Find the Dog/Bitch?

If your search efforts are unsuccessful, it may be due to one of the following reasons:

  1. The dog/bitch is not yet in the database.
  2. The registration information provided does not match the database record.

To address this:

  1. Use the Submission Form to provide as much detail as possible about the dog/bitch you’re searching for.
  2. If the dog/bitch is one you own, send a copy of the AKC Registration Form or AKC Certificate of Registration to the database administrator via submission form.

Important: Only official AKC, CKC or KC documents will be accepted to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the database.

For further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the admin team. We’re here to help!

What do all of the Titles and Post Titles indicate?

Pre-titles and post-titles reflect the accomplishments and achievements of a dog or bitch. For detailed information, please refer to the Titles and  Abbreviations guide on the AKC website for further reference.

What do all the text and box colors mean?

The Pedigree Database is designed to simplify the interpretation of pedigrees. Here is an explanation of the text colors used:

  1. Gold/Yellow Text: Indicates recently added pre-titles and post-titles.
  2. Red Text: Represents newly added dogs or bitches.
  3. Black Text: Displays key details, including sex, date of birth, registration number, coat color.
  4. Blue Text: Denotes dogs or bitches without pre-titles or post-titles.

Please note that the box colors currently have no defined meaning. These are conditional colors that are still under development. Thank you for your patience as we continue to improve the database.

I've created a pedigree but there are gaps. Why is this?

The accuracy and completeness of a pedigree are entirely dependent on the quality of the information provided. In some cases, critical details such as the dam, sire, or registration number may be incomplete or missing.

We are committed to maintaining and improving the pedigree database by updating existing entries and working to fill in any gaps. However, we rely on contributions from the community to achieve this goal.

If you possess any information related to specific entries—whether it’s pedigree details, registration numbers, or supporting documentation—we encourage you to share it through our Submission Page. By doing so, you’ll help enhance the accuracy and integrity of the database for everyone in the community.

Your support is greatly appreciated as we continue to preserve and expand the historical and genetic records of our dogs. Thank you for helping us build a comprehensive and reliable resource!

I notice the Owner and Breeder information is not showing. Why?

For privacy reasons, some owners and breeders have chosen not to display their names on pedigrees. To honor these requests, we have decided to anonymize all owner and breeder information across the database.

Currently, this is an all-or-nothing approach, meaning we are unable to selectively display some names while hiding others. 

We appreciate your understanding as we work to balance privacy concerns with the integrity of the pedigree information.

Some pedigree's have photos but some don't. How can I get my dog's photo online?

We are actively working on an exciting project to create picture pedigrees by gathering as many photos as possible. However, there are still many dogs for which we need additional images.

If you have a digital photo of your dog, we encourage you to upload it through the Submissions Page.

For those without a digital copy, but with a physical photo, please reach out to the Admin via the Contact Form. We can make arrangements to scan your photo and include it in the database.

Your contributions are invaluable in enhancing the richness and accuracy of the pedigree records. Thank you for helping us bring this project to life!

How do I print the pedigree page?

At the top-right corner of the Pedigree Results page, you’ll find a link labeled Printable Version. Here are a few tips to optimize your printing or saving experience:

General Printing Instructions:

  1. Select the text and right-click within the window to open the print dialog.
  2. If you prefer black-and-white printing, ensure this option is selected in your printer settings.

Advanced Options (if supported by your printer):

  1. Landscape Orientation: Confirm that the print layout is set to landscape view for better formatting.
  2. Scaling: Setting the magnification factor to 60% typically allows a 5-generation pedigree to fit on a single page.
  3. Save as PDF: If you wish to save the pedigree digitally, select the “Print to PDF” option in the print dialog.

These steps will help ensure your pedigree prints or saves accurately and efficiently.

How often is the database updated?

The database undergoes updates on a weekly basis to ensure the most accurate and comprehensive information is available. We encourage you to revisit regularly to stay informed of the latest additions and improvements. Your continued engagement helps us maintain a resource that benefits the entire community.

I have other questions that aren't answered here. How can I add to the questions?

As the webmaster of ESSFT.com, I understand that you may have additional questions or need clarification on certain topics that we may not have anticipated.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your inquiries or feedback using the Contact form on our website. I’m committed to providing you with prompt and helpful responses to ensure your experience with ESSFT.com is as seamless as possible.