A pedigree is an official record showing the ancestry of a purebred animal, especially a dog, cat, or horse. When breeders say a puppy has a pedigree, they mean they can trace its family tree back through many generations, proving each ancestor was also a purebred member of that same breed. A dog with a strong pedigree might have champion show dogs or skilled working dogs in its family history.

People also use pedigree to describe human ancestry, particularly when talking about aristocratic families who kept detailed records of their lineage.

Beyond literal family trees, pedigree can describe anything with an impressive background or heritage. A classic car company might tout its racing pedigree. A scientist might have an academic pedigree that includes studying at famous universities. When someone mentions a baseball player's pedigree, they might mean their parent or grandparent also played professionally.