The Flemish Breeding Decree: what changes for breeders and buyers?

On 31 May 2024, the Flemish Government approved a new decree on the breeding of dogs and cats and the conditions for issuing pedigrees. It is commonly known as the Breeding Decree. The aim is clear: a pedigree should become a quality label, proof that a puppy has been bred responsibly, with the lowest possible risk of hereditary disorders and with attention to genetic diversity.

When did it take effect?

The decree dates from 31 May 2024. The two most important rules, who may issue a pedigree and with which pedigree a puppy may be sold, have applied since 1 July 2025. The original date was 1 January 2025, but the Flemish Government postponed it with an amending decree. For the sale of a puppy, the date on the sales contract is what counts.

What exactly is a pedigree?

According to the decree, a pedigree is a document issued at birth by a recognised breed registry association. Besides the ancestry, it guarantees that the animal was bred according to the breeding programme for its breed or variety. Every pedigree states at least:

• the name of the dog and its registration number with the studbook association
• the identification number (the microchip, registered in DogID)
• the date of birth, sex and breed (and the variety, where applicable)
• the ancestry going back at least one generation, with the parents' identification numbers
• the name and address of the breeder
• the name, address and company number of the approved studbook association

The ancestry is also verified with a DNA test (parentage check).

Who can issue a pedigree?

Only a recognised breed registry association. Such an association has the following tasks, among others:

• registers the dogs in a database
• checks the parentage with a DNA test
• checks the results of the health examinations and the matings
• issues the pedigrees
• oversees the use of the breeding programmes and provides training on them

Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen publishes the list of recognised breed registry associations on its website. For dogs there are currently five: Belgian Regional Canine Society (BRCS), Vereniging der Afgevaardigden van de Koninklijke Unie Sint-Hubertus (VDA), Nationaal Verbond van Belgische Kynologen (NVBK), Belgian Cavalier Club (BCC) and Belgisch Stamboek - Pedigree Belge (BSPB). An association may not refuse a pedigree because one of the parents is registered with another association, and you do not have to be a member of the association to apply for a pedigree there.

What is a breeding programme?

Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen can approve a breeding programme for each breed or variety. For dogs, there are currently more than 200 approved breeding programmes. A breeding programme sets out which examinations the parent dogs must have (for example hips, elbows, eyes or DNA tests), from what age, and which matings are allowed. There are also rules on inbreeding: a bitch may not, for example, be mated by her grandfather, father, brother, half-brother, son or grandson. In addition, the coefficient of inbreeding (COI) of an offspring may be at most 1% higher than the average COI of both parents, calculated over at least 3 generations. If there is no approved breeding programme for a breed, no Flemish pedigree can be issued, but a lineage certificate can.

Can you still sell a puppy without a pedigree?

Yes. A breeder is not obliged to provide a pedigree. What does change: a puppy born in Flanders may only be sold as a puppy with a pedigree if that pedigree was issued by a recognised breed registry association. Health examinations of the parents remain strongly recommended, even without a pedigree.

And crossbreeds?

According to Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, crossing breeds is not allowed for recognised breeders, unless the minister responsible for animal welfare gives permission. Offspring of crosses can carry hereditary conditions of both breeds. Some popular crosses do have their own approved breeding programme, for example the labradoodle and the Australian labradoodle.

Puppies from outside Flanders

The Breeding Decree only applies to dogs born in Flanders. A dog born abroad may be sold with a foreign pedigree, provided it is clearly stated that it is a foreign pedigree. A puppy born in Flanders may not be sold with a pedigree from abroad or from another region.

What does this mean for Puppymakelaar?

If you tick the box in a listing to say that the puppy has a pedigree, it must be a pedigree from a approved studbook association (for puppies born in Flanders). As a buyer, if in doubt, always ask for the name of the association and the registration number.