What is the LOF / LOOF

LOF and LOOF come up in almost every discussion about buying a purebred dog or cat in France. You see them in listings, hear about them during visits, and come across them in transfer documents. Yet many adopters do not know exactly what these registries cover — and above all what they do not guarantee.

In short: the LOF (French Book of Origins) concerns dogs. The LOOF (Official Book of Feline Origins) concerns cats. Both document lineage within a recognized breed. Neither replaces a breeder visit, health screening, or a transfer certificate.

This guide serves as the main page for the topic. It connects the terminology, documents, limitations, and useful questions before reserving a puppy or a kitten. To compare breeders afterwards, use the breeder search.

LOF: the registry for purebred dogs

The LOF is the French Book of Origins. It records the origins of purebred dogs in France, in connection with the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) and breed clubs. A dog described as “LOF” falls within this documentary framework: parents, declarations, registration stages.

In practical terms, it is used to trace a genealogy. For a companion pet project, this traceability clarifies what you are buying. For a breeding project later on, it often becomes essential. It does not, by itself, say whether the puppy has been well socialized or whether the breeding animals have been properly monitored.

The stages have specific names (mating declaration, birth declaration, birth certificate, possible confirmation in adulthood). Your breeder must be able to say where the litter stands, without drowning the conversation in acronyms. A birth certificate is not necessarily the final document.

LOOF: the registry for purebred cats

The LOOF is the Official Book of Feline Origins. It is the reference registry in France for the origins of purebred cats. Like the LOF for dogs, it documents lineage according to rules. It does not describe the kitten’s temperament or the quality of its living environment.

A “purebred” kitten without a clear explanation of its registration is not the same thing as a kitten registered with the LOOF. Ask about the status of the litter, the documents provided on the day, and what may happen afterwards. Have the deadlines put in writing if a document follows the transfer.

LOF and LOOF: what they have in common

• They refer to origin and lineage, not magical “superior quality”.
• They do not replace identification (I-CAD) or the transfer certificate.
• They guarantee neither temperament, nor the absence of disease, nor the breeder’s reliability.
• They help clarify the language: “purebred” without an origin document does not mean the same thing as a registered animal.

On the day of handover, you generally encounter three things: identification of the animal, transfer certificate, origin document or proof that registration is underway. One does not replace another. An identified puppy or kitten is not necessarily LOF/LOOF.

What these registries do not guarantee

A LOF or LOOF animal raised in poor conditions is still a bad start. The registry does not set a price either. Ask the breeder for the price, compare what is included, and look at the breeding work, screenings, and follow-up. A registry stamp alone does not justify a price difference.

Also beware of vague wording: “LOF equivalent”, “papers in progress” without a deadline, a pedigree photo alone, a file in another animal’s name. An image helps prepare for the visit. It is never enough.

Questions to ask the breeder

For a dog (LOF)

• Are the parents registered with the LOF?
• Has the litter been declared?
• What document will I receive on the day of transfer?
• What stage may still need to be completed (confirmation, etc.)?
• Can I see the breeding animals’ documents?

For a cat (LOOF)

• Is the litter registered with the LOOF?
• What is the exact status of this kitten?
• What documents are provided on the day?
• What screenings have been carried out on the breeding animals in this line?
• Can I see the mother and the living environment?

Short, consistent answers are enough. If the breeder avoids the subject, or talks about an “equivalent” without naming the registry, ask what document it is. To learn more about the verification method, also read How to verify a LOF or LOOF breeder.

Finding your way around Pedibase

On each breed page, links to paperwork and legislation should point to a clear page. This page is designed for that: a single URL for the LOF / LOOF topic, with links to breeds and breeders.

Examples of useful paths:

• Dog: German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever
• Cat: Maine Coon, Ragdoll, British Shorthair
• Then: find a breeder

You can also read the shorter dedicated pages: LOF: what is it and LOOF: what is it, as well as the transfer certificate and I-CAD identification.

Frequently asked questions

Are LOF and LOOF the same thing?

No. LOF = dogs. LOOF = cats. The principle (origin registry) is similar, but the organizations and rules differ.

Does LOF mean a dog is confirmed?

No. A puppy’s registration and possible confirmation in adulthood are separate stages. Ask where this animal stands.

Can a non-LOF / non-LOOF animal be a good companion?

Yes. The registry refers to origin, not the quality of your daily life. Choose knowingly, without slogans.

Can I rely solely on a pedigree photo?

No. Cross-check the document with identification and the visit. A blurry, cropped, or wrongly named file has no value.

Common mistakes

• Believing that LOF/LOOF means “better dog / better cat”.
• Confusing I-CAD identification with registry registration.
• Accepting “we will send the papers” without a written deadline.
• Pointing to a vague hub instead of a clear page on the topic.

Key points

LOF and LOOF document an origin. They help you use the right terms and demand proof. They replace neither the visit, screenings, nor the breeder’s reliability. Then connect your project to a specific breed, and compare establishments via the breeder search.