A greyhound’s right ear tattoo represents the month, year and tattoo order of your dogs litter. The last number before the letter is his year of birth, the first one or two numbers is his month of birth. The letter represents the order in which the litter was tattooed (it does not mean the order of birth).

For example: 109E means the dog was born in October 1999 and was the fifth dog in the litter to be tattooed.

The left ear contains a tattoo representing his actual National Greyhound Association litter registration number.

Can’t read the tattoo? Try shining a flashlight through the ear so it is illuminated from behind.

Be sure to read about tattooing KB’s Puppies

E-mail or call the NGA at 785-263-4660. Tell them the tattoo numbers found in both of your dog’s ears, its sex, color, and racing name if you know it. Include your name and mailing address in your e-mail. Here are your options:

Free: When you call, they can tell you the names of both the sire and dam of your greyhound, the birthdate of your greyhound, your greyhound’s racing name, as well as who the owner was.

$15: You can get a copy of your greyhound’s five-generation pedigree.

$30: You can register your ex-racer as a pet. You’ll receive a two-generation pedigree. The NGA web page has the details.

Once you get your pedigree, here are some tips to help understand it.