A "purebred" animal is one that belongs to a specific breed and has a documented lineage of ancestors from that same breed. This means that both parents, and often several generations before them, are of the same breed, ensuring consistent traits such as appearance, behavior, and health. Purebred animals are often sought after for breeding purposes, as they can pass on desirable characteristics to their offspring. In many cases, organizations like the American Kennel Club maintain registries to track and certify purebred animals, helping to preserve the integrity of each breed.