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Date Posted: 16:31:32 11/17/09 Tue
Author: Lee
Subject: Re: Bandogs-Swinfords-Outcross breedings...
In reply to: DKH 's message, "Bandogs-Swinfords-Outcross breedings..." on 05:38:38 11/17/09 Tue

"What are the relative merits of the addition of Boerboel blood to an existing line of Ban-dog ? What would a breeder hope to gain from Boerboel? What are the relative merits of the addition of Ban-dog blood to Boerboel? What would a breeder hope to gain, and what would be the likely return in terms of generational improvement? What could be the negative aspects?"

First let me say this...as it will address many aspects of "general" questions on breeding dogs, not just the questions asked here. I am sure you already know this...but some times people (not you, but people in general) need to be reminded of this fact.

All dogs are the same species. "Breeds" are simply defined as a "family" or group having a similiar set of traits that have been selected for within a given gene pool.

That said, we don't actually breed just "breeds." We breed TRAITS. This is why a good breeding program always selects on a number of criteria.

1. The dog and its given traits
2. The gene pool/pedigree of traits known within that line.

When we do this, we remove illusions that we too often create...and we remove the unnecessary limitations that constrict our success. Working dogs should be selected on the basis of their ability to work. To do this, we select for the traits that work...be it a boeboel, a bandog, or whatever. If you wanted a sled dog for a race and someone over here had a "beautifully papered husky" that had never seen a sled in its day, while another person that lived in the bush had a kick ass sled dog that had never seen papers...which would you choose to deliver medicine across the frozen tundra? A breed shouldn't be defined by papers, but by traits...and working dogs should be selected upon that basis.

As far as the "relative merits" to add boerboel to a bandog or a bandog to a boerboel...well, it would depend upon the traits one needed to add to their program in order to improve their lines abilities, as well as what traits the given "added" dog brought to the table.

What this means in "generational improvement" would depend upon the selection processes used to bring the strengths to the surface. If you don't work the dog, you can't expect to really see the strengths. If you want to see what the strengths and weaknesses are, you have to test the dog and find out...and then select those that do the best. Use performance selection to a specific task in order determine which traits are the best.

As far as what negative effect it could have...well, in the best case scenerio where one uses good selection methods it wouldn't have serious negative effects. It might set a person back a generation at worst IMO...but one is always able to cull out what they don't want, and most breeding programs don't depend upon just one or two dogs. However, in a worst case scenerio where people don't know how to properly select and copy linebreeding/inbreeding methods without really understanding how to do it properly, one could fix undesired recessive traits into a gene pool without even knowing it. My understanding is prolapse and eye problems both are pretty rampid in boerboel blood...so, if one foolishly chose a dog from such lines and infused it into their program, it could be a problem if they bred that dog into every aspect of their line...but IMO, only a fool would do that.

IMO, when outcrossing to a new line, you should select a great individual from your program and breed that individual with the outcross...then select from those pups and no longer use the "outcross" as an original source (at least not up close) to any of your other dogs that would be paired with that offspring. The goal of an outcross should be to bring in a trait, not to "totally revamp" your program. If your program needs total revamping, then scratch it as it isn't worth messing with...and just start over with good dogs...and learn them.

"Last question, what do you guys think the ramifications to the Boerboel registries would be, and how should they handle the topic?"

They need to become educated enough to know all dogs are the same species and accept the fact that good dogs are bred on the basis of traits...and that is how registries should be defined...by traits. And, by "traits" I don't mean just physical appearances. Although some physical aspects may be suggested, it is the working ability and expectations of the breed that should set the standard for the breed...with PHYSICAL ABILITY and MENTAL DRIVES and TEMPERAMENT being 1st and apearance coming second. Of course, I wouldn't object to good common sense "guidelines" to some physical appearances, as there are obviously some physical aspects that are counterproductive to good performance...such as lacking substance, low pasterns, or cow hocked legs and such obvious handicaps.

You may like this article.

http://www.chimerakennels.com/caninegenetics.htm

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