Page 24 - Aussie Magazine - 2024 Issue 3

Breeding
...a well constructed
pedigree is similar
to a music sheet; if it
was harmoniously and
intelligently made, the
result is a beautiful
symphony, if not - the
result can be a disaster...
Pedigree
There is a significant
importance in thoroughly
knowing your stud's
pedigree, its strengths and its
weaknesses and what was
used in its making. As I have
said before, a well-constructed
pedigree is similar to a music
sheet; if it is harmoniously and
intelligently made, the result is
a beautiful symphony; if not -
the result can be a disaster. For
example, despite their typical
look, there are dogs I would
never include in my breeding
program for the simple reason
that their pedigree is less than
desirable.
24 | A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 3/2024
On the other hand, is very reduced genetic diversity will
useful to know whether eventually lead to the familiar
the stud's and the bitch's problems of inbreeding.
pedigrees contain a common
ancestor; how far back is this
ancestor and if this particular
dog is something you want
to avoid or to include in your
breeding.
It's a proven fact that most
dog health issues are caused
by recessive genes. If one dog
sires too many of the next
generation, those recessive
genes will meet up when half-
siblings and other descendants
are mated. It does not matter
how healthy the stud dog is;