Page 73 - Aussie Magazine no1, 2023

The most important thing in dog breeding temperament and motherhood is the key. In a
Text written by: Juha Kares, Chic Choix. Photographs provided by: Elin Landén & Eliška Schühlerová
is the bitch line. What is a bitch line? This is way, many people can use top stud dogs, but
something that is especially highly valued only the best breeders can use top females. The
within Northern European tradition. Many bitch line is the key to high-quality breeding.
other breeders around the world do realise the
value of females as well, however, I would say My point of view is always with the females.
that in Scandinavian countries in general more Even when I’m looking for top stud dogs for
so. There are breeders who talk about a dog my females, I try to find outstanding dogs
by their father. Then there are the breeders whose mothers have been top producers.
who talk dogs by their mother. When you see When I look for a new brood bitch the key
a super dog; do you first think who is the father is how is her mother; has she produced big,
or who is the mother? My first thought is of healthy, and top-quality litters before? If yes,
the mother and then the father. Which way do then I am interested. Is she a champion? Is her
you think about your dogs? We all know the mother and grandmother a champion? If yes, I
genetics and genotype is 50/50. However, the am very interested. A top brood bitch is worth
phenotype is not. The Mother’s importance is her weight in gold. If there are generations of
much higher. Puppies spend their first weeks top brood bitches that is what I call a bitch
with the mother and therefore the dam’s line. Often, when there are generations of

The Mother’s importance is much higher.
Puppies spend their first weeks with the

mother and therefore the dam’s temperament

and motherhood is the key...

A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 1/2023 | 73