Uncovering Hidden Risks in Your Pedigrees That Could Sabotage Your Breeding Program
- Dobruski Doberman's
- Aug 3
- 4 min read
Breeding dogs is both an art and a science. As a responsible breeder, you need a solid understanding of your dogs' pedigrees. This knowledge is essential not only for producing beautiful specimens but also for ensuring their overall health. A thorough evaluation of your dog's pedigree, along with an understanding of health risks and genetic diversity, can significantly lower your risks in your future puppies in your breeding program.
In this post, I am offering a fully detailed evaluation of your breeding stocks 8-generation pedigree, analyzing all potential health risks, and determine if your stock should be bred to each other or not.
I will also offer a full evaluation of their DNA testing results from the UC Davis Doberman Diversity test that provides further invaluable insights necessary for making vastly better-informed breeding decisions.
Understanding the Importance of Pedigree Evaluation
Pedigree evaluation involves examining a dog’s ancestry across multiple generations. This process helps breeders understand not only the lineage but also inherited health traits.
For example, an analysis of an 8-generation pedigree of your pedigree will clearly define the degree of risk in your breeding programs future puppies and what your future will hold if you choose to use the dogs you currently have or if you will want to make different breeding choices and avoid the potentials for losses of vastly more puppies than if you had gone a different route. What will you produce that will definitely be of a much higher risk have for DCM and other genetic issues in our breed.
Analyzing Health Risks in 8 Generations
Evaluating an 8-generation pedigree helps pinpoint known DCM, bloat, CVI, or cancers risks and the potential number of puppies that will develop those issues that exist within the bloodline.
Consider tracking any reported health problems through all eight generations to understand potential risks.
Key points to consider include:
Prevalence of popular sires known for producing DCM in your lines and the examples of sudden death DCM or occult, the known bloat or CVI producers too, pedigrees need to be evaluated as far back as you can go, and I've spent 15 years doing this for myself and others
evaluating the numbers of known deaths of dogs from these producers is done in the 8-generation pedigree' but also into each sire's actual number of known dogs who have died of the diseases and the ages at which they died.
Assessing Pairings with Your Other Dogs
Following your pedigree evaluation, assessing potential pairings with your other dogs is crucial. This decision should be based on the overall genetic health of both dogs.
I will provide you with detailed one-hour long phone call to discuss my findings and suggest alternatives and or things you can do to mitigate your issues and will give you my suggestions for finding other safer lines to breed to and enroll you in Betterbred.com and teach you how to use it.
Recommendations on Lines to Avoid and Embrace
Understanding which bloodlines to embrace and avoid is essential for any pedigree evaluation.
I'm going to suggest that you Avoid Lines with Known Issues: Steer clear of bloodlines notorious for inheriting genetic disorders, such as the notoriously lethal lines within the Eastern European lines and also the American show lines also known for lethal popular sires.
Im going to encourage you to Choose Healthy Bloodlines and where to find them: Favor bloodlines that have historically produced healthy offspring. For example, lines with proven records of sound health and documented genetic testing can increase the chances of healthier puppies.
Utilize Reliable Resources: Always consult the databases that compile genetic information, such as the Dobequest.org and the community of Betterbred.com.
These resources can provide invaluable insights into the health backgrounds of potential mates.
DNA Testing for Genetic Diversity
For a responsible breeding program, consider doing all your DNA tests through UC Davis. and the DNA testing options they offer, The insights gained from these tests are invaluable for your breeding plans.
some typical ones you should do, are:
Doberman health panel
Doberman Diversity test
Coat colors
Evaluating Data for Future Breeding
After submitting the DNA for testing, critically evaluating the data is paramount for future breeding strategies.
I will help you in Interpreting Results: Pay close attention to any noted genetic anomalies and understand their implications for future litters. If a dog flags for a common inherited condition, like hip dysplasia, it might be wise to reconsider breeding.
Help you set new Goals: Clearly identify your breeding goals. Whether you aim to emphasize temperament, agility, or breed standards, let the data steer your decisions.
Teach you how to use the "Betterbred" website for all your Planning Future Pairings: Use the genetic and pedigree data to outline potential breeding pairs that are compliant with breed standards while prioritizing health.
Final Thoughts on Successful Breeding
Breeding dogs is a rewarding yet complex endeavor that demands diligence and careful planning. By conducting a comprehensive pedigree evaluation, recognizing associated health risks, and utilizing DNA testing, you can make informed breeding decisions that lead to healthier puppies.
When you take the time to analyze an 8-generation pedigree, assess health risks, and explore genetic diversity through DNA testing, you unlock the true potential of your breeding program.
Prioritizing health and genetic variety not only benefits your breeding line but contributes positively to the dog-owning community, ensuring lasting happiness and companionship for future pet owners.
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I am offering this for $99 as a Dobruski Dobermans Youtube member and non members for $125
With thorough planning and evaluation, your breeding program can achieve remarkable success, resulting in dogs that not only meet breed standards but also thrive in their future families.
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