Hi,

I'm not sure if this is in the right area or not (feel free to move if it's not), but I have a question regarding breeding. What is 'line breeding?' I was looking at the pedigree for my friends new puppy (not a sibe) and noticed that the dam of the dam (think mother of the bride) has the same male on both sides of her lineage. Meaning her grand sire on her sire's side is the same as her great grand sire on her dam's side (her grandfather is also her great grandfather). The sire of the dam (father of the bride) also has the same dog 3 generations back (great great grandfather). I'm just curious if this would be an example of 'line breeding' and how far apart in pedigrees relationships like that usually are. I've never looked at pedigrees before and this sparked my curiosity and her trying to explain it to me, the term 'line breeding' came up (although she's a novice too, so it might be a case of telephone terminology lol). Sorry for the father of the bride references, but it helped me make sure i was actually explaining things accurately.

Thanks!

I know it has a similar connotation as inbreeding but there's a lot more research and genetical match ups that go along with it. I'm sure someone else knows more about the specifics.

http://bowlingsite.mcf.com/genetics/inbreeding.html


Just kind of skimmed this article on it.

Line breeding is a milder form of inbreeding, such as cousin to cousin, niece to uncle, etc.. If a breeder chooses to line breed, it should only be done IF the dog in common is an extraordinary example of the breed and free of genetic diseases.

That would be line breeding. Line breeding is inbreeding. Breeders line breed to "set" a type or structure. A line bred litter will give you a lot of puppies that look very similar, while an outcrossed litter will show a lot of variation between puppies. Line breeding can give you really good results, but you have to be very careful and study pedigrees to make sure you're not doubling up on a bad trait or genetic disease.

Ah. Thank you. That makes a lot more sense. They've been breeding and showing for about 35 years so I figured it was a strategy, but it definitely peaked my curiosity. Thanks again.

Linebreeding isn't bad. If you post the specific pedigree, if you have access its easier to see why. Or, that litter could have been an oops! IMO, if the dog is a good specimen and there is a reason to bring those genes forward, it should be done. Often, it is to bring forward something very good that the breeder thinks should be in their lines.

Outside of 'stamping' a breeding, some breeders will line breed to test things like the genetic health of the eyes- To do this sometimes a breeder will take a mother and breed back to a son, or father to daughter. If there is ever a question as to why it was done it is best to ask your breeder. If they don't know, then there is more of a cause for concern.

The dog they bred was a champion, I'm sure there was a purpose and explanation. I'm just new at the pedigree side of things and it sparked my curiosity. Thank you for explaining!