Keys to successful selection

Breeders must also consistently implement the 3 principles of genetic selection in order to maintain diversity and direct genetic improvement over generations of selection. By understanding the principles of genetic selection and by consistently applying these principles over generations, you can achieve a measurable increase in the quality of dogs in your breeding program.

The 3 Principles of Genetic Selection are:

1. Selecting replacement breeders

a. Genetically superior than the generation before

2. Who mates with whom

a. Mate choice results in the lowest inbreeding coefficient

b. And mate choice will genetically improve the target traits while keeping in mind that we are breeding for the whole dog

3. How long they remain an active breeder

a. Limit the number of progeny any one individual produces

b. Use the genetically superior progeny as soon as possible, replacing the parent