The Seven P’s Of A Successful Breeding Program

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54 – July, 2020

By William Given

While stewarding for a friend and breed colleague, she said to me, “I believe I am going to breed Martha (not the bitch’s real name) when she comes into season.” I am well acquainted with her bitch’s pedigree and accomplishments in conformation, so, all I had to ask was “To what dog?” and “What is his pedigree?” There was some beating around the bush and then she responded, “My only real requirement for using any stud dog on one of my bitches is that he must have won at least two Bests in Show.” I have to admit, I could not believe what I had just heard. It was breeding practice blasphemy. It was diametrically opposed to everything I had ever read or had been told by my mentors and highly successful breeders, whom I most respect.

I drove home with my mind in a fog. The fog was beginning to clear as I was pulling into my driveway. As I relayed the tale of my encounter to my wife, she responded, “That, certainly, is one way of looking at your beliefs of applied genetics.” I was bewildered at her statement, but she continued, “She has owned more than one ‘Best in Show’ dog. You have never had a dog win Best in Show.” My wife immediately followed with, “She has bred two dogs that have won at least one Best in Show. You have bred some truly wonderful dogs, but none have won a Best in Show, and you have always done everything designed to put the odds in your favor.”

My wife continued with, “Ann (or so we will call my friend), may or may not fully understand the principals of theoretical genetics, but the argument can certainly be made that she understands the practical application of genetics as it applies to phenotype.” My wife explained that, by requiring a stud dog to have two Bests, she is counting on the fact that the breed judges, group judges, and BIS judges all recognize the superior qualities of the animal. “So, if phenotype results from genotype, she is attempting to put the odds in her favor.”

It is my privilege to share with you what I call The Seven P’s of a Successful Breeding Program, however, the information in this work is, for the most part, not mine. It was shared with me by friends who are highly successful breeders and mentors who were already showing and breeding superior show dogs when I was still in high school, and award-winning authors of some of the best books on breeding purebred dogs. The knowledge, wisdom, and advice provided herein is aimed at putting the odds of proven genetic power in your favor.

In real terms, it can be expected that the very best dogs in the toughest of competition will be found among the dogs whose conformation, movement, temperament, and showmanship comes closest to their full genetic potential.

Purpose

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54 – July, 2020

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