Underestimating The Plain Jane

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94 – November/December, 2026

By Omar Gonzalez

In the world of breeding, whether dogs, cats, or any other species, it’s easy to be captivated by the animals that immediately catch the eye, the flashy, high-profile, or traditionally “perfect” individuals. Their striking appearance, pedigree, or show-ring success can make them seem indispensable. Yet, focusing exclusively on these stars is a trap that can blind a breeder to one of the most valuable resources in their program: the so-called “plain Jane.”

The plain Jane is often overlooked because she lacks the dramatic markings, extravagant coat, or winning history of her peers. But looks alone rarely determine the true value of an animal in a breeding program. Temperament, sound structure, health, fertility, and genetic diversity are often carried by these unassuming individuals. These are the traits that don’t always show on a score sheet or in a show ring but are critical to producing strong, well-balanced, and healthy offspring over generations.

Underestimating the plain Jane can have long-term consequences. While a flashy animal might produce immediate wins or attention, relying solely on these individuals can inadvertently narrow a program’s gene pool, exacerbate hereditary weaknesses, or mask subtle structural or behavioral flaws that only become apparent in the next generation. In contrast, the plain Jane often contributes stability. Her resilience, temperament, and soundness can balance and elevate the program in ways that a superficially perfect animal cannot.

Click here to read the complete article
94 – November/December, 2026

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Posted by AnthonyA on Nov 8 2026. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.