Always an interesting topic.
As far as referring to the breeding practices of "Old Timers".
Most lines were kept only by certain individuals located in pockets of each perspective area.
those men linebred, inbred and outcrossed. But typically due to transportation issues of the period.....they didn't outcross to far and it was usually within a circle of men that at some point came right back around to the same dogs again.
So that being said.....is that called circle breeding? Haha
I believe a healthy combination of all breeding practices listed above are necessary to promote a healthy, productive line that promotes future progression of the desired traits that the breeder seeks.
I enjoy linebreeding with an occasional outcross, when one is located that is "as good or better" than what you have.
But the obvious downside to outcrossing is the introduction of new unknown traits that have to be identified and regulated with breeding maintenance. (Not a very widley practiced method these days)
An occasional inbreeding.......only two reasons.......when you posses two dogs that are almost identical in desired traits that you want to magnify. Or when you are in danger of losing your line and no suitable outcrosses are immediately available.
But better put your safety glass and lab coat on for that one while holding a claw hammer. Extreme and harsh maintenance needs to apply for anything that close to the fire....especially after several generations of line breeding.
My ole favorite .....Best to Best and Cull the rest....preferably kindred dogs.
Touching on blood goin stale.........A long healthy line of dogs that have been maintained properly ....will sometimes go into a slump ....I call it (Blood goin stale). This is when the line is not progressing properly out of good brood worthy line dogs.
I like to slip out a couple generations and come back across with a line dog that is not as close related...but still holds the same line blood just from a different tree branch sort of speaking .
Have had extremely good luck on churning the stale blood and getting back on track for progression of the line.
Only one way to go.....FORWARD .......or ya just spinning your wheels.
Jmo.
