When Selling Hog Dogs...

Oconee...I will read the book...

I know there are those that say if you breed correctly each time you will never need to outcross...

I also know there are those that say that outcrossing is a necessity due to a reduction in the gene pool/chromosome's, so freshening the genetics is a must...they say this reduction creates a weakened immune system, low fertility and smaller sized dogs...

as a kid I had dogs and pups that most were given to me or were throw aways...also had a litter and most pups made it even though they were never wormed nor vaccinated...my parents and grandfather treated all animal ailments at home in those days...

back in 1975 I had the chance to buy a Quachita large type Airedale for 50 bucks because this ole boy had to move...these pups were 300 dollars and air freight was close to a hundred so I was getting a bargain...about 2 weeks later that pup was very sick and that was my first trip ever to a vet...the pup was diagnosed as having contracted Distemper and there is no cure but only prevention...seems to me purebreds need all the vaccines to include other preventative meds...

so after saying all that I agree with the outcrossing...

However, I also know that the first outcross brings fifty percent of another family...so as I mentioned before bring in the new blood very carefully and only keep it on the side line as one dog in a program of 7-10 dogs or more...this dog is important because he/she is there as a stepping stone for another breeding...and the next breeding will have 3/4 of the bloodline that is guarded...so this way a small percentage is needed to boost the bloodline...that dog will produce 7/8th of the favored bloodline...

I will also say that if one were to use that 50/50 dog as a major breeder then the program we worked so hard for is out the window as you mentioned...

What I have talked about was the logic I followed when I was breeding my mnt curs...back then my goal was to produce great dogs that reproduced themselves and I wanted it to happen quickly and I did that by quick turnover and selecting as best I could...

this time around I want the same thing but my priorities have changed...I want good dogs first...and dogs that reproduce themselves is a goal as well...but it is baby steps in that direction because my biggest priority is good hunting dogs and keeping my expenses to a minimum...no fast turnovers...retain a dog if it works to my expectations...