Optimal partner selection in dog breeding
Brief preview: Partner selection in dog breeding is much more than just mating two dogs. It is a conscious decision that has a lasting impact on the future of a breed. Each choice not only affects the current litter, but also has a long-term impact on the health and characteristics of future generations.
Finding the ideal breeding partner: How breeders select suitable mates
Numerous factors play a role in the selection of a breeding partner. The nature of the animals, their physical appearance and, above all, their health. The nature, character and behavior are not only shaped by genes, but above all by upbringing and environment. A balanced temperament of the parents increases the chance of socially compatible offspring. Character tests can be carried out by expert breed judges and provide an objective assessment of an animal’s character.
When breeding, particular attention has long been paid to the external appearance of a dog. Physique, coat color, skull shape or eye color are characteristics that make up a large part of the breed identity. However, extreme over-typing can lead to health restrictions such as breathing problems, joint deformities or other serious illnesses. For sound information and expert advice, the breed club for the breed in question is a good place to go.
The thorough health examination of potential parents by a vet is another essential part of responsible dog breeding. Joint and heart examinations, eye checks, X-rays and genetic tests are useful. Tests for infections (e.g. for the canine herpes virus CHV-1) also play a role in the health of the offspring. All these measures help to identify diseases and hereditary disorders and minimize their transmission for the benefit of the offspring. Genetic tests are not yet available for some hereditary diseases, meaning that affected animals can only be identified through veterinary health checks.
In view of this complexity, it is clear that genetics plays a central role in dog breeding. While environment and upbringing are important factors for the behavior and development of a dog, the genetic make-up is a decisive factor in determining health, temperament and many physical characteristics. Therefore, I will concentrate on the genetic basics that form the foundation of any responsible breeding program.
Understanding hereditary diseases: Why genetic testing is essential
Hereditary diseases are passed on from parents to their offspring and are anchored in the DNA. It is therefore extremely important for breeding to understand the genetics of the parent animals and to consider genetic health as a basis for mate selection.
Hereditary diseases are often inherited recessively. The disease only breaks out if both parents pass on the altered genetic variant to their offspring. It is often the case that variants are passed on invisibly from generation to generation until they lead to sick puppies due to an unfavorable choice of partner – which comes as a surprise to the breeder.
This is tragic for the affected animals but avoidable, as genetic testing options are now available in a wide variety of laboratories at low cost. For breeding animals, it is advisable to test both parents for at least the hereditary diseases known in the breed. Broad genetic screenings are also possible, in which hundreds of variants known in dogs are examined and which provide an overview of the genetic health of an animal across breed boundaries.
Dogs that carry a recessive genetic variant should not be excluded from breeding across the board. The genetic diversity of a breed would quickly be lost as a result, which would lead to other problems, such as increased disease risks due to inbreeding. If carrier animals are deliberately mated with animals that do not carry the variant in their DNA, no offspring affected by the disease are produced.
Knowledge of recessive inheritance is particularly important for breeding. Targeted genetic tests can be used to determine whether an animal is free, a carrier or affected. By deliberately choosing a partner of a freely tested dog for a carrier animal, it is possible to prevent the respective hereditary disease from occurring in the subsequent generation without having to completely exclude the carrier from breeding. In this way, both the welfare of the animals and the health and genetic diversity of the breed can be preserved in the long term.
Genetic diversity: Why diversity is the foundation of long-term health
The avoidance of inbreeding and the preservation of genetic diversity play an important role in responsible dog breeding. Closed studbooks and “popular sires” (popular stud dogs that are excessively often the fathers of a generation of puppies) increase the risk of inbreeding. This is associated with a loss of genetic diversity and inbreeding depression, i.e. the spread of harmful and pathogenic genetic variants. When selecting suitable breeding partners, care should therefore also be taken to ensure that the genetic diversity of a breed is promoted. For this purpose, Labogen offers the Diversity Check (included in the Premium DNA Profile Dog), which makes it possible to compare the genetic similarity of potential breeding animals. (You can find more information about the Diversity Check here: https://labogen.com/genetische-diversitaet-hund/)
Furthermore, pedigrees can also be used to calculate an inbreeding coefficient (IK). The IK is a measure that expresses the degree of relationship between two dogs based on their known ancestors. The smaller the IC, the less inbreeding. The genomic inbreeding coefficient (GIK), which examines the relationship between two animals directly on the basis of their DNA, again requires genetic tests.
The greatest potential for the sustainable positive development of a breed lies in the right balance between line breeding and genetic openness.
DLA genes: What they mean for the immune system and breeding planning
The so-called DLA genes (dog leukocyte antigen) play an important role in the dog’s immune system. A high genetic diversity in the DLA genes is an advantage for a stable, functioning immune system. In many dog breeds, however, the number of possible haplotypes (fixed combinations of DLAs that are passed on from parent to offspring) is greatly reduced, as selective breeding has restricted genetic diversity. Factors such as a low number of breeding dogs, the frequent use of popular sires or repeated matings of related animals can further reduce DLA diversity. In some breeds, a correlation between certain allele combinations and the risk of autoimmune diseases has also been described. The aim of mate selection should therefore be to maintain or increase DLA diversity within the breed.
Color genetics: The possibilities and risks of the variety of coat colors
Coat colors can play an important role in the choice of a partner. They are often part of breed standards and offer impressive breeding possibilities due to their diversity and great influence on the external appearance. Behind this diversity are complex genetic relationships between different genes. If you want to preserve certain colors, you should know and take into account the genetic interactions. In most cases, coat colors are linked to genetic variants that are not the cause of diseases. Exceptions are, for example, white spotting (Piebald) and its potential association with deafness, color dilution (dilution), which sometimes occurs together with color mutant alopecia (CDA), albinism or merle. The merle gene (M) causes color dilution, which creates interesting patterns of irregular spots on a lighter background. No health effects are known for the classic merle pattern, which is based on the heterozygous M/m genotype. However, if animals carry the merle gene homozygously, so-called “white tigers” (double merles) are produced. These animals often suffer from impaired vision and hearing, including blindness and deafness. The breeding of double merles is prohibited in Germany. When choosing a partner, a genetic test of the potential parents is always recommended to rule out the possibility of double merle.
Successful breeding: How sound knowledge leads to responsible dog breeding
With so many aspects and influences to consider, the joy of breeding can sometimes falter. But don’t worry, you can find support from vets, breeding clubs, genetic laboratories and fellow breeders! The combination of specialist knowledge, powers of observation and genetic test results forms the perfect basis for a successful choice of partner. Learn from experienced breeders, take part in training courses such as the Laboklin Breeders’ Day or listen to the specially tailored VDH lectures. Never underestimate the value of exchange and networking within the breeder community, including at international level.
In summary, it can be said that success and the optimal choice of partner in dog breeding result from the interaction of many important factors. Health and character are particularly important here. It is not about emulating current trends or pursuing extreme breeding goals, but rather about ensuring the long-term health and welfare of the breed. Every responsible breeder contributes to creating a healthy and stable future for their own puppies as well as for future generations.
Dr. Anna-Lena Van de Weyer
INFOBOX 1
Summary
- Genetic testing: check for all breed-specific hereditary diseases
- Carrier animals: Do not exclude them, but mate them with free animals
- Diversity: Promote genetic diversity to avoid inbreeding consequences
- DLA genes: maintain diversity and avoid risks to the immune system
INFOBOX 2
Tips for obtaining information
- Actively seek an exchange with experienced breeders and learn from their experience.
- Use advice from breeding associations, vets and genetic laboratories to make informed decisions.
- Take part in training courses, seminars and specialist lectures to keep your knowledge up to date.
- Document tests, results and breeding decisions carefully to ensure transparency and traceability.
