Question for breeders - Page 1

An acquaintance and fan of working lines told me that working lines tend to have less genetic/health problems because they are usually not as line-bred as showlines are. Can breeders from both lines comment on this theory. Thanks in advance

I have seen just as much line breeding for drive and workablity as for the show. so I dont' agree Heather

What you were told was an opinion only. The well known SV breeder and important orthopedic surgeon has a famous seminar wherein he discusses the many health problems of the so-called working lines. He considers the anatomy and general health (not personality) characteristics of the show lines to be superior. This is not suprising as the show breeders have paid more attention to health issues than performance breeders, especially to the HD Wert Nummer among other things. The bottom line is, there is not statistical evidence, just opinion.

Each line has it's strengths and weakness'. when you line breed whether it be working or show, you breed on that collection of strong and weak points. The more you line breed the stronger the probability comes for both sides. With the strong points you may get recessive weakness that is thrown depending on the match. The only way to strenghten genetically for overall healthis to outcross thus creating hybrid vigour with diversity in the gene pool. This has to be done with strong healthy good minded dogs.