Outcrossing . . .
Yes - we know you're all asking the $64,000 question. What with?
However, we are still a long way from making that decision.
Let's just talk 'outcrossing' in general terms at this point.
However, we are still a long way from making that decision.
Let's just talk 'outcrossing' in general terms at this point.
The Out-crossing or out-breeding is the technique of breeding one breed with another breed to bring in something new from the other breed. It is the practice of introducing unrelated genetic material into a breeding line. It increases genetic diversity.
There have been a large number of international breed outcross programs implemented to improve the health and genetic diversity of certain breeds that suffer from a high level of inbreeding.
These projects "take a village" of dedicated people.
- a network of breeders that will allow their dogs to participate and help place the puppies produced,
- dog lovers willing to accept an outcross puppy and raise it to maturity so it can be used in the breeding program,
- kennel clubs who help manage the record-keeping,
- and geneticists and animal breeding specialists who work out the best strategies to accomplish goals efficiently and effectively as possible.
But the payoffs in improving the health and welfare of dogs are HUGE!
As an introduction let's look at a very successful example of outcrossing with another breed. The Finnish Kennel club was very forward thinking when it came to outcrossing and this particular project . . .
the Pincher x Schnauzer Outcross - started in 1998.
Their reason for the outcross was the breeds small genepool.
The results of this particular outcross project is testament to just how successful careful outcrossing can be - and just how quickly you can get back to type by backcrossing.
The Finnish kennel club gave permission for 4 separate outcrosses with Schnauzers, the program has run from 1998 and changed hands from Yarracitta to new generation of breeders and a final F1 outcross was done in 2018.
The top winning female in Finland 2010 Yarracitta Kaneliprinsessa was F3 generation from the project and this line is still thriving. The lines from the original outcross from 2018 are now 5 generations down and in the normal registry with typical pinscher looks and temperament with multiple National and International champions around the world.
Other outcross projects of interest:
- Wetterhoun was in dire danger of extinction.
- Norwegian Lundehund - suffered severe population bottlenecks and job loss (Puffin hunting was banned)
- Shiloh's - awareness of population bottlenecks and relatively low number of founders
- you can find many more examples of outcross projects on the internet.