Comments on: Unconfirmed Crufts Rumour: Big News Announcement re Crossbreeding

By: Charles Henderson

Charles Henderson — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 12:17:04 +0000

There as some permitted outcrossing of Irish Red and White Setters with working irish Setters in the early 1980s. The results did not do much for IRWS in conformation or temperament ( skilled UK breeders did that later) BUT it did introduce the deadly genetic fault Canine Leucocyte Adhesion Deficiency – CLAD – into IRWS.This has been eliminated from IRWS at considerable cost thanks to the efforts of the main breed club.

By: Dave the Dog

Dave the Dog — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:35:44 +0000

Oh well it was a nice thought while it lasted.
No change there then.

By: Julie

Julie — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 07:08:07 +0000

Well said Don, I think that many don't understand this.They think by out crossing all the genetic faults go away.

By: Jill

Jill — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:32:27 +0000

urmm, this is not news. The Kennel Club have opened up the stud book for years. Indeed they opened it up for me to register a first generation Canaan Dog five years ago. Previously they have allowed crosses between breeds. But what Don states is absolutely correct, which is why they insist that you have to show them it is indeed necessary and good for the breed in question.

By: Don

Don — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:04:26 +0000

What people are forgetting is that MOST breeds carry genetic problems- so by outcrossing to other breeds, you inroduce that breed's genetic problems into the gene pool of your own breed.
This in effect does NOT help the health and wellbeing of purebred dogs-

By: pawprints25

pawprints25 — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:03:25 +0000

this would be an incredible move on their part. the so-called "purity" of the breed they are trying to maintain is what's causing breed extinction in the first place. this is about helping the dogs; bringing the healthiest, most well-bred dogs into the world as we can, to further the breed. hope this comes true!

By: Pai

Pai — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:11:02 +0000

Wow, an amazing change of direction! Let's hope it's true!

Some responsible outcrossing could do wonders for those breeds with high COI and no alternatives to improve it because their founding populations were so small.

By: handy

handy — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 23:11:42 +0000

I (literally) cannot believe this. This goes against everything the Kennel Club has ever said and done in the past.

By: Dave the Dog

Dave the Dog — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 19:12:00 +0000

Wow, I have now bated my breath in anticipation!