The American Beagler Forum

I've never inbreed dogs befor. ive always heard that you can either get the best of both or the worst. like sire to pup. what do you folks think about it?

It is a tool a person can use to lock in traits if they are worthy of being locked in. I personally do more line breeding (family breeding) than inbreeding but if I thought I had something that was truely outstanding and both the sire and dam had these traits, I certainly would inbreed. In breeding can bring out hidden undesirable traits as well and inbreeding can be used to eliminate these traits from the gene pool. I think the more experianced breeders should use inbreeding, it is really not for folks that don't know what they are doing.

remember inbreeding only locks in or brings out traits that are already there. you dont get 5 legged dogs etc from inbreeding unless of course that is a trait of your line already. you have to really know your line and be pretty confident, but it is a good thing if you do it right. i also prefer just fairly close line breeding right now, but in the future may try an inbred cross if i feel it would better my dogs.

Good Question. I believe inbreeding intensifies both the good and bad Characteristics of the individuals. Line Breeding in the same Family of Hounds has Produced a lot of good hounds over the years. Ex. Stubby, Iron Mike, Blackcreek etc. Lee