Line breeding, in-breeding, Rules?

[SouthernRotts]

Down through the years, I have heard many different views on this.

I have heard from several old timers that Granddaughter to Grandfather seems to have the best results in establishing a "line". Locking in and keeping the traits you want.

I have also heard some people talk about "three line breeding and then outcross", then repeat.

Line breeding can be tricky and in-breeding even more so. We all know this is best left to people who know what they are doing.

My reason for posting this is get some opinions on where these "rules" come from. Have you heard about these? Have you read or talked to anybody where one way is better or worse than the other? Or does it really matter "how" it is done, what matters is the dogs it is done with?

[Judi W]

The most important rule should be that the breeder know every individual in the family being bred on or they risk some serious surprises. If that is not the case, it can not only be a crap shoot, but one with some real crap resulting.

Going too far before outcrossing has ruined many an excellent line when all those unexpressed genes come together. Whether there is a rule about how many generations it takes for this to occur or not is debateable. I have however seen a couple of awesome lines ruined in a single generation which was very sad. I believe that the knowlege and then art are what makes for success.