Llewellin Setters Breeders Blog

I often receive calls from fellow breeders as well as clients who are interested in the strategies we might employ in our programs to move forward in reduction and elimination of Genetic defects and diseases as well as how we might utilize Pedigree data as a tool in breeding selection. Firstly, let me say that we make great use of a Breeder software program purchased from Australia and produced by Wild Systems Pty Ltd. The software is Pedigree Explorer 5.4 and can be purchased on line (support@breedmate.com).

We have every dog in the kennel together with all known ancestors entered into the data base.This enables a wide selection of menus to generate pedigrees, family trees, photo pedigrees, email pedigrees, as well as the recording and manipulation of data on every aspect of breeding, competing and showing. Wrights Inbreeding Coefficients can be obtained on any dog at the click of the mouse, health and inoculation records generated and many more areas covered.

As far as guiding principles go in all of our breeding activity we lean heavily on the advise of some top Pros including Dr. Hutchison of Ohio in the Area of reproductive health, artificial insemination, and semen storage. Also on the extensive writings of Dr. Jerold S. Bell relative to Genetic and pedigree analysis. We are offering herewith for those interested an article of immense importance authored by Dr. Bell which we regard as a must read piece for anyone contemplating dog breeding seriously.

V The Ins and Outs of Pedigree Analysis, Genetic Diversity, and Genetic Disease Control
by Jerold S. Bell, D.V.M.

Keith Smith. Dec 2006