Inbreeding

What is Inbreeding?

Inbreeding refers to the process of mating closely related animals, in this case, dogs. Specifically, it involves breeding two dogs that share a close genetic relationship. This practice is often done to preserve and enhance desirable traits in breeds. However, inbreeding has implications that we must understand.

Effects of Inbreeding in Dogs

When two closely related dogs breed, it increases the chance of their puppies inheriting the same sets of genes. This may reinforce desirable traits, but can also double the risk of them acquiring health problems and genetic disorders that lurk in the family's genes.

Inbreeding Depression

One significant consequence of inbreeding is a biological phenomenon called inbreeding depression. It is a decline in survival rate and reproduction abilities in a population due to the increase in homozygosity — where an individual gets the same form of a gene from each parent. In dogs, inbreeding depression may result in low fertility and high puppy mortality.

Inbreeding Coefficient

The degree of inbreeding in dogs can be assessed using the inbreeding coefficient. It is a value that measures the likelihood of both genes of a pair being identical by descent. Thus, giving an index of genetic diversity in a dog or a breed. Higher coefficients demonstrate increased inbreeding, and conversely, lower values reflect a larger genetic pool.

Avoiding Consequences of Inbreeding

To maintain genetic diversity and prevent the consequences of inbreeding, breeders of dogs may opt for responsible outcrossing. This involves breeding unrelated dogs or those with minimal genetic relationship. Through careful and informed breeding practices, one can preserve unique breed characteristics, without compromising health and genetic diversity.