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title: "3.14 Example: Breeding methods of top breeders in dogs (2024)"
canonical: "https://wiki.groenkennisnet.nl/space/TAB/282558677/3.14%20Example%3A%20Breeding%20methods%20of%20top%20breeders%20in%20dogs%20(2024)"
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**Source: Pekka Hannula and Morjo Nygaerd, 2011. Keys to top breeding ISBN 978-952-67306-5-3. Kirjapaino Jaarli Oy, Turenki, Finland**

In Europe, Australia and the United States 22 top breeders of dogs were interviewed for their breeding methods. In their country these breeders were recognized for their long term success in breeding champion dogs at shows: nice healthy dogs with a good behavior. In their breeding methods they shared the importance of the three breeding goal traits: 1) good health, 2) desired behavior and 3) a good conformation. At the start of their career they bought dogs according to these criteria and weighed health higher than behavior and conformation. During their career they insisted on this breeding goal and never bred with dogs that were not healthy or were carrier of a genetic defect. Sometimes they practiced moderate inbreeding (breeding of close relatives) immediately followed by an outcross (breeding of less related dogs). This breeding method and this priority setting of traits in their breeding goal were the key for their success as top breeder.