Willow Valley GSD

Pedigree information is an extremely useful tool when trying to desipher the roots of where a particular puppy has come from. When I view a pedigree, I look back to trace its history for health, longevity, temperament, what line-breeding exists and how strong that is, etc. Line breeding is NOT bad...it's actually the best way to produce superior quality dogs if done correctly. I have dedicated vast hours of research on this topic and will write a separate blog in regard to this issue.***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

You must determine what kind of dog you want to breed. By looking at a pedigree, you see what roots this particular puppy came from, if I'm bringing in "outside" or "cold" blood. Just because someone has their kennel name on a puppy they purchased from a sound and stable line, doesn't mean it's "their" production, so it's increasingly important, at this point, to look past the first 3 generations.******************************************************************************************************************************************************************

For example, if you look back to generation 3, the ancestry happens to be line bred off a well know kennel, that puppy will display and pass on traits from its origin and the solid breeding. For example, I get puppy A. Puppy A came from Kennel breeder "B", however, Kennel breeder "B" purchased that particular sire from Well Known Kennel "C" and put their own kennel name on that sire. When I see kennel "C", I understand that "B" sire is actually a production of Kennel "C" who is well known for successful line breeding and producing a strong, solid line. Kennel  "B" crossed the sire they purchased from Kennel “C”, mixed that blood with one of their current females. The blood from the original breeding, Kennel "C", is "pure-blood" within the breed and its own "line", therefore for the next 3-4 generations, no "cold" blood or new blood will make a difference. ALL traits and qualities passed are from the original breeding, which is Kennel "C". Therefore, when I choose to buy Puppy A, I can see that while I may not be excited about where the puppy was born, or perhaps the kennel I purchased from, I see where the roots of that puppy really are. I know what I'll pass to my generations and give credit to Kennel "C".

Essentially, we are talking about line breeding here, but it could be simply, a strong line from any kennel. The, what I term, "mix and match" breeding in between has no effect. It's a common misconception. I'll go into much more detail in my Line breeding series...for now, let's go back to Registration and procedure.********************************************************************************************************************************************************************

From this year forward, because I have a solid understanding of the importance of pedigree information, it's also important to put your kennel name, on all puppies you produce, so other people can look back and know the purpose of the breeding and where the puppy came from. The outside blood you bring in should have the name of the kennel that produced them. I'm proud of what I produce. I put great time and energy into making sound pairings, developing my line and breeding for purpose, not just puppies to sell. With that said, I want people to know where my dogs come from. The only way to do that and have it remain accurate is to use my Kennel name on what I produce. I have had too many people that won't use my kennel name in registration, when I just hand them the application to submit on their own. They don't understand the importance behind this. Therefore, new rules here...NO AKC or UKC Registration application will leave. I will have all puppies registered with limited registration and with my kennel name on each registration. Puppies produced will be given names that reflect that particular litter. For instance, Letter "A" litter will all have pedigree names that begin with the letter "A". You may choose a name with the Letter A and I can add that when I submit the paperwork, if you like, or I will choose the registration name, on older puppies, and you may use a call name of your choice with your puppy. If for some odd reason, I agree to grant breeding rights, which are very few and far in between, AFTER the puppy is OFA hip and elbow scored and the remainder of the contract is satisfied, I will change the registration status. ***************************************************************************************

The other issue with handing over applications is that I have had issues in the past with people taking them and registering the puppy with an "alternative" registry so that they can breed the dog to make money off puppies they can register somewhere. I have strong opinions on this as well; I don't give breeding rights for many reasons. 1. I don't know what people have for intention for my dogs and I DO NOT want them to end up in the hands of backyard breeders and/or puppy millers. 2. For the decency of life in my puppy, as well as the fact I work VERY HARD to produce superior quality puppies, if a pup leaves here with breeding rights, I have no control when they leave here, what people will breed them too, in essence saturating, washing out and/or thinning my line.

Withholding breeding rights isn't an act of ill intention, it's an act of respect out of what I do, how I do it and for each puppy I send out, it helps to ensure they are going to nice forever homes and won't end up in a Kennel bred to death. I screen the best I can, and from time to time, I have gotten burned, moreover, my puppy has...and I WILL enforce my contract and take my pup back! When I do give breeding rights, I want to feel certain things are done correctly. I have mostly given rights to good friends whom I KNOW what's happening with my puppy as well as know that dog has a great life!

Long story short...it's very important to know your puppy's roots and what kind of beginning they have had. An accurate pedigree can give you that. Which is the reason why my procedure in the registration process is changing beginning 2010. Please watch for the wonderful litters we have planned for the year.