THINGS ARE CHANGING! 
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​If you’ve been paying attention, you may have noticed a growing trend: genetic rescue projects are being initiated for several breeds. Some are encouraged or guided by kennel clubs, while others are developing independently. But one thing is clear:   change is happening. These changes are poised to transform much of what we know - or think we know - about dog breeding.

Here’s the truth: these changes are coming whether you choose to participate or not. In fact, it's likely that some of these new breeding practices will eventually become legally mandated. Ignoring this shift won’t be an option if you want to continue in the fancy. That’s why now, more than ever, your breed needs the experience and dedication of responsible breeders like you.

If you’re someone who cares deeply about your breed and the future of purebred dogs, this is your chance to lead the way. The tools and techniques you’ll need to embrace these changes aren’t difficult, just new. Think of it like learning how to use a microwave: unfamiliar at first, but simple once you’ve got the hang of it.

​WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW

To prepare for these changes, start by learning the basics of population genetics. This foundation will set you up for success as we move into this new era of dog breeding.

The best way to get started is through courses. ICB has online courses designed specifically for breeders like you and are practical, straightforward, and accessible.
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By taking this step now, you’ll position yourself as a leader in this transition, helping to guide the modern dog fancy into the future. Instead of struggling to keep up, you’ll be confidently ahead of the curve.

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FREE RESOURCES TO GET STARTED

To make it even easier, ICB offers two FREE courses:

• “COI Bootcamp”
• “Basic Population Genetics for Dog Breeders”

Both courses are available under the “Courses” tab on the ICB website. These are excellent starting points.

From there, you can progress to additional courses that form a structured curriculum designed to build your expertise step by step. By diving in now, you’ll ensure a smooth transition into using the cutting-edge tools and practices that are coming. 

In the meantime, I’m working on a new course about Genetic Rescue, that will introduce some of the new changes that are coming. 

HOW BREED CLUBS CAN LEAD THE WAY

Breed organizations have a unique opportunity to provide leadership during this transition. Clubs can encourage their members to get started with the free ICB courses, ensuring breeders begin to build a strong foundation in the essential concepts.
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As clubs progress through the curriculum, I recommend incorporating some of your own breed-specific information, which will make the material even more relevant. I’m happy to help your organization tailor these resources to meet your breed’s unique needs; just reach out and ask.

This is such an exciting time to be a dog breeder! The coming changes promise to revolutionize how we approach breeding, making it more effective, rewarding, and impactful. Celebrate these developments and enjoy being part of this historic process!

The first step is simple: get started now with your education.
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Let’s embrace this change together and ensure the future of purebred dogs is bright, healthy, and sustainable!

What does "genetic diversity" mean?
Effective genetic management is crucial for maintaining the health and sustainability of purebred dog populations. Central to this effort is the concept of genetic diversity, which represents the variety of alleles present within a breed’s gene pool. Preserving and enhancing genetic diversity reduces the risks of inherited disorders and improves the overall vitality and adaptability of the population. Genetic diversity also reduces the formation of runs of homozygosity (ROH), which are blocks of contiguous, homozygous genes that trap deleterious mutations and prevent breed improvement through selection.

Why Genetic Diversity Matters
Genetic diversity underpins a breed’s resilience against health challenges, both genetic and environmental. Over time, selective breeding, reliance on popular sires, and genetic drift can erode this diversity, leading to higher levels of inbreeding. This, in turn, increases homozygosity (the presence of identical alleles at a locus), which can unmask deleterious recessive traits and compromise health.

www.instituteofcaninebiology.org/blog/genetic-management-of-purebred-dogs-what-you-need-in-your-toolboxMeasuring and Managing Genetic Diversity
Breeders can use tools from population genetics to assess and maintain diversity. Pedigree analysis offers estimates of genetic contributions from ancestors, while genomic tools provide a detailed and precise view by analyzing allele frequencies and heterozygosity.

These methods enable the calculation of key metrics:

• Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI): A measure of the probability of inheriting identical alleles at a locus from an ancestor on both sides of th pedidgree. Lower COI values indicate lower levels of homozygosity; i.e., less inbreeding.
• Mean Kinship (MK): Evaluates an individual’s genetic value within the population. Dogs with low MK contribute rare alleles, making them vital for maintaining diversity.
• Effective Population Size (Ne): Reflects the genetic size of the breeding population, accounting for unequal contributions among individuals. Larger Ne values slow genetic drift and reduce inbreeding risks.
• Founder and Ancestor Equivalents (Fe, Fa): Quantify the genetic contributions of founders and influential ancestors. Low ratios of Fe/Fa indicate diversity loss from bottlenecks or selective breeding.

Practical Applications for Breeders
Using these metrics, breeders can develop genetic management plans that:

• Reduce Inbreeding: By selecting less related mating pairs and avoiding overuse of popular sires, breeders can reduce the increase in COI and slow the rate of diversity loss.
• Balance Breeding Contributions: Increasing the number of males and females used in breeding and distributing genetic contributions more evenly improves Ne and preserves diversity.
• Monitor and Adjust: Regularly calculating diversity metrics helps breeders understand trends and make adjustments to sustain genetic health.

The Role of Data
​Accurate data is the cornerstone of effective genetic management. Comprehensive pedigree databases provide historical insights, while genomic analysis delivers precise, real-time assessments of genetic diversity and structure. Combining these approaches offers the best strategy for evaluating and managing a breed’s gene pool.

Breeding For Preservation
Maintaining genetic diversity is essential for the long-term health and sustainability of purebred dog populations. By understanding and applying principles of population genetics, breeders can mitigate the risks associated with inbreeding and ensure a robust gene pool. The tools and data for this work are readily available, and their thoughtful application can guide breeding programs toward a healthier future for all breeds.