BREED OUTCROSSING PROGRAMS

A number of breed outcross programs have been started to improve the health and genetic diversity of breeds that suffer from a high level of inbreeding. These projects "take a village" - a network of breeders that will allow their dogs to participate and help place the puppies produced, dog lovers willing to accept an outcross puppy and raise it to maturity so it can be used in the breeding program, kennel clubs who help manage the record-keeping, and geneticists and animal breeding specialists who work out the best strategies to accomplish goals efficiently and effectively as possible. These programs require careful planning, coordination, and leadership, and embarking on an outcrossing program is a commitment. But the payoffs in improving the health and welfare of dogs are huge.

Here are links to a few ongoing outcross programs, and more info about them will be coming soon! If you know of a formal outcross program underway, please let us know.



Irish Red & White Setter (Irish KC)

Norwegian Lundehund (Norwegian KC); also see here.

Wetterhoun (Dutch KC)