Hi Kathy:
Eventually, we will all need to outcross and then comes to the question
of what bloodlines and which stud to use. When I do this I ideally like to
use a stud that has 1/2 my bloodlines and the 1/2 outcross which
phenotypically resembles my line to keep type consistent and makes picking
puppies easier. Sometimes this is not possible and you must go to a total
outcross but hopefully one that has the attributes to complement and adhance
your bitch and line. One of the things that has helped me in picking
puppies, if you have the opportunity to do so, is watching puppies and seeing
ancestors of the line you are going to use as an outcross. When I first
started out in Cavaliers, I tried to see as many litters of pups as possible
and tried to follow them to adulthood. Most stud dog owners/breeders will
be glad to talk with you about the their lines and how they develop, as well
as, what areas their stud dogs improve, adhance etc. Observation, is key.
Now, you have done the breeding and the pups are born. Look at them right
away and take pictures, if you need to. Make a mental note of exceptional
traits, then look again at 2 weeks, 4 wks, 6wks and 8wks. If you have
outcrossed, you may see several different types in the litter. See which
ones exhibit the traits you are looking for or wanted to achieve from doing
the outcross. Look for good structure, balance and type, a soft melting
expression with large eyes. In some lines, heads that are mature as puppies
will go over as adults and others that look immature will develop at a much
later date into beautiful plush head. This is where knowing and studying your
line and the outcross line is important. I love to see well balanced and
symetrical anglation front and rear so as the puppy is gaiting, you see an
effortless reach and drive, level topline as he is trotting around. I spend a
lot of time, playing and watching my puppies run and play. After 8 wks, it
is true some pups become gawkey but others really do stay together quite
well. I look at them again at 6 months and then l yr and usually by 18
months they are pretty well together and then usually maturity takes care of
the rest.
I tried to summarize this the best I could but so much more is involved in
breeding and picking puppies that I have not touched on so I guess the
expression about developing your eye through experience and observation can
sum this up quite well.
Best,
Tina
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