Hi
I am trying to find out how i can work out easily whether to use a stud dog I like or whether the mating would be too close to my bitch's pedigree (not sure i've made sense there!)
I know its done by working out a percenatge but can i use a software program to do it and if so is there one thats free? I have looked on line but it all got confusing and I dont know what would be a good percentage!

can anyone help with a simple answer??

If you google for the "coefficient of inbreeding" (COI) then you should find something.  But COI is really only there are a guide - genetics just aren't that simple I'm afraid :-)

Thanks will try that but finding your right with it not being easy!

Try breeders assistant by tenset.
They do a trial programme for free which might help a bit.
Like you I don't really know as yet and so am being guided by someone who does until I learn but I still like looking at it in black in white in case it eventually all falls into place for me.

www.tenset.co.uk/

I also use Breeders Assistant by Tenset, and as with any other programme, you will only get the COI on information you provide.. and this can vary.. 5 generations can give a COI of 2.6%.. add another generation or two and your COI can rise dramatically.. The more info, the more accurate %

>but it all got confusing and I dont know what would be a good percentage!

A good percentage for me would be low single figures (1.5% - 4.5%)  If the dogs behind this are good then a higher % is acceptable.. but still would prefer to keep below the 7%

Also depends on the breed. where you have a very small gene pool. your COI is going to be much higher,

Also depends on the breed. where you have a very small gene pool. your COI is going to be much higher,

Indeed -I have Malinois with over 19 % and that's not uncommon in the breed. My last litter I got it down to 9.9% thanks to using a dog whose father resides abroad. Think it would be almost impossible to go much lower than that.

thanks you've been really helpful, i did find a site that you can do it on but got to it through another site and now cant remember the name but luckily i did print off my result!

Haven't a clue about the breeding angle BUT to try to find the site you previously visited you could try looking in your internet browser history for the site if it's not too long ago since you visited it.   If you're on internet explorer use the VIEW menu, then EXPLORER BARS then HISTORY ; should be fairlysimilar for other browsers.