Hi, Looking for some help please - I have a bitch who will be coming into season any time, the stud dog i really really REALLY want to use shares a relative with my bitch (bitch's great grandad is the stud dogs' grandad)
Is this too close? This is my first and last litter as im not overly educated on it all and the main reason for breeding this one litter is so i can keep a pup!
The reason im so keen to use this stud dog is because its local to us, its pedigree is amazing and the dog itself is a perfect match for my bitch.
Any info would great be appreciated
TIA

I assume that you'd like to keep the pup as a pet only? If so I would disregard the amazing pedigree and perfect match as these would normally require elaboration.

I would suggest that you ensure both your bitch and the stud dog are healthy (relevant tests are done), and that the common relative is healthy too. It's not too close him being a grandad, but it's a linebreeding nonetheless and if he has an undesirable trait the chances are increased it may be passed on.

Put bo0th their names in the Kennel club Mate Select tool http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/mateselect/ and it will give you the Coefficient of inbreeding, the dogs health test results etc.

You should aim for below the breed average or below 5%.  In breeding at that level is unlikely to increase issues caused by inbreeding unless a common relative suffers from some known hereditary defect.

I am assuming your bitch ahs been hip scored with a total around the breed mean or better, and certainly below 20 total, and elbow scored 0.  Same for the stud, and that both have been DNA tested for prcd-PRA or are hereditary clear.  There may be other DNA testy I am unaware of, but the Breed Clubs for the breed should be able to advise which others are advised.

Thanks for your replies, i have already used the coefficient calculator which came back at 8% hence asking on here as there are mixed views on line breeding. My bitch has had her hips and elbows done (which are perfect) and the stud dog has had all his checks done which are also fine and clear. Think i should look into the pegidree a little more and be sure there are no health issues or undesirable traits as said. Do you think this would put buyers off as i know i said i would keep one but would need to obviously sell the rest on?!

That should be fine re the inbreeding level, more important is that both parents should now have the required DNA tests.  the prcd-PRA ONE TAKES ABOT THREE WEEKS FROM oPTIGEN. http://www.optigen.com/opt9_test_prcd_pra.html

Does your bitch have a current clear eye certificate?  As well as hips, eyes and dna test for pra this should be done annually.  How old is she? You may be better waiting until her next season to allow time to carry out any health tests that have not been done and to make sure that you are fully prepared for what breeding and raising a litter entails.

I'd not be overly concerned about the common relative to be honest.   Most breeders will 'linebreed' to fix type.   It's knowing when an outcross is needed that's relevant, and making sure all the available testing for the breed, is done.   It's inbreeding that should be avoided - ie mother to son, father to daughter and sibling to sibling.   The KC advises (or used to?) a breeder talk to experienced fellow breeders if thinking about half brother to half sister.

As the owner of the stud dog is 50% responsible for the puppies he sires, if she's okay about letting you use her dog, I see no reason not to use him, provided he is also tested!   But being local to you, wouldn't be a reason to use him, necessarily.   We travelled for 12 hours by road, to get to the dog I wanted to use at one point.

> We travelled for 12 hours by road, to get to the dog I wanted to use at one point.

and people travel abroad to mate a bitch or import semen.