What's a pedigree worth?

[lahistoriadogo]

I am not refering to the paper itself. I have heard people say, "you need to look about 5 generations back." And others say "just worry about what's in front of you".

What are your thought on relevant relatives?

[olydogo]

The more you look at a dogs blood the better you will be able to predict results---- --- EXCELLENT THREAD.

[ladycazadores]

I've heard everything from STUDY as far back as you can go, and others who say, don't worry about anything further back that 3 generations, because past that the genetics will be in such MINISCULE amounts, that they won't factor in much at all...

So I'm torn on this one...BUT I've found that inspecting the breeding pair, and their immediate parents, tells you the majority of what you need to know...the rest is "icing on the cake," and good to know...

and of course, genetics, can always throw a curve at you in a moments notice...sometimes a GOOD curve, sometimes a not so good curve. LOL

[lahistoriadogo]

I hate to even have this topic go in the direction of falsifying papers.

I like to research as far back as I can. More for interest and to see what those dogs gave to their offspring. For example, I like to see how a "tight" breeding produced a great dog, that maybe threw much of his/her great attributes in complete outcrossings. I feel like the past generations mean more if the breedings are closer. If it is completely open, likelihood is that you'll get dogs across the whole spectrum anyway. If its tight than the common relatives may tell you exactly what to expect.

[olydogo]

A pedigree is IMPO not as important as actually SEEING the dogs in it with your own very eyes, NOW, I know this is difficult since lots of these dogs are long gone and PICTURES just are not good enough IMPO since it can make a dog look much worse or much better then it actually is BUT its the second best thing.

I find it important to actually speak with those who saw the dogs, those who judged them at shows and saw them perform--- example--- I have had the privileged to speak and converse in depth with the owner, the breeder and other influential people of the time in the breed about certain important dogs, like Toro Viejo, Indio, Alfio, Fierro, Ucayali, Huaino, Talisman, Ilusion DLM, Tala and many more--- and not just talk about what was good, I have also been privileged enough to be privy to many details that are not public information--- I can say I KNOW these dogs even though I haven't seen them---

Equally important IMPO is the littermates and what they have produced, the progeny and what they have produced---that's a lot more dog then what a pedigree can ever offer, BUT its ALL most important if you are going to make decisions that will affect the breed on a larger picture.

[lahistoriadogo]

I agree with that a lot Oly. It is extremely important to know more than just the names of the ancestors. Also to know their virtues and faults.