We should probably begin by stating that the purebred dog today is stuck in a genetic bottleneck (that’s not to say that mixed breeds are healthier; they may be but may not be). In laymen’s’ terms, this bottleneck results in poor health, bad temperament, and genetic diseases. It stems from too much Inbreeding and Linebreeding – which is not the focus of this article. (If you’re unfamiliar with these terms, you may want to consider attending our canine breeding seminar, held from time to time here at Conifer Canine.) Progressive breeders are not content to simply rehash and recycle the same old genes that have wreaked havoc in their breed for generations!
What is Outcross Breeding?
An Outcross breeding is a purposeful mating of two dogs from differing breeds. A common one in working dog circles is the German Shepherd and Malinois outcross. The goal in outcross breeding is to improve the genetic health of future generations and possibly to revive/refresh certain traits within a bloodline. Outcrosses also seek to weaken inferior or dangerous traits within a bloodline.
There is certainly no guarantee that an outcross litter will be free of genetic disease. Research and intelligence on the breeder’s part is critical to success! Furthermore, problems can also develop in outcrosses when the two dogs differ in growth rates (bones/muscles) or have a large degree of difference in body structure.
The Purpose of Outcross Breeding
If done intelligently and purposefully, outcross breeding results in better overall health, longer working careers, increased vitality, improved temperament, and less genetic disease. The increase of genetic diversity creates an atmosphere of genetic fitness.
After an outcross, the puppies can then be “backcrossed” to the predominant breed in order to preserve breed distinctives; body structure, temperament, etc. In our illustration above, the GSD/Mal pups can be bred back to another GSD (if that is the predominant breed). The outcross infuses new genes while the backcross maintains the breed distinctives.
Entire breeds have been improved and positively altered due to outcross/backcross combinations. The boxer’s naturally bobbed tail came about from outcrossing with Pembroke Welsh Corgis. The breathing problems of French Bulldogs could be relieved if breeders within that circle were open to an occasional outcross/backcross. Dalmatians with high uric acid levels have been improved by outcrossing with Pointers. In fact, many breeds could be improved by this occasional, wise, purposeful breeding.
Outcross breeding is not merely sticking two dogs together. It requires (if it is to be done correctly and successfully) the same genetic research and temperament testing that one would do with a purebred mating. This is by no means accidental breeding. It is on purpose with a specific goal in mind.
What distinguishes an Outcross from a mixed breed?
Good question. A mix-breed is typically accidental with no research on the parents and, in the rare event it is on purpose, is typically focused upon beauty over health: “let’s make a litter of pretty puppies. They’ll sell easy!”
An outcross, on the other hand, is a well-planned, researched, purposeful breeding with clear goals which the breeder is trying to accomplish. It thinks beyond personal gain and focuses upon the health of the breed. There is also an element within outcross breeding that is multi-generational: “what can be improved upon in the next 5-10 generations?” Outcross breeders have the desire to improve, refresh, and strengthen. Outcrosses – due to the rampant ignorance about them – are harder to sell in some groups, easier in other groups. These breeders, however, believe so strongly in the success of their breed that they are willing to lay aside personal gain to help the breed succeed well into the future.
While outcrosses are not for everybody, they can be used wisely to reap many benefits particularly health, vitality, and temperament.
