So the pedigree assessments are really interesting to me...

[hunterisgreat]

I find this highly interesting and entertaining. So, I've always wondered if I could cherry pick qualities I like from both my dogs, and shelf the ones I don't to make a dog what would that dog be like (yes I know it doesn't work that way). Which got me to thinking, what would you guys say of the *theoretical*, as in, I'm not a breeder, and don't want this to turn into a discussion about breed-worthiness, or other such things.. just a *theoretical* discussion of what the dogs would be like if I bred mine? While all comments are welcomed, rather than "they'd be sharp [end of response]" I'd like to know *why*. The aim being, I'd like to learn to read pedigrees like some here can. Do males usually favor the mother like in humans? are certain qualities primarily transferred from one side or the other? Thanks!

Mating test - German Shepherd Dog

[cliffson1]

I'm no help here, because reading pedigrees can't be done by academic means alone. I could write a book about the possible interactions that could come forth from the breeding you proposed. There are so many variables and then the combination/recombination of those variables that are difficult to explain. Some of it is a feel you get from putting together certain types and lines.
Others on this list may well be up to it, but I stick to general traits that I am sure will probably surface. People take what they read and pass it on as gospel, but often what is read in pertaining to a dog or line is ONLY in that particular instance and with another dog the analysis would be different. Frankly, the people who are adept at reading pedigrees can tell when you are ready to assimilate some of the more intimate knowledge by the question you ask. Its similar to trying to explain Trig when the person doesn't understand algebra. The foundation isn't there to either explain so they understand. Hope this makes sense.