Learning pedigrees and bloodlines??
 

From time to time I see people here suggesting others to study, learn pedigrees, bloodlines. I would for sure want to have more knowledge on this topic, to be able to find a litter (once my circumstances will allow me to do so), a puppy that satisfy my needs.

I know about the online databases, understand the most important parts (and can look up the rest when needed), but it is just what it is: a database, vast amounts of data structured based on the breedings. And even seeing and (kind of) understanding what I can see there I do not feel like I'm able to tell what can be expected from the litter of 2 specific dogs, or what are the dogs like themselves.

Now it would be easy to just look for litters or dogs with excellent background in their pedigree regarding hips, SchH, etc, for sure it can give me some information, but that is far from being sufficient to determine genetic predispositions for certain characteristics.

I'd like to ask you how one learns pedigrees, bloodlines, what to look for, how to recognize a good dam/sire pairing and how to make the important conclusions.

(I know every dog is different even within the same litter and that a lot depend on training and the dog's experience, but still I believe that the genetic material is the underlying foundation that plays an important role in whether one's going to have a dog he's happy with.)

Time and experience. No short cuts. Pay attention to who is who and build your own database of knowledge. Add to it with each dog you meet or read about.

Agreed.

Also - LISTENING to those with experience and knowledge. ;)

Go to events. Watch the dogs. When you see one you like, ask about the dog's pedigree. Take notes. Listen to people talking at ringside. You can learn a lot that way. It just takes time.

One thing I have learned... people like talking about there dogs (ie- example is the forum.. lol).

Go to the events, find a dog you like, ask the owner/handler or breeder about them.

You will start to see a pattern in your likes and dislikes.

I actually bring a little note book and keep it in my training bag in my car. If see a dog I like, I write down the name, kennel, bloodlines and what was said about that dog also include things I hear from others away from the breeder or handler. ;)

I have a whole collection now of dogs I like or dislike and WHY I felt that way.

I am by no means experienced but I now know what I like and dislike and can tell you why and where those things are possibly coming from.

I haven't really been to any dog related event yet, but who knows, maybe I'll go :) As far as I can see my usual approach of "just googling it" might not help me that much here :)

Thanks for your answers.

Do you know about any links where I could get some knowledge about the most important lines/kennels, preferably the European ones?? I found a lot of information about the Kirschental line, but I knew what I'm looking for. However, when I try to find something more general its' usually not more than pages explaining the difference between DDR, czech dogs, ASL, GSl, etc.