Limited Inter-variety Breeding

As many of you are aware, a joint meeting (BSDA of GB, NBSDC and WBSDS) took place at the KC Building at Stoneleigh on November 22^nd 2009 to discuss the possibilities for Limited Intervarietal Breeding of Belgian Shepherd Dogs.  At this meeting Dr Jeff Sampson (KC Genetics Co-ordinator) drew our attention to the problems of in-breeding within pedigree dog breeds and some of the potential consequences of this in terms of lowered fertility and litter size and the increase in genetic disease.  One way of improving genetic diversity within the Belgian Shepherds would be by the introduction of a Limited Programme of Intervarietal Breeding.  A Laekenois-Malinois mating has already been approved by the KC, which involves the need to mate back to Laekenois for three generations.  A paper concerning proposals for such matings between Tervueren and Groenendael has been published in the newsletters of the relevant societies and can be read at http://www.bsdaofgb.co.uk/events.  

The idea would be that each individual case would be considered on its merits by the KC, who would consult the breed clubs to see if it was supported by them.  There was an extensive discussion at the meeting, with the result that it is proposed that an Intervarietal Breeding Commission be set up to serve for 2 years (Jan 1^st 2010 to Dec 31^st 2011).  The purpose of this would be to establish clear objective criteria which could be applied in future to each intervarietal mating proposal in order for it to be supported.  It was suggested that the Intervarietal Breeding Commission should consider criteria such as good breed type, health checks, character assessment, possibly by way of KC Good Citizen tests, working ability etc and try to work out an objective and transparent way these could be assessed.  The management of the introduction of such Intervariety bred progeny into the gene pools of both contributing varieties also needs to be considered. 

It was agreed that each of the three breed clubs would propose three representatives, who were members of the respective clubs, for the Intervarietal Breeding Commission (which would therefore have 9 members), who would be experienced breeders/stud dog owners, with knowledge of genetics and of good standing within the breed.  If you believe you are such a person and wish to be involved in this historic step forward for our beautiful breed, please submit details of your experience (dogs bred, dogs sired by stud dogs, knowledge of genetics and genetic problems etc) to one of the breed club secretaries by December 14^th 2009.  Note, you need to be a member of that breed club.  The committees of those clubs will then select three representatives to serve for 2 years on the Intervarietal Breeding Commission.  During the two years which these 9 people will serve, each breed club should debate at its respective AGM the way forward for selection of people to be on this commission for the future, so that the three breed club memberships can agree the way forward.  Any further details needed – telephone Margy Pratten (Secretary of the BSDA of GB) 01159447145.