Brackett's Principle #7: Know Faults for Correction through Physical Compensation!

BIF CH Lyloak's Fresca

“…we must center our attention on several faults in type or structure possessed by this bitch, so we can go about breeding her for correction and over-all improvement.”[i]

“Paper breeding”, as Brackett called it, alone can be very dangerous.  Start with the pedigree as you consider linebreeding, but avoid if both the bitch and the prospective stud dog carry a common fault.  Or if a weakness or fault is observed in the bitch.  Then be sure that the stud dog and his ancestors do not carry that same fault.  Carmen Battaglia stresses that “it is safe in study of pedigrees to assume that the recurrence of certain traits for more than four generations is genetically stable and not likely to be easily lost.”[ii]

“We must also try to find one who not only possesses these correct attributes himself but comes from dogs who had them.”[iii]

If possible, the sire should further be prepotent in the attributes in which the bitch is weakest.

“If we DO know that either the sire or dam, or any others amongst her ancestors, did have one or more faults mentioned, then we most certainly do not want that dog or dogs in the pedigree of the mate we select for her—if we can possibly avoid it.  Should such be unavoidable, then that animal should be so far back in the pedigree as to make its influence negligible.”[iv]

It is critical to properly undertake an evaluation, particularly of the breeding pair and their sire and dam and their littermates, if at all possible.  Above all, know the genotype traits of both the bitch's and potential stud's back a minimal of three generations.

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[i] Ibid., page 29.

[ii] Battaglia, Carmelo L.  Breeding Better Dogs., Atlanta, GA:  Susan hunter Publishing Co., 1986, page 43.

[iii] Ibid., page 29.

[iv] Ibid., page 29.

Brackett Principle #6: Know What to Expect through Inheritance!

RFB Lyloak's Isn't She Lovely  (Love)

(Sel. Ex. CH Good to the Last Drop of Edan X Lyloak's Sugar Maple TC,PT)

“…ONLY those breeders knowledgeable in what constitutes a near-perfect specimen of the breed, as well as those having information on what to hope for, and look out for, through inheritance factors, should even THINK of doing closed-up breeding on them.”[i]

Mr.Brackett employed a three-step procedure for this component of visualizing what a proposed breeding might bring forth.  First, the breeder must know what constitutes a good GSD according to the breed standard.  Next, the breeder must be knowledgeable of the pedigrees of the potential mates.  This naturally leads into the third step of knowing the characteristics (attributes and faults) of as many of the dogs in the pedigree as possible.

It is imperative to be certain to select near faultless dogs as foundation stock!  It will be very difficult, if not impossible; to implement planned breeding using mediocre stock.  Brackett was adamant that if a beginner, or any breeder for that matter, discovers (obviously through gained knowledge and experience) that they possess mediocre stock; then there is only one course of action—“Cull relentlessly!”

Even when the proposed mating matches very good dogs, never mate two dogs with similar faults.  This action would only heighten the probability of reproducing that very fault.

This principle rests upon knowing both the “phenotype” and the “genotype” of the dogs being used in your breeding program.   Phenotype can be defined as the “outward, physical manifestation of the organism. These are the physical parts, . . .anything that is part of the observable structure, function or behavior of a living organism.”[ii]

Genotype can be defined as the "internally coded, inheritable information carried by all living organisms. This stored information is used as a ‘blueprint’ or set of instructions for building and maintaining a living creature. These instructions are found within almost all cells (the ‘internal’ part), they are written in a coded language (the genetic code), they are copied at the time of cell division or reproduction and are passed from one generation to the next ("inheritable").”[iii]

Brackett goes so far as to suggest that many beginners are “stuck” and have little hope of moving away from mediocrity.  He wrote that “few indeed are those who have more than one bitch and, more often than not, that one not such a specimen as a knowledgeable fancier of the breed would select as a foundation brood matron.”[iv]  They are “stuck” with the stock they have and therefore are determined to make use of what they have.  The reasons for breeding from such mediocre stock may be the result of affection for the bitch, insufficient financial ability to purchase something better, the lack of knowledge to be aware of what constitutes a good GSD and the inability to set a vision in regards to developing a breeding program or planned breeding.  Brackett advocated beginning with something much better than an ordinary, run-of-the-mill specimen.

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[i] Brackett, Lloyd C.  Planned Breeding.  Westchester, IL:  Dog World Magazine, 1961, page 20.

[ii] Blamire, Professor John.  Accessed from:  http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/bc/ahp/BioInfo/GP/Definition.html     on July 16, 2008.

[iii] Ibid.

[iv] Brackett,  page 28.

Brackett Principle #5: Outcross--But Only for Definite Purposes!

Ch. Drum of Long Worth

“I will state unequivocally that ‘nobody but nobody’ amongst them is going to do constructive animal breeding or produce a satisfactory percentage of top specimens, and most certainly they WILL NOT build a strain within the breed.  This having been proved to be true innumerable times by geneticists and all successful animal breeders, regardless of variety, what follows can be of value or interest to those now doing such outcross breeding only for one reason:  to demonstrate why they are not getting the desired results.”[i]

Brackett emphatically stated that one must outcross only for a definite purpose!  In doing so, one may find that the first generation of outcross generally will prove successful.  However, the offspring of succeeding generations of outcross breeding will be a “heterogenous lot” which displays any lack of uniformity.  Breeders face the danger of losing any breed type they desire to retain.  This has the potential of being very notable in differing type in both size and proportion.

Furthermore, Brackett advocated outcrossing only for specific purpose.  This could be employed “to correct a fault or faults which may have shown up in his inbred strain.”[ii]  The more distant breeding undertaken, one can expect less uniformity.  Brackett rests this premise on the authority of Onstott who stated that “any virtues which may be added to a strain through outcrossing. . . . .cannot be looked upon as inherit in that strain until they have been purified and fixed within that strain through inbreeding.”

The Art of Breeding Better Dogs

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[i] Ibid., pages 14-15.

[ii] Ibid., page 15.

Brackett Principle #4: Linebreed & Inbreed Wisely!

Ch. Vol of Long-Worth ROM

“The subject of inbreeding and linebreeding might be summed up this way:  Probably no great epoch or step forward in any breed has ever been achieved without the constant and unhesitating use of consanguinity; at the same time we must realize that its use is full of dangers and pitfalls for those novice breeders who fail to recognize the imperative need for using only stock which is sound in constitution, organs and structure—and which also possesses points of merit, with NO SINGLE FAULT COMMON TO THE TWO ORIGINAL PARENTS.”[i]

As a preface to even the consideration to linebreed or inbreed, there are a number of foundational principles that must be firmly in place:

1.      Be able to recognize shortcomings and merits of dogs to be bred.

2.      Study the pedigrees of the breeding pair and learn the shortcomings and merits of the breeding pair’s ancestors.

3.      Make certain to select near faultless foundation stock.

4.      Cull relentlessly.

5.      Never mate together two dogs with similar faults.

6.      AND remember that “Physical compensation is the foundation rock upon which all enduring worth must be built.”

Brackett used the terminology of “family breeding” to denote the mating of closely related animals which would incorporate both linebreeding and inbreeding.  He described linebreeding as “mating animals who are closely related to the same ancestor.”[ii]  It should be noted, however, that the animals are “bred in line” to a common ancestor normally involving the second, third or even more distant generations. Inbreeding denotes an even closer association between the mating pair involving son to mother, father to daughter, brother to sister, half-brother to half-sister.

A valid question to ask is:  why would any responsible breeder linebreed or inbreed?  Brackett emphatically stated that its purpose is to improve the breed, get the best results possible, and to upgrade one’s stock.  The advantage of linebreeding is simply to get predictable results—if the selection has been good, the “pulls” are all in the same direction.  One ought to be able to move from hoping for a good result to having the power of the hereditary influence pull these factors into a favorable direction.

The greatest danger or disadvantage associated with linebreeding according to Brackett is that the breeder who employs selection by pedigree alone without consideration given to physical traits of the pair is the chief danger. Linebreeding does not replace proper selection.  Under no circumstance should a breeder “abandon individual selection” to undertake linebreeding.  Therefore, it becomes an absolute that the responsible breeder develops a system of linebreeding which combines animals similar in characteristics but narrows the pedigree to a few closely related line of descent.

In a similar manner, the advantages of inbreeding are that the highest percentage of blood of an exceptional dog can be kept.  Furthermore, inbreeding holds and makes the greatest use of excellence by doubling up and intensifying good characteristics of the truly exceptional dog.  The tool is likewise double-edged because the bad characteristics are doubled up and intensified. 

Ch. Nyx of Long-Worth ROM

Brackett offered several keys to correctly undertake inbreeding.  The first prerequisite is to start with superior animals.  Never use mediocre breeding stock.  When poor or mediocre specimens are used, expect poor and mediocre results.  When superior specimens are used, expect superior results.  Learn what inherited traits you are working with.  Bracket himself recognized that “any characteristic can be bred up or down, strengthened or weakened, by this method of breeding.”[iii]  His writings indicate his belief that when superior animals are used VIGOR and FERTILITY as well as other attributes will result.

“To those for whom it is written, however, a summation of the total effects of inbreeding, and to a modified degree that of linebreeding, follows:  All characteristics both good and bad exist in various degrees in different dogs. . . Results are entirely dependent upon SELECTION, remembering that ‘Physical compensation is the foundation rock upon which all enduring worth must be built.’”[iv]

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[i] Ibid., page 20.

[ii] Ibid., page 3.

[iii] Ibid., page 5.

[iv] Ibid., page 6.

Brackett Principle #3: Build Your Kennel on the Selection of Bitches!

1937 German Seiger Ch. Odin v Busecker-Schloss

Brackett next moved forward to find the right bitches on which to move his plan to the point of strategy implementation.  The acquisition of worthy bitches is a difficult proposition for any generation.  Breeders are reluctant to part with quality potential bitches!

“Mr. German Shepherd,” as he was affectionately known, stated that “it is a much used aphorism that no stable is better than its mares, and no kennel better than its bitches.  That, of course, is true.  The most valuable acquisition a would-be dog breeder can make is that of a good bitch or bitches.  Without one or more of these, the tasks of breeding superior specimens in any breed is a long, if not indeed, a hopeless one.”[i]

As difficult as this seems, Brackett added an additional precondition into the formula:  the bitches must be daughters of certain studs.  It took him two additional years to purchase bitches who were in fact daughters to the three outstanding foundation studs (Pfeffer v. Bern, Odin v. Busecker-Schloss and Arras a.d. Stadt-Verbert).

1936 German Seiger Ch. Arras a.d. Stadt-Berbert

In addition to the stipulation that these three bitches must be related closely to the three outstanding studs, each bitch had to possess the attribution of a show specimen with the proper genetic background!

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[i] Ibid., page 11.

Planned breeding

Brackett Principle #2: Build a Strain!!

1937 & 1938 GV Ch. Pfeffer v Bern


Brackett readily admits to learning by his own mistakes.  He, too, had previously practiced what he estimated that 98% of the average dog fanciers had done—mated the best bitches to the best available males, regardless of bloodlines.  He further indicated that he employed compensatory matings by “using studs strong in characteristics in which bitches needed improvement.”[i]

The strategy in which Brackett would implement to improve his breeding program would center upon building a distinct strain.  This would be accomplished within the breed by using three (3) great males.  Brackett elaborated that this plan produced more that the average number of good specimens.  However, this still did not give him the multiple champion litters, nor establish a definite TYPE which he desired.  His reassessment at that point moved his plan to the necessity of utilizing the power of inbreeding and line-breeding.

Building a strain was achieved through the repeated use of three (3) foundation males:

1.      US CH. Pfeffer v. Bern

2.      US CH. Odin v. Busecker-Schloss

3.      US CH. Arras a.d. Stadt-Berbert

Of interest is the factor that all three of these dogs were “stemmed closely and strongly” from German Sieger Utz von Haus-Schutting.  Pfeffer v. Bern and Odin v. Busecker-Schloss were half-brother by the same sire; while Arras’ dam (Stella) was the offspring of a half-brother-sister mating in which Utz was the sire of the sire and the dam.

Brackett would, in fact, build his strain within the breed by using three males as his foundation stones!  These three males were all closely related!

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[i] Ibid., page 10.

Brackett Principle #1: Learn What a Good German Shepherd Dog Is!

Lyloak's Sugar Maple, TC, PT

"Let the sire of the sire become the grandsire on the dam's side."

Lloyd C. Brackett

As I have analyzed the writing of Lloyd Brackett by utilizing his booklet entitled Planned Breeding,  I have gleaned ten (10) insights or principles based upon my careful reading and analysis. In this part, I will state and expound upon the first principles.

Learn What a Good German Shepherd Dog Specimen Is!

“To the many, however, who seem sincerely interested in breeding better specimens, to the many who want to know HOW to do it,  I want to stress as strongly as I can:  YOU MUST FIRST KNOW WHAT IS A GOOD DOG OF YOUR BREED.  In other words, know your breed before you try to breed it.”[i]

The genesis of any potential breeding program must be the breed standard.  How can one possibly know what the desired outcome of potential breedings will be without first establishing what is the ideal—the standard of the breed?   An oft repeated statement is made that the perfect German Shepherd Dog has not yet been born!  Obviously, this is true!  Nonetheless, this cannot prevent a conscientious breeder from striving to breed the prefect German Shepherd Dog.

Next, after studying the breed standard, one must place themselves into circumstances to see and evaluate as many dogs as possible.  This might  most easily accomplished today by undertaking the following:

o   Attending dog shows in which your breed is shown and judged; both specialty and all-breed shows.  Evaluate each class of dogs according to the breed standard and rank them within that class and eventually the winners.

o   Finding a regional specialty club, join that club and attend as many functions as possible. 

o   Talking with knowledgeable people in one’s breed—judges, handlers, breeders, and owners who show.

o   Joining the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA).

o   Attending seminars and educational programs sponsored by the GSDCA.

o   Reading the German Shepherd Dog Review and other GSD magazines (such as the German Shepherd Quarterly).

o   Referencing the annual Redbook published by the GSDCA and the Bluebook (which has articles dealing with health and genetic issues relative to the GSD).  You will find timely information and helpful interviews with breeders, up-to-date health issues and highlights, as well as shown results, etc… 

Brackett adamantly expressed that the basic perquisite to starting a breeding program is to learn what a good German Shepherd Dog specimen is.  He forcefully stated that it is better not to breed than to breed without knowledge.  Brackett’s own words espouse this foundational principle:

“It is very evident to me now that I have presupposed a greater knowledge of what constitutes a good animal of any given breed than the majority of its fanciers possess.  This  being true, it seems to behoove me now again to warm some of today’s breeders NOT to attempt to do close-up breeding; in fact, not to do ANY breeding until they have a better knowledge of WHAT they want to get FROM their matings.”[ii]

Brackett would advocate that all responsible breeders should be able to recognize a good specimen first and foremost.  Secondly, one must be able to note “any and all faults or shortcomings”[iii]  of the GSD.  Of course, it goes without saying that one cannot know the faults and shortcomings without knowing what the standard is!

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[i] Brackett, Lloyd C.  Planned Breeding, page 20.

[ii] Ibid., page 19.

[iii] Ibid., page 19.