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The ISSA Outcrossing Plan - Breed Research

Before ISSA decided to do its first outcross, a lot of research had to be done. The first thing launched was the UC-Davis study, but we also needed to get a lot of other things in order--things like clearly defining our goals, analyzing our existing population, and defining rules to govern the use of an outcross and its offspring.

Below you'll find the first part of the checklist we used for our outcrossing project. In several places you'll find links to the actual data we collected, but if you're not interested in that, this list will at least give you an idea of the months of work we put into analyzing what the ISSA has in its current breeding population.

Outcross Planning Checklist - PART ONE

International Shiloh Shepherd Alliance

April 2017


SECTION ONE: Goals and Population Research

The following sections are presented for quick reference; they are dealt with in detail on the next page, Rules and Criteria. Click here to go to the next page, and read a detailed description of the rules and procedures we are setting in place before we introduce our first outcross.

Section Two: Rules and Guidelines for Outcrossing in the ISSA

  • ❖ specify rules to reduce inbreeding and relationship moving forward, including:
  • ➢ stud restriction (how many times can a stud be used)
  • ➢ repeat combinations (are there rules limiting repeat breedings)
  • ➢ maximum number of litters (is there a maximum for females)
  • ➢ maximum relationship between the breeding stock, or maximum inbreeding of the offspring

  • ❖ Complete a Health Survey to assess the population of animals for crossing into.
  • ❖ Describe the method of outcrossing (Using a stud? Buying a breeding dog? Or cooperating with another breed that also needs an outcross and splitting the offspring?)
  • ❖ Define procedure for determining the outcross breed. Describe the responsible people and their duties.
  • ❖ Decide whether only male progeny of the outcross will be used or if females will also.
  • ❖ Selection of the actual outcross dogs, health screenings, dates of breeding, who shall own the outcross and/or the F1 generation pups.
  • ❖ Clearly define how much the direction of the outcrossing will be overseen by the Board or Wardens, and at what times during the Outcross progeny development reports will be sent (photos, updates, health testing, temperament testing, etc.).
  • ❖ If a committee is handling the outcross work: Preparation of the statement for allowable outcross progeny that will be sent to breed administrative body (Board).
  • ❖ Optional for European clubs: draw up the plan in consultation / collaboration with the FCI scientific and breeding commission. (Note: The Shiloh is an American rare breed which is not recognized by the FCI, so this is not an option.)
  • ❖ Duration of the outcrossing plan: how long will it take to integrate stock and what is the plan for ongoing generations?

Section Three: Evaluation of Results

  • ❖ Define when feedback on the outcross stock must be given
  • ❖ Define how feedback is submitted
  • ❖ Define who must submit feedback as the program continues
  • ❖ Use the above data to determine the overall success of the outcross.

© 2016 International Shiloh Shepherd Alliance, Inc.