If two dogs have a 0% COI, does that make them a good breeding pair?
The answer is no—and that’s where the art and science of responsible breeding come together.
No single number, test, title, or opinion should determine whether two dogs are bred. Responsible breeding is about evaluating the whole dog and the whole pedigree.
Here are just some of the factors experienced breeders consider:
🧬 Pedigree Research
A pedigree tells a story. Study generations of dogs—not just names on paper. Look for longevity, health trends, consistency of quality, temperament, structure, performance, and what each ancestor consistently produced.
🧬 Genetic Diversity
Pedigree COI estimates relatedness based on ancestry, while DNA-based tools such as BetterBred and UC Davis evaluate actual genetic markers to estimate diversity. These are valuable tools, but they are one piece of the puzzle—not the entire puzzle.
❤️ Health Testing
Complete all recommended breed-specific health testing and understand the results. Screening helps reduce risk, but it cannot guarantee perfect puppies.
🏆 Titles and Performance
Championships, performance titles, temperament certifications, and working accomplishments demonstrate that independent evaluators have assessed the dog’s qualities. Titles don’t guarantee breeding quality, but they do provide valuable information.
📐 Structure
Evaluate both dogs honestly. Every dog has strengths and weaknesses. The goal is not to double up on faults but to select a mate that complements the other dog while preserving breed type.
🧠 Temperament
Stable, predictable temperament is every bit as important as physical appearance. Puppies become family members, service dogs, performance partners, and ambassadors for our breed.
🩺 Overall Health and Reproductive Soundness
Consider fertility, whelping history, longevity within the family, and overall physical condition—not just genetic test results.
🎯 Breeding Goals
Ask yourself: What am I trying to improve? Every breeding should have a purpose beyond simply producing puppies.
👶 Planning for Every Puppy
Responsible breeding begins long before conception. Have a plan for placement, socialization, lifetime support, and a commitment to every puppy you produce.
Perhaps the most important lesson is this:
No single tool replaces good breeding judgment.
- DNA testing.
- Pedigrees.
- Health testing.
- Titles.
- Structural evaluation.
- Temperament.
- Mentorship.
- Experience.
Each contributes valuable information. Together, they allow breeders to make informed decisions that protect and improve the future of their breed.
The best breeders never stop learning. Every litter teaches something new, and every responsible decision helps preserve the breed for generations to come.
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