Bloodline

The bloodline is technically the lineage or pedigree of the individual. When we speak of a breeder's bloodline there is generally the presumption of intelligent design. Bloodlines based on select individuals set a style or type within the breed. This is the breeder's personal interpretation of the standard. A breeder can breed to unrelated and dissimilar dogs or dogs that phenotypically resemble each other. Certainly not everyone needs to inbreed; but to develop true predictable lines there needs to be a recognizable stamp. I love to see a fine Ibizan and immediately know who the breeder is or from whose stock it came. One needs a strong personal vision of the desirable type pursued. Hopefully each new generation will be superior to the last.

I have heard certain breeders proclaim that they would not let anyone outside their line use their stock. I think this is a mistake to refuse if this person who wants to use the bloodline has a knowledgeable and responsible need for the virtues of that line. It is acceptable to allow the bloodline out, you should just be very cautious of what you put back in.

A line bred dog or bitch will be very prepotent for its own type and can be outcrossed judiciously for needed strengths. When linebreeding there can be little compromise as to quality. Only excellent specimens should be used. It is important to take note of what the most faulty individual in each litter looks like. The Ibizan has a limited pet market and most pet people demand correct type and good quality. There is no place in the breed for the "Let's see what this breeding will do" litters. There is no reason to breed a "pet" litter.

The ideal stud dog must be a first class dog with first class parents closely related to our bitch without the faults that she has and the virtues that she lacks

A wonderful bonus of linebreeding is that near reincarnation of grand old dogs long gone. How wonderful to see those dear faces and beautiful bodies reborn! There is a real sense of legacy in leaving behind a unique and recognizable mark on the breed long after we are gone. No individual has one true path to absolute success. Each of us has the responsibility to leave a positive vision for the heritage of the breed.

An interesting and enlightening exercise for research is to go back to the sixth or even eighth generation of the pedigree and count how many times certain dogs or bloodlines are repeated. Then make a list in order of numerical influence. To create a line it is of utmost importance to have an idea of the strengths and weaknesses of all the dogs in the pedigree-the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Some of our newer imports have minimal recorded pedigrees. Hopefully they do have the advantage of being shaped by purpose, environment, and function. How exciting to be in on the ground floor, an opportunity to preserve native lines and create new ones.