Thread: Are Labradors good at finding Large Game?

Originally Posted by stagstalker

@Flyblown The idea that cross breeds are the magic cure to health problems is a myth. If you cross a labrador with genetic hip dysplasia with a pointer that has a genetic eye condition then the crossbred pups will inherit those genetic issues.. It’s about doing your homework before you purchase a pup or dog and obtaining medical proof that the parents are healthy and issue free. Dogs with health issues are a case of breeding poor genetics as opposed to a purebred vs crossbred argument.

I will disagree with this stagstalker. Crossbreeding of two unrelated pure breeds masks or hides genetic faults, and inbreeding / linebreeding brings these to the surface. The crossbred animal will inherit the faults but those genetic faults will not be visible. It is only when the fault carrying animal is back crossed with another animal carrying the same fault that it will possibly make its appearance once more . Crossbreds are more vigorous, healthy, fertile and have longer lives than the parent breeds from which they are derived, this is on average measured at 16% in the first or F1 cross.
Genetic progress in breeding is best made with pure breeds. It is possible to use cross breeds to form new breeds but needs a lot of resources.
In summary, the parents of pure breds need to be totally 'sound' and free of genetic faults ( not just physically tested to not have the fault because they can still carry it ), whereas for a utility dog that won't be bred from a crossbred is a better bet if the genetic soundness of the parents isn't tested and proven.

If anyone is interested, I know where there is a Lab male that leaves exceptional pups. He totally 'stamps' his litters and every pup is brilliant and improved. Pm me and I can put you in contact with the owner.