about the breed
The Coefficient of Inbreeding
The coefficient of inbreeding illustrates why responsible breeding goes beyond a pedigree. Health, verified ancestry, the gene pool and an association's transparency all matter.
A low coefficient of inbreeding
ALFA-Europe, the association with which I am registered, takes a fairly rigorous approach to health. Keeping the coefficient of inbreeding low is part of that approach.
The founder of Australian Labradoodles accepts a maximum coefficient of inbreeding of 10% in her program.
In most cases, however, it ranges between 0.5% and 3%.
We continually look for fresh genetic diversity, which is not easy in the Labradoodle world. There are many associations around the world, and they were not all established for the same purpose.
associations
It reminds me a little of Poland in 2012, when a new Animal Protection Act took effect and numerous associations for supposedly purebred dogs and cats suddenly appeared.
A dog selling at a market for a hundred złoty on Saturday could cost two thousand by Monday, simply because it was now registered with an association that had not existed a week earlier.
Never mind health tests, DNA, examinations or litter inspections. What mattered was that an organization had issued a pedigree: a piece of paper listing invented names of uncertain origin. If that was what buyers considered important, they could have it.
Why you need to investigate the association
The same applies to Australian Labradoodle associations. There are simply a great many now. Some were established for admirable reasons; others, not so much.
The problem is that the average buyer does not know this is the reality — and how would they? Those who investigate later may discover they have acquired a mixed-breed dog with no genuine connection to Australian Labradoodles.
I have had countless calls from people who might otherwise have become clients: 'We made a mistake,' 'It was supposed to be a Labradoodle,' or 'At least we rescued the puppy from that awful breeder.' That is before the many requests for help with behavior problems such as eating feces or aggression.
On the other hand, I find it hard to blame people. It took me several months to get to the truth myself, while finding a good, healthy stud dog took me well over a year.
Dogs, health and diversity
Continue exploring
Breed Associations — Why pedigrees, associations and transparency matter.
DNA Testing and Identification — DNA identification and parentage verification.
A Breed or a Mixed-Breed Dog? — The difference between a planned breeding program and a chance litter.