Breeding Dogs in the 21st Century

England is doing a brilliant job in Boxers and I have been fascinated with the producing ability of Tim Hutchin's prolific Boxer sire, Eng. Ch. Winuwuk Lust in the Dust. I have seen a number of his offspring while visiting and judging in the U.K. and observed many others in photographs. They excel in their short backs, arch of neck and beautiful fore-chests, and particularly in legs and feet. My admiration for the dog's producing ability encouraged correspondence between Tim and me, and one particular piece of correspondence stands out. I quote:

"He (Lust in the Dust) does produce well, that's for sure. He has ended up as top sire this year. However, what people don't always understandalthough I tell them constantlyis that he produces better to outcrosses. I have people bring heavily Beern Skittles (Eng. Ch. Blueprint Beern Skittles At Walkon, Lust in the Dust's sire) bred stuff to him and that usually doesn't work (too much of a good thing, and all that!)"

I am not familiar enough with the individuals in the Lust in the Dust's pedigree to know what their respective phenotype is. I do know his sire has been a producer of high regard. Do others in the pedigree reflect what those in Mr. Beau Monde's pedigree indicated? That I don't know, but what I do know is that both Lust in the Dust and Mr. Beau Monde are sires of consequenceparticularly when they are used well. It will prove interesting to see where Lust in the Dust's offspring will best be taken in order to carry on the producing heritage.

The examples I've used are but a few of how important it is to be aware of what works and what doesn't in one's breed or breeding program. Even the best of dams bred to the great sires is no guarantee of success. Perhaps that ancient adage, "Look before you leap," demands application here.

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