{"id":270,"date":"2025-04-25T13:57:19","date_gmt":"2025-04-25T13:57:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/?page_id=270"},"modified":"2025-05-24T17:21:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T17:21:48","slug":"comprendre-la-consanguinite","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/sante\/comprendre-la-consanguinite\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding inbreeding"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 42\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><em><strong>Issues, methods and limits<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Inbreeding is a central concept in canine breeding. While it can be a tool for establishing certain qualities in a line, it also presents significant risks when used carelessly. In this chapter, we explain the main principles of inbreeding, its practical implications, and how we approach it in our breeding.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Page contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/sante\/comprendre-la-consanguinite\/#1_Definitions_essentielles\" >1. Essential definitions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/sante\/comprendre-la-consanguinite\/#2_Le_calcul_du_coefficient_de_consanguinite\" >2. Calculation of the inbreeding coefficient<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/sante\/comprendre-la-consanguinite\/#3_Risques_lies_a_une_consanguinite_excessive\" >3. Risks associated with excessive inbreeding<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/sante\/comprendre-la-consanguinite\/#4_Notre_approche_de_la_consanguinite\" >4. Our approach to inbreeding<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/sante\/comprendre-la-consanguinite\/#5_Les_methodes_danalyse_les_plus_souvent_employees\" >5. The most frequently used analysis methods<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/sante\/comprendre-la-consanguinite\/#1_Coefficient_de_consanguinite_CS_ou_aussi_appele_Taux_de_consanguinite_TC\" >1. Consanguinity coefficient (CS) or also called Consanguinity rate (CR)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/sante\/comprendre-la-consanguinite\/#2_Coefficient_dimplexe_CI\" >2. Implex coefficient (IC)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/sante\/comprendre-la-consanguinite\/#3_Consanguinite_sur_la_lignee\" >3. Inbreeding on the line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Definitions_essentielles\"><\/span><strong>1. Essential definitions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-356 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/unnamed-20.30.14.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"368\" height=\"374\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&#8211; <strong>Inbreeding<\/strong> (strict inbreeding): this involves mating between individuals who are very close genetically (brother\/sister, parent\/child, uncle\/niece, etc.). This method is currently not recommended in dog breeding, as it greatly increases the risk of transmitting recessive genetic defects.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; <strong>Linebreeding<\/strong> (consensual inbreeding): mating between individuals who share distant common ancestors, often several generations back. Used sparingly, it allows certain traits to be preserved without unduly increasing health risks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 43\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p>&#8211; <strong>Outcrossing<\/strong> (or outbreeding): mating between individuals with no significant common ancestors over several generations (often 5 or 10). This increases genetic diversity and reduces the risks associated with inbreeding, while requiring vigilance over the morphological and behavioral compatibility of the lines<\/p>\n<p>\u2013 Clarification on Linebreeding and notations 2-3, 4-4:<\/p>\n<p>When talking about linebreeding, we often use a notation like 2-3, 3-4, 4-4, etc. These numbers indicate in which generation a common ancestor of the father and mother can be found in the pedigree. The first number corresponds to the generation on the father&#039;s side. The second number to the generation on the mother&#039;s side. For example: 2-3 on X means that ancestor X appears in the 2nd generation on the father&#039;s side (i.e. as a grandparent), and in the 3rd generation on the mother&#039;s side (i.e. as a great-grandparent). 4-4 on Y means that ancestor Y is present in the 4th generation in both branches. The closer the ancestor is in the family tree, the greater the impact of this targeted inbreeding. Too tight a linebreeding (e.g. 2-2 or 2-3) can quickly increase the inbreeding coefficient and should be used with great caution. In our breeding, we occasionally accept light and thoughtful linebreedings, particularly with breeders who have demonstrated excellent health, mental stability, and production quality. These crosses are always evaluated in parallel with the overall inbreeding rate.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Le_calcul_du_coefficient_de_consanguinite\"><\/span><strong>2. Calculation of the inbreeding coefficient<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The coefficient of inbreeding (COI) measures the percentage of genes inherited identically from a common ancestor by both parents.<br \/>\nIt therefore gives an idea of the effective genetic diversity of the mating.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 A COI of 0 % indicates a complete absence of common ancestors.<br \/>\n\u2022 A COI between 6 and 8 % is tolerable in certain lines.<br \/>\n\u2022 A COI above 12-15 % is considered too high and a source<\/p>\n<p>of significant risks.<\/p>\n<p>The FCI recommends staying below 6.25 % over five generations (which corresponds to the union of two first cousins).<br \/>\nIn our breeding, we choose to be even more rigorous: we aim for an inbreeding coefficient of less than 3.5 % over 5 generations. This precaution helps maintain a solid and healthy genetic base.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-557 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20250422_214155-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Comparaison morphologique entre une jeune chienne produite par Des Crocs V\u00e9ritables et une chienne de lign\u00e9e DDR de 1974\" width=\"412\" height=\"549\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20250422_214155-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20250422_214155-768x1023.jpg 768w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20250422_214155-1153x1536.jpg 1153w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20250422_214155-1537x2048.jpg 1537w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/IMG_20250422_214155-scaled.jpg 1921w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 412px) 100vw, 412px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Morphological comparison between a young female dog produced by Des Crocs V\u00e9ritables and a female dog from the DDR line from 1974<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 44\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p>For this, we use specialized calculation tools that take into account the entire pedigree over 5 to 10 generations.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Risques_lies_a_une_consanguinite_excessive\"><\/span><strong>3. Risks associated with excessive inbreeding<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 45\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p>Too high an inbreeding rate can lead to:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 An increased risk of genetic diseases (especially undetectable recessive diseases)<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 A general loss of vigor: slowed growth, weakening of the immune system, reduced fertility<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 A reduction in the diversity of the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 The appearance of behavioral disorders or nervous fragility<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Notre_approche_de_la_consanguinite\"><\/span><strong>4. Our approach to inbreeding<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>We have chosen a reasoned approach, combining selection and preservation:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 We favor matings with a low inbreeding rate, below 3.5 %.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 We use moderate linebreeding only if an ancestor has exceptional qualities that we wish to establish (without repeating the same name several times in a close pedigree).<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 We also practice genetic renewal by outcrossing, by introducing compatible external lines, to strengthen diversity without compromising the desired type.<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 We never breed two healthy carriers of the same recessive disease.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Les_methodes_danalyse_les_plus_souvent_employees\"><\/span><strong>5. The most frequently used analysis methods<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here is a simple explanation of the three most commonly used inbreeding indicators to assess the impact of an alliance (e.g. on the site\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.working-dog.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">WorkingDog<\/a>) :<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Coefficient_de_consanguinite_CS_ou_aussi_appele_Taux_de_consanguinite_TC\"><\/span>1. <strong>Consanguinity coefficient (CS) or also called Consanguinity rate (CR)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>What it measures:<br \/>\nThe probability that a dog will have two identical copies of the same gene (homozygous) because its parents have one or more common ancestors.<\/p>\n<p>What is it for:<br \/>\nThe higher this number, the more inbred the dog is. This means greater genetic homogeneity... but also an increased risk of genetic diseases or loss of diversity.<\/p>\n<p>The formula used:<br \/>\nThey use an approximation based on the proximity of common ancestors in the pedigree.<br \/>\nThe formula: <code>CS = sum (1\/2)^(n1+n2+1)<\/code> Or <code>n1<\/code> And <code>n2<\/code> are the generations that separate each parent from the common ancestor.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Coefficient_dimplexe_CI\"><\/span>2. <strong>Implex coefficient (IC)<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>What it measures:<br \/>\nThe rate of repetition of ancestors in the pedigree.<br \/>\nA CI of 100 % = no ancestor occurs multiple times.<br \/>\nA lower CI = some ancestors are present several times, therefore less genealogical diversity.<\/p>\n<p>What is it for:<br \/>\nThis indicates how many distinct ancestors were used in the lineage.<br \/>\nA low CI = the same dog is used often in lines (which may be desired to fix traits, but increases the risks of inbreeding).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Consanguinite_sur_la_lignee\"><\/span>3. <strong>Inbreeding on the line<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>What it shows:<br \/>\nWhich dogs appear on both the father&#039;s and mother&#039;s side, and in which generations.<\/p>\n<p>What is it for:<br \/>\nThis is a convenient view for identifying common ancestors in the intended alliance.<br \/>\nThis allows you to see exactly where inbreeding begins in the pedigree, and with which dogs.<\/p>\n<h3><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-995 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/file_000000008bd46246aeb36f12b68ba88f-200x300.png\" alt=\"Comprendre la consanguinit\u00e9, CS, CI et consanguinit\u00e9 sur la lign\u00e9e \" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/file_000000008bd46246aeb36f12b68ba88f-200x300.png 200w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/file_000000008bd46246aeb36f12b68ba88f-683x1024.png 683w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/file_000000008bd46246aeb36f12b68ba88f-768x1152.png 768w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/file_000000008bd46246aeb36f12b68ba88f-8x12.png 8w, https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/file_000000008bd46246aeb36f12b68ba88f.png 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; padding-left: 40px;\">CS, CI and inbreeding on the line<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"continue-button\" style=\"display: inline-block; background-color: #2c3e50; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 24px; border-radius: 8px; text-decoration: none; font-size: 18px; transition: background-color 0.3s ease;\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/sante\/lidentification-genetique\/\"><br \/>\nContinue to the next section<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"display: flex; flex-wrap: wrap; justify-content: center; gap: 10px; margin-top: 30px;\"><span style=\"color: #666666; text-align: center;\">\u00a9 2025 \u00c9levage des Crocs V\u00e9ritables<\/span><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 20px;\"><strong>Quick navigation:<\/strong><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 20px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/\">Home<\/a><br \/><a href=\"\/en\/le-berger-allemand\/\">The German Shepherd<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/sante\/\">Health<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/selection\/\">Selection<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/vivre-avec-un-berger-allemand\/\">Living with a German Shepherd<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/education-et-dressage\/\">Education and training<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/elevage\/\">Breeding<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/photos-et-videos\/\">Photos<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/contact\/\">Contact<\/a> | <a href=\"\/en\/liens-et-bibliographie\/\">Links <\/a> | <em><span style=\"color: #339966;\"><a style=\"color: #339966;\" href=\"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/articles-et-reflexions\/\">Articles and Reflections<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Enjeux, me\u0301thodes et limites La consanguinite\u0301 est un concept central dans la se\u0301lection canine. Bien qu\u2019elle puisse e\u0302tre un outil permettant de fixer certaines qualite\u0301s dans une ligne\u0301e, elle pre\u0301sente aussi des risques importants lorsqu\u2019elle est utilise\u0301e sans rigueur. Dans ce chapitre, nous expliquons les grands principes de la consanguinite\u0301, ses implications concre\u0300tes, et la [&hellip;]<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":139,"menu_order":6,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-270","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/270","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=270"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/270\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1257,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/270\/revisions\/1257"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dcv-berger-allemand.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=270"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}