Preservation Breeding: Dam and Sire Selection

In preservation breeding, is the sire or the dam more important in the selection process?

When breeding dogs, the ideal approach is to consider both the male (sire) and the female (dam) equally, but if you must prioritize one, the female (dam) is generally more important for the following reasons:

Why the Female Matters More in Breeding:

1. Maternal Influence: The mother provides more than genetics—she plays a crucial role in whelping, early puppy development, and socialization.

2. Mitochondrial DNA: Puppies inherit mitochondrial DNA exclusively from the mother, which affects energy production and overall health.

3. Health and Temperament: A strong, healthy, and well-tempered female is critical because she raises the litter and influences the puppies’ early behavior.

4. Whelping Ability: A proven dam with good mothering instincts and the ability to whelp naturally is highly valuable.

   
   

   

   
   

When to Prioritize the Male:

1. Correcting Flaws: If the female has minor structural weakneses, the right male can help balance those traits.

2. Expanding Gene Pool: In rare or preservation breeds, a high-quality male may introduce valuable genetics.

3. Proven Producer: If a male has consistently sired excellent offspring with different females, his genetic influence may be worth prioritizing.

Final Thoughts:

Always breed for the whole package—structure, temperament, health, and genetic diversity. The female sets the foundation for the litter, but the male should complement her strengths and improve weaknesses.