Heritable behavioural traits
Drive intensity, nerve strength, pain tolerance, possessiveness, social confidence and biddability all show strong heritability in working breeds. Repeated breedings from the same pairing tend to produce recognisably similar dogs, which is why experienced handlers buy litters rather than adverts.
Traits also interact. High prey drive with weak nerve produces frantic, unreliable behaviour, whereas the same drive with strong nerve produces a dog that is powerful and controllable.
Structure and longevity
Angulation, bone density, foot quality and muscle attachment influence how long a dog can work without injury. Extremes bred for the show ring — over-angulated rears in particular — are avoided entirely in working programmes.
Health genetics
Hip and elbow dysplasia are polygenic and influenced by environment, but screening still reduces incidence substantially across a population. Single-gene conditions such as degenerative myelopathy can be managed precisely through DNA testing and careful carrier pairing.
- Polygenic traits improve slowly through consistent selection
- Single-gene conditions can be eliminated within a generation
- Coefficient of inbreeding is monitored on every planned mating
- Temperament is weighted above appearance in every decision
Epigenetics and raising
Maternal stress, early neurological stimulation and the quality of the first sixteen weeks measurably affect adult resilience. Genetics load the gun; raising decides how steadily it is held. Our breeders follow structured enrichment protocols precisely for this reason.