A selective breeding practice focuses on mating individuals that are related within a specific pedigree. This approach aims to concentrate desirable traits found within that lineage. For example, a breeder might consistently pair dogs that share a grandparent known for superior agility skills to enhance those skills in subsequent generations.
Its application allows for the consistent production of specific characteristics, offering breeders a degree of predictability in their offspring. Historically, this method has been employed to establish and maintain breed standards, preserving key features and temperaments. It is crucial, however, to consider the potential risks, as concentrating genes can also amplify undesirable recessive traits.
