New annual breed averages for inbreeding released
The Kennel Club has released a new set of annual breed averages for the coefficient of inbreeding (COIs). Available on its free online health resource, Mate Select, it is hoped that the averages will help breeders to continue to make responsible choices when choosing which dogs to use for breeding.
Previously the breed average calculations were based on all dogs recorded by the Kennel Club during the previous year. This included imported dogs, dogs that form part of an overseas pedigree but are not necessarily registered with the Kennel Club, dogs born one year and registered the next, and dogs registered late (over a year old).
Following feedback from users, the Kennel Club has reviewed and recalculated the COIs on Mate Select to reflect just those dogs born and registered within the UK in a given year. In future, this calculation will be carried out each June and will generate the annual breed average using Kennel Club registered dogs born in the UK between January and December of the previous year. Using this data will provide a more effective means of monitoring yearly change, than by using the average of all recorded dogs in each breed.
The Kennel Club say that the changes do not impact on any individual dog's inbreeding coefficient, nor the COIs of hypothetical matings.
Of the 206 breeds using the new calculation, the annual breed average COI has decreased for nine breeds and stays the same for an additional 12. Five breeds did not have any dogs born in the UK in 2013, therefore the current breeding average COI is based on the most recent year in which an annual breed average could be calculated.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club secretary said: "We believe that these new annual breed averages will not only help breeders to continue to make responsible choices when choosing which dogs to use for breeding, but also show the effect that these decisions have for their breed year-on-year."
Further information on COIs and the Kennel Club’s Mate Select resource can be found at www.thekennelclub.org.uk services/public/mateselect or by emailing mateselect@thekennelclub.org.uk.
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