I would like to trace a few of the lines on my labradors pedigree. I know some of them, but would welcome any additional information. I know the Manymills affix which she has quite a bit of. Also Stratfieldsaye, which I have heard were the Duke of Wellingtons dogs (?? when). I also have Palgrave and Sendhurst and Westhope who I don't really know anything about.
Also another question for experienced breeders. I bred back into her line this year. This is my first experience of breeding. If I bred from one of the puppies in the future, what are the advantages of going back into the line again, or to out-cross. I realise I will be building upon the good points in the line, but surely there is a limit to how much in-line breeding is advantageous.
Lorna

Hi Lorna. Yes Manymills was the late Susan Scales and Stratfieldsay is the Duke of Wellington's dogs. Sendhurst is another very old Kennels. The dog which springs to mind was FT CH Sendhurst Sweep owned by Mr R S Wilkins. I've got the pedigree around somewhere and I'll try to find it. Westhope I've heard of but none of these dogs are in my lines so I know very little about any.

As for whether to line, it really depends on just how tight your pedigree is. Lineing has the advantage in that you can be reasonably sure what you are going to get but if there are any faults then you are backing those up as well. Did you line to get Honey? Even if you do chose to line next time I would prefer to see you go out the next time. A lot of people line twice then go out the third time. That way you hopefully fix your line first then add to it with the outcross. If Tess is not a to hot worker (Hot meaning the opposite to laid back) then maybe a good field trials line such as Endacot or a Willowick but if she is very hot possibly a good working keepers dog could bring a little calmness into your line. Just my thoughts, but you know your lines best. We all want a Field Trials champion but some of these dogs are so hot that they are nearly uncontrollable by us mere mortals

Regards, John

Hi John, thanks for your reply. Yes Sendhurst Sweep is the dog in the pedigree of Honeys father. He was also in our first labs line. I've heard a lot about Endacott. I also like the Hatchfield dogs and Quabrook. I have plenty of time, and I have to see how Honey develops and what her hips are. I'm certainly in no rush. She's coming along really well, very bright and keen. Tess is definitely of the laid back type, you know "I'll get that dummy when I feel like it". The two of them have such fun, always playing and tearing about in the garden. I've learnt so much since I had Tess, but I find I'm still learning. I've met such a lot of lovely helpful people as well.
Lorna

It was one of Ann's Endacot dogs, Dusk, that I would like to use on Anna. All I have to do is to convince my boss that he really doesn’t need me anymore! Sweep was a lovely black dog, looked as good as he worked. Incidentally, Sweep is on the fifth line of Dusk's pedigree!

Regards, John

Hi John, ditto, just hoping I might win the lottery tomorrow. Jeff was made redundant 2 months back, so I am the breadwinner at present. I don't want much, just enough to retire on and keep dogs, oh and maybe a nice bit of land to pursue my hobby on. A decent 4-wheel drive and new kitchen with Aga would also be nice.
Lorna