How to use EBVs

It is essential to determine which traits to focus on for genetic improvement and use the 3 principles of selection consistently over multiple generations. Typically, 3-4 traits are identified for genetic improvement based on data trends indicating they are a top reason for failure in your program. The more traits simultaneously under selection, the smaller the rate of genetic improvement in each generation.  A selection index facilitates simultaneous selection for multiple traits.

IWDR will be able to provide additional EBVs for traits of interest to working dog programs when sufficient data accumulate.

The most important decision made is which dogs are chosen as replacement breeders. Genetic improvement will not be made unless the replacement breeders are overall better than the prior generation. The group of dogs from which the replacement breeders will eventually chosen must be a genetically diverse group of dogs that have the best EBVs.

If the group of dogs to consider for breeding is based on phenotypes of the individual, it is likely that genetically inferior dogs may be selected as replacement breeders. The first chart below displays only the phenotypes where a higher number is best. Most people looking at the chart select Auburn, Irving, Wave and Yoshi because they have more desirable phenotypes. Most will study all available data to get a feel for which dog under consideration has relatives that also have desirable phenotypes.