Our breeding programme
Strict criteria, exemplary results
We strive for outstanding health of the dogs with our breeding programme. In doing so, we look not only at the physical, but also the psychological and genetic health of the animal.
Our dogs belong to the High Premium category of the Koninklijke Maatschappij Sint-Hubertus (Belgian Kennel Club) – the highest attainable. They are completely free of disease and in perfect health.
We follow the guideline that there is no inbreeding in the first 5 to 10 generations – at most 5% COI according to Hardiman’s method. In this way we achieve healthy genetic diversity.
What does ‘perfect health’ mean specifically?
- Mdr1 +/+: no mutations in the multi-drug resistance gene (free)
- DM N/N: free from and not a carrier of degenerative myelopathy
- HD A or B: completely free of hip dysplasia
- ED 0/0: no elbow dysplasia
- Bite: outstanding teeth and jaw position
- A healthy smooth white coat
- No heart problems
- No allergies
Why do we not inbreed?
Research shows that this impairs the health of the dogs. At Linde’s White Wolves we constantly search for new bloodlines and are always improving our approach.
That demands trust and integrity, but also close collaboration among breeders. Exchanging ideas and knowledge is therefore crucial. So we like to work with people who share our passion for this breed and our motives, so that we preserve and improve healthy White Swiss Shepherds.
Not just champions
We support the decision of breeders to participate in competitions and follow the circuit closely. But we consciously choose not to work exclusively with champion parents for our breeding programme.
We look beyond titles won and devote a great deal of attention to both the phenotype and the genotype of the dog. The latter determines the health of the dog.