Photo of Boeke, the Poodle/Wetterhoun cross

MEET BOEKE

The ISSA's First Outcross Project

Follow the Boeke outcross pups on their blog, here!

In the winter of 2017-2018, the ISSA began its first Outcrossing project, to be primarily utilized in Europe. The ISSA has moved forward with a second, different outcross to be primarily utilized in the USA and Canada. In this way, we hope to introduce a large portion of fresh genetic material to our Shiloh Shepherd gene pool. With careful management, we hope give breeders more opportunities to breed to different lines without everyone utilizing the same cross or dogs. If you would like to read more about the science behind outcrossing and our thought process, you can always peruse our Genetic diversity section here.

After many months of research and discussions with various breed clubs, the International Shiloh Shepherd Alliance is pleased to announce the first outcross to be used in the Netherlands to improve our genetic diversity.

“Boeke”(pronounced “Book-uh) is a Wetterhoun-Poodle cross F1 (first generation) that is the product of an intense outcross program carried out by the Wetterhoun breed club in the Netherlands in an effort to expand genetic diversity in their own breed. By using this F1, we gain the exceptional advantage of very extensive background checks and health data that was not only compiled on the Poodle and the Wetterhoun that were used in the cross but all of the health data that has been collected on the entire litter of F1 pups as well. This includes three generations heart-disease free, and ten or more generations of data on the lines behind them. All nine of the pups in Boeke’s litter have had hips and elbows x-rayed, with every single one passing. That is exactly the type of LMX (Litter Mate X-ray) info upon which this breed was built. The more siblings with good hips, the higher the chance the dog itself will throw good hips.

First and foremost, the aim at using this outcross is to increase the genetic diversity of our breed. As gene pools become more compressed, genetic diversity is lost and dogs within the gene pool have more and more genes that are the same. The doubling up of these genes in certain places is the cause of many of the health problems that are seen in purebred dog breeds. Our Genetic Diversity testing, carried out through UC-Davis, confirmed that our gene pool is not very diverse — in fact, the ISSA Shiloh Shepherd is the least diverse gene pool that UC Davis has tested to date. We are seeing the truth of this reflected in health issues arising at more frequent rates.

When we talk about genetic diversity, we focus on two particular types or groups of genes. Individual dogs share the vast majority of their DNA, but sequences of DNA called STR determine differences between individuals and breeds, and are used in paternity and forensics testing. Because more differences between individuals mean less inbreeding, we want to diversify and add new genetic material to our STR.

In addition, there are very large groupings of genes called DLA haplotypes that are inherited in blocks. These have been shown to have a large impact on immune system health. A lack of diversity in the DLA can lead to autoimmune issues, and several key genetic diseases in dogs are thought to have a link to weakness in the immune system (examples of this include Pannus, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, and Diabetes, as well as some cancers). Thus, we are seeking to add new DLA haplotypes to ensure that more diversity is available for future generations.

In line with the genetic diversity testing that was carried out on the larger population of the ISSA breeding dogs, Boeke was also tested for genetic diversity. His results were more than we had hoped for.

Boeke brings us four completely new haplotypes plus a significant amount of new or rare STR. None of these that he carries are haplotypes that are connected with known diseases in Poodles.

Many had anticipated yet another GSD or Shepherd type breed with this outcross, but after much consideration (and following the science) we determined that the needed diversity could only be obtained through using something entirely different. (See our article on Why Not a GSD.) Although Boeke does not look like a Shiloh Shepherd, he has much to offer us in terms of structure and temperament. The Wetterhoun side of his pedigree possesses the wide/stocky bodies, correct hocks, broad heads and broad muzzles we would like to see in our Shilohs. The Poodle side then adds sociability, intelligence, and pleasing drive. Boeke himself has a confident, eager-to- please disposition. It also introduces a shorter body proportion without losing much height, and reinforces many of our Shiloh traits.

As with any addition of genetics, everything comes as a package and there are less favorable attributes that accompany this one as well. One of the biggest obstacles we will face with infusion of this outcross are the non-erect ears, which will take 2 to 3 generations to reduce in size and then to stand again.

The second is the curly tail, which will take several generations to entirely overcome. Tail set can be fixed in two generations if the F1 dogs are bred to mates with longer croups who hold their tails low and have good sets. The female that we have chosen to match to Boeke is strong in both of these areas. As well, the Netherlands have many dogs with strong, small erect ears that will be used in future generations to help regain our Shiloh Shepherd type.

The curly coat that comes with Boeke is in fact produced by a dominant trait, so in the F2 and F3 generations, we should be able to select for more traditional Shiloh coats. The Wetterhoun is a double coated dog (like our Shilohs) so we will be able to select for that as well.

Our intention with this addition is to very selectively inject these genes in small proportions to our gene pool with as little disruption to type as possible. With each passing generation, through genetic testing, we hope to continue to identify the unique genes that this outcross brings to our gene pool and do our best to preserve and carry these forward. Through this approach, we will be able to maintain the diversity that we will gain while selecting for our Shiloh type.

We are extremely excited about this next step in our Shiloh history. A bold step that will bring our breed more health through diversity. A step that will keep your beloved Shiloh near your side for many more years.

We encourage you to read the FAQ about Boeke that we put together for our breeders and club members when we first began considering him. You can find that here.


© 2016 International Shiloh Shepherd Alliance, Inc.