The Chase Magazine
September, 1950
Page 9 & 18
Dr. J. R. Farley
Ancient religion and modern breeders are in agreement in condemning cross-breeding. The
Bible, in Leviticus we find, “Thou shall not let they cattle gender with a diverse kind” and “Thou
shall not sow they field with mingled seeds.” Present-day scientists tell us that the increase in
variability always follows hybridization and that hybride, whatever their own excellent qualities,
do not breed true and are valueless for breeding where uniformity of type is desired.
The appearance of so many substandard progeny from matings to good typey studs have
caused much concern among hound owner. A “hybrid” or cross-bred stud hound, even though
eh is a perfect specimen, cannot be expected to pass his type to his offspring. In recent years,
probably due to the human side of it, one highly advertised stud was acclaimed “Outstanding
Sire of the Year.” The next year judged by the same standards, he was placed far down the
list. It is a known fact that a sire will sire the same general type year after year. There is no
explanation to the placing only that the public finally decided that choice of the other year must
have been a poor one. That sire simply failed to pass on his characteristics to his progeny.
Due credit should be given to W. C. Baldwin of Canada for his intensive breeding and
development of the line-breed’s Baldwin strain of foxhounds of which Faultless is best known
to American breeders. Pegg’s Bragdon, winner of the New Brunwick and the All-Canadian, is
another.
Amateur breeders can learn much about line-breeding by studying the pedigrees of these
outstanding stud dogs. They can profit quickly by securing the blood of either of them.
Breeders too often place the blame for a variable litter on the matron. The fault is equal when
neither is line-bred. My advice is, “Breed to a stud-hound that is line-bred if you like this type;
that is the best and only way to obtain uniformity in an strain.”