Outcrossing is one of the most talked-about and misunderstood topics in dog breeding.

In this episode of the Better Breeder Roundtable, Kathy Rust is joined by renowned master breeder Bill Shelton (Coventry Pembroke Welsh Corgis) and Lisa Braun (Mischief Papillons & Miniature American Shepherds) for a practical discussion on when, why, and how breeders should use outcrossing to improve their programs.

Bill explains why outcrossing is not a shortcut or a fix for problems, but a long-term strategy for enrichment, to capture specific virtues while preserving type, health, and consistency.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

• Why strong breeding programs are built through linebreeding first
• The biggest mistake breeders make after an outcross
• How to identify the traits worth introducing into your line
• Why studying families of dogs matters more than studying individual winners
• How fertility, litter size, temperament, and health influence breeding decisions

Whether you're new to breeding or refining an established program, this episode is packed with practical insights and decades of breeding experience.

Watch now and learn how successful breeders use outcrossing to strengthen their bloodlines for generations to come.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:45) What Is Outcrossing?

(06:14) Linebreeding vs Inbreeding vs Outcrossing

(10:07) Why Consistency Matters

(15:16) When Should You Outcross?

(18:23) The Biggest Outcrossing Mistake

(22:08) Breeding Back Into the Line

(25:53) Advice for New Breeders

(31:50) Why Linebreeding Comes First

(33:22) A Real Outcrossing Example

(38:34) Genetic Testing and Health

(41:39) Outcrossing to Capture Virtues

(44:05) Reproductive Health Matters

(51:44) Choosing the Right Outcross

(56:28) Is It Better to Buy a New Dog?

(58:10) Why National Specialties Matter

(01:04:19) When to Use an Outcross

(01:09:37) Final Takeaways

This episode is brought to you by:

EZWhelp — https://www.ezwhelp.com/

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