Inbreeding Index (COI)
Health written in the genes: What is the inbreeding index (COI)?
In professional breeding of purebred dogs, one of the most important parameters we monitor is the inbreeding index (COI - Coefficient of Inbreeding). Simply put, it determines the degree of relationship between the puppies' parents. For us, breeders associated with ALFA-Europe, the low value of this indicator is the foundation of the health and vitality of future generations.
Why is low inbreeding crucial?
Many people associate "race" with the purity of the line, but too close kinship of parents (kinship mating) carries serious dangers:
- Disclosure of genetic defects: The higher the inbreeding, the greater the risk that the puppy will inherit two copies of the defective gene, which leads to hereditary diseases.
- Inbreeding depression: It is a phenomenon of weakening the body, which manifests itself in lower immunity, poorer fertility, shorter life and temperament problems.
- Loss of diversity: For the breed to be strong, it needs "fresh blood". Too tight a gene pool makes the breed weak.
What does it look like in our farm?
When selecting breeding pairs, we are not guided only by the appearance of the dogs. Behind each association there is a deep analysis of pedigrees dating back many generations.
- Pedigree analysis: We use advanced databases of the ALFA-Europe organization, which allow us to precisely calculate the inbreeding index for the planned litter.
- Conscious selection: We avoid matings of closely related individuals. Our goal is to keep the rate significantly lower than the average for the population of many breeds recognized by the FCI, where inbreeding can be alarmingly high.
- Actual Vitality: Although Australian Labradoodles are already a stabilized multi-generational breed, we still benefit from their original genetic diversity, which translates into the so-called "hybrid vigor" (heterosis) in terms of health.
What does this mean for you and your dog?
By choosing a puppy with a low inbreeding index, you minimize the risk of hidden genetic defects. Your dog has a greater chance of living a long, healthy life, with a strong immune system and a stable nervous system.
For us, breeding is not only about combining beautiful dogs - it is about responsible management of the gene pool so that Australian Labradoodles can be enjoyed by subsequent generations of families.