In the dog world (and possibly for other species too?), we look to the formula known as Wright's Coefficient to determine the degree of in-breeding. In fact, on this site, it is possible to find the equation of a CsV's ancestory. Often times you will hear inbreeding referred to as "linebreeding" (or, breeding to bring out specific lines, or traits, from specific ancestors) in the purebred world. Obviously, with the good comes the bad, and health can easily be weakened through linebreeding as well, in addition to bringing our less desirable traits that have been somewhat muted. Linebreeding is somewhat essential in the early days of most purebreds, but as the breed becomes more prolific, diversity is a good thing too.
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