Estimate pedigree Coefficient of Inbreeding (Wright's COI) to safeguard canine genetic diversity and make informed breeding decisions.
Litter Size & Fecundity: High COI (>12.5%) correlates with reduced average litter size and lowered puppy vigor.
Immune Competence: Higher heterozygosity (lower COI) strengthens the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) immune response.
Recessive Deleterious Alleles: Inbreeding doubles the probability of expressing dormant homozygous health defects.
Breeder Action: Aim to keep planned litters below the breed average COI (typically under 6.25%–10% where possible).