outcross

Prof Pedersen told BBC News: "Some small breeds with a small number of registered dogs have attempted this. But it's not common for breeders to admit that they've reached a point with health problems where they have to do something drastic such as reverse breeding. "The fastest way to get genetic diversity is to outcross to a breed that looks similar but is genetically distinct...

On the other hand, if you are interested in breeding, this is your book: you will learn what it means if a horse is inbred, linebred, or an outcross, and who the chefs-de-race are in the Roman dosage system.

Owners do periodically outcross, bringing in new breeding partners to freshen the gene pool.

Some years ago the breed seemed to be on the down grade, requiring fresh blood from a well-chosen outcross.

Broadly speaking, two methods have been adopted: The method of introducing an outcross to impart new blood, new strength, new character; and the method of inbreeding to retain an approved type.