Paul, you mention outcrossing every third breeding, what do you outcross to? Some people hardly ever outcross and some have never outcrossed from what i've gathered.
When I out-cross I look for a dog that is built exactly the way I want, and/or is a little better than my line. The out-cross dog's hunting style should match my line's style but be better in some regard. So the out cross dog is just like my line but better in some respect. I don't care if it is somehow related to my line but I want it to also be a tight bread dog. The once every 3rd cross is to add something from an outstanding dog and ad hybrid vigor. If your genetics are really good you can make fast progress with this approach.
I am not saying this is the only way to breed dogs, just what has worked for my family over the years.
