"Squirrel factor"

Not saying this is definately the case for you Noah, but in breeding I think people sometimes are blinded by the dog in front of them. Got to remember when you choose to breed to a particular dog, what your breeding to is everything that's behind that dog. Male dog might be the best thing since sliced bread, but what were his littermates like...parents like...etc. If it turns out kick-butt dog is somewhat of a freak...littermates and parents weren't much count, then as good as the dog is I wouldn't expect too much from the pairing. Same with demeanor...if Bob's rough as a cob, but majority of dogs in his lineage are not, I'd take my chances.