Saltydog,
Do you linebreed within your program? I find it interesting that you speak of so much variance within the dogs you produce...and even in mentioning those within your own pack.
My current string of dogs vary, just like anyone else’s would. Some dogs will hunt close and some range way out. Some bay back a ways, yet some are gritty enough to go in and catch.
I too breed my own dogs however strickly for my own use, and granted producing good dogs is my number one goal but consistancy within the progeny runs a VERY close second. I do keep my entire litters for the purpose of evaluating, yet those that don't conform to my personal standards and hunting style simply don't make the cut. Perhaps if selling pups was my intent, I would view things differently.