The planning phase of a careful breeding process involves in-depth pedigree research and long strategic discussions with experienced and knowledgeable breeders regarding the pros and cons associated with specific proposed breeding, including those related to temperament, conformation, and health. This process can take months and even years and require searching the country or world to find the best sire to complement a dam. When breeding, the goal is to produce the next generation that is better than the parents and one that closely aligns with the “breed standard”.