Breeding - Page 2

I'm looking forward to the day when a reliable DNA test for the gene mutation for hip and elbow dysplasia is developed. 

A degree doesn't make you qualified.  What type of screening do you do?  I saw Ginger's pedigree and I don't see any notations for screenin anything in multiple generations. 

Way to go Barb! I'm with you on that. Yes, it's true that two excellents have a probability to throw a pup that may have HD, but at least reputable breeders care enough to screen their dogs to prove to future puppy owners that they at least know what they're breeding. I'd hate to have someone just tell me a rant like that if I were inquiring about a pup, or "their hips are good, trust me". Um, I'd like to see the x-rays and proof myself thanks though. I mean if you're saying that it doesn't matter to check and see what your stock have as far as hips go, then why don't we all just not give a crap and take whatever one we have and roll the dice and hope they're good. I'm sure that'll really help the gene pool. 

There is no single gene to identify in the devolopment of HD. It is poly-genic and has a large or small enviromental influence depending on the individual animal affected. This is the place I expect an educated person to help all to understand the problem of a ''cure'' for HD.

People that breed dogs without screening for even the most basic of known
health issues in this breed will always be the first to tell those that do care 
enough and see the wisdom in xraying & certifying their breedable dogs 
that those that xray-certify are the clueless ones 

These same people that breed dogs that aren't xrayed, titled etc will also be
the same ones that are quick to point out that their dogs are distantly related
to a well known accomplished dog that is titled, health tested etc. 
And yes, while it takes more than just an OFA-a stamp clear dog to produce
sound dogs, the reality is, at least you know going in to the breeding that you
are not starting off with dogs that have bad joints.

All grad school has taught me is exactly how much I don't know on any given subject ...and that numerous folks know more than me. Perhaps I'm just unusually slow witted.

Laura
[MSc (Chemistry), MLIS, and currently a PhD student]

JHC,  I can't believe an educated person would even advertise this shit.

I love the picture of the puppies feeding on your bed.  A real professional!
http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/breeders.htm?kid=26758

back to the subject; breeding. I like to study the pedigrees of GSD I find interesting. A percentage of these carry 4-5 or 4-4 or 5-5 line breedings. It is an established breeding practice   of dogs and other animals.   Nature does these types of line breeding in many organisms  including canines. The force behind line breeding? Geography. Most populations have a territory which will limit  travel to use of other gene pools. The limit might be an ocean, or the range carved out by one pack which is problematic for outsiders to cross. A breeding program of only out crosses might be imposible for many populations.  Food for thought, not fuel for fights. Forget the person who started this thread and grow and learn.