Breeding - Page 1

Someone please answer me, I am just trying to learn more about the breeding process and theory.

First rule is, there are a lot more important characteristics than color, and way too many litters being produced just for their color.

Second rule is, there is no easier way to begin understanding the basic transference of genes, than by understanding the hereditary "rules" involving color.

Third rule is, you can predict a tendency for the average, but your actual results could be drastically different.  Say for example, you had 25% chance for each pup to be black colored, it wouldn't be that unusual for 80% of the resulting litter to be black, in spite of the estimated "odds".  Maybe the results will "average out" in the following litter.  Think of heritability estimates more as "weighted tendencies" than "mated expectancies."

hey fema...darylehret gave you good info...so what can i add as a "backyard breeder",we've had 7 litters at my home,there is a kennel in my basement(8 x 6) the bitch has access to the outside kennel thru the dog-door.i use a 4' x 4' whelping box with 1" x 4" pig-rails that border three sides.the box is 1 ft.high WITHOUT a bottom(reduces weight),when the pups start tumbling over the top,then i take the front panel down and they have free roam of the kennel area yet go back to the box for feeding/nurseing.the kennel is 5 ft high,the bottom 32 in. is lined with chicken wire(pups can get their heads stuck in chain-link and totally stress out)have a schedule down pat for feeding/cleaning...if you're rushing...you'll make mistakes(stepping on pups or chasing pups around the basement when you should be getting ready for work or school)make sure your bitch is comfortable in her whelping area...pure bred bitches can get really freaky when they're whelping pups in uncomfortable areas....on welping day my routine is,keep household traffic to a minumun,i spend time with the bitch when she's calm,no visitors,only one or two people that she is familar with allowed in the whelping area,low light,restricted access to the outside(she goes out on leash with me only for short periods,10-15 min.) i'm glad thart you've chosen to study the genetics of color,that's great...cause i can't understand any of it..my advice.....breed good dogs to good dogs and you'll do as well at your level as anyone else can......good luck anf conytinue you pursuit of knowledge!

Linda Shaw does a fairly good job of explaining color patterns and inheritance in her illustrated breed standard. Here's the link: 

www.shawlein.com/The_Standard/07_Colour_&_Pigment/Colour_&_Pigment.html

Linda Shaw has a great website,,,,,,,well worth checking out