Black and Tan English Shepherds
Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd Association
This category delves into the science and practice of farm dog breeding, discussing topics such as genetic traits, breeding programs, responsible breeding practices, and the preservation of breed characteristics and diversity.
PI_HAT stands for “proportion IBD hat.” It is a statistical measure used in genetics to estimate the proportion of alleles shared identical by descent (IBD) between pairs of individuals. The PI_HAT value ranges from 0 to 1, where 0 indicates no alleles shared IBD and 1 indicates complete allele sharing IBD. It provides an estimate … Read more
In any breed population, genetic diversity is a key factor in ensuring the breed’s health and longevity. This diversity is often maintained through the presence of distinct bloodlines within the breed. A bloodline represents the lineage of a dog, tracing its heritage back through many generations. Each bloodline can carry specific traits, abilities, and sometimes … Read more
To understand why maintaining a balanced ratio of males to females in a breeding population is desirable, in this entry we’ll explore Mendelian inheritance and its implications for genetic diversity. Mendelian inheritance refers to the principles of genetics discovered by Gregor Mendel. Mendel’s laws of inheritance explain how traits are passed from parents to offspring. … Read more
The term “genetic load” is a fundamental concept in genetics and particularly important for understanding the health of a population, including specific dog breeds. Genetic load refers to the presence of deleterious alleles, or harmful genes, within a population’s gene pool. These can negatively impact an organism’s fitness and are maintained in populations through a … Read more
Determining the right time for a dog to have their first litter can indeed depend on many factors. Here are a few things to consider: In general, many experts suggest that females be at least two years old before their first litter. This allows them to reach full maturity and provides an opportunity for health … Read more
The concept of breeders as “conservators” of their breed’s gene pool emphasizes the importance of their role in maintaining and enhancing the health, vitality, and unique traits of their breed. In conservation biology, the concept of the “metapopulation” is often used to describe a group of geographically isolated populations of the same species. This concept … Read more
A dog breed, or any animal breed, requires a delicate balance between genetic diversity and consistency of traits. Both of these aspects are essential for the breed’s long-term survival and health, as well as for maintaining the breed’s defining characteristics. Variability for Health: Variability in a breed’s gene pool is essential for maintaining the breed’s … Read more
The average generation time, also known as the mean interval between generations, can be calculated by breeders to understand and manage the genetic diversity of their breeding program. Here’s a general way to calculate it: Create a List of Breeding Dogs: First, list all the dogs that have been used for breeding in your program … Read more
In the diverse world of dog breeding, various approaches are taken towards the propagation of breeds. Two contrasting methodologies that often come to the fore are those of conservation-minded breeders and production-oriented breeders. Conservation-minded breeders and production-oriented breeders have different priorities and practices. The following list of delineations can help potential puppy buyers make informed … Read more
Neonatal dogs, like other mammalian neonates, are highly sensitive to their early environment. The experiences and conditions they encounter during this critical developmental period can have lasting effects on their behavior, health, and overall well-being. Recent research has shed light on the importance of various factors, such as early life stress, maternal care, social … Read more
Applied dog breeding is a complex practice that encompasses various factors, including genetics, health, temperament, and physical traits. One often overlooked aspect in the breeding process is the role of prenatal learning and the influence of maternal stress during pregnancy on the development and behavior of puppies. Scent & Sound Recognition Research suggests that puppies … Read more
The neural crest, an embryonic structure that contributes to the development of various traits, plays a significant role in the interconnectedness of size, color, behavior, and facial features. Imagine a mobile with four strings dangling from acentric arms balancing connections to size, color, face and behavior. If you pull (select for) one, the others will … Read more
In English Shepherds, coat color changes could be a result of selection for tameness through a process similar to the one observed in Belyaev’s silver fox experiment. The underlying genetic mechanism may involve pleiotropic effects, where certain genes influence both tameness and coat color.
In the world of dog breeding and ownership, understanding the lineage and genetic background of a canine companion is of utmost importance. While traditional pedigree databases have long been relied upon for this information, they are not without their flaws and inaccuracies. The emergence of haplotype-based phylogenetic classification offers a more objective and scientifically … Read more
For many dog enthusiasts, a pedigree is a crucial piece of information that outlines their beloved pets’ lineage, genetic background, and accomplishments. However, pedigree databases are not immune to inaccuracies and misinformation, sometimes stemming from dishonest or misinformed breeders. As a responsible dog owner or potential buyer, it is prudent to understand the reasons … Read more