English Shepherd Breeding and Genetics

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.

English Shepherds and Haplotype-based Phylogenetic Classification

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Haplotype-based Phylogenetic Classification is an approach to studying the evolutionary relationships among organisms by analyzing the genetic variation in their haplotypes. Haplotypes are sets of closely linked genetic markers, typically single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), found on a single chromosome. They are inherited together and can provide valuable information about an organism’s ancestry, population structure, … Read more

Studying the Role of Canine Temperament in the Selection and Performance of Working Dogs

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The importance of canine temperament in the selection and performance of working dogs has long been acknowledged. This short article reviews the literature on canine temperament, focusing on its role in the success of dogs in various working roles, such as assistance, therapy, search and rescue, police, and military work. Furthermore, the article explores … Read more

Tracing the Bloodline Connection Among Male Black and Tan English Shepherds

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This short article examines the bloodline connection among 15 male Black and Tan English Shepherds using canine genetics, specifically focusing on their shared paternal haplogroup A1a and haplotypes H1a.29 and H1a.48. By analyzing the DNA test results provided by Embark Vet, we determined that these dogs exhibit a close genetic relationship, supported by their … Read more

Early Socialization in Canines: Influences and Outcomes

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The early socialization period in puppies is a critical phase that shapes their adult behavior, emotional well-being, and ability to form relationships with both humans and other animals. This review aims to provide an overview of the various factors that influence a puppy’s socialization and the long-term consequences of inadequate or negative experiences during … Read more

The Impact of Early Handling on English Shepherd Puppy Development

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The neonatal period, comprising the first two weeks of a puppy’s life, is a critical phase for growth and development. While the mother dog (bitch) is primarily responsible for providing warmth, nutrition, and hygiene, the role of the owner in ensuring the mother’s well-being and inspecting the puppies for signs of illness or accidents … Read more

The Startle Reflex: A Pivotal Milestone in Puppy Development

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This article explores the startle reaction to sound as a reliable and easily observable indicator of a puppy’s sensory development, particularly hearing. The emergence of this reflex is closely associated with various developmental changes, marking the end of the transition period and the beginning of the socialization period. The importance of exposure to diverse … Read more

Balancing Genetic Diversity in the English Shepherd Breed: Perpetual Outcrossing vs. Bloodline Conservation

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

The long-term health and vitality of the English Shepherd breed depend on maintaining genetic diversity and minimizing inbreeding risks. This short article compares two approaches for achieving these objectives: perpetual outcrossing with a cognitive bias towards low Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) percentages versus bloodline conservation. We discuss the pros and cons of each strategy … Read more

Unintended Consequences: Disadvantages of Selective Breeding in Farm Dogs

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This article examines some of the less successful evolutionary strategies in farm dogs, primarily resulting from human-driven selective breeding for specific traits. While these traits may have initially provided an advantage in agricultural settings, they have also led to unintended consequences or disadvantages for the dogs. The article explores issues related to overemphasis on … Read more

Advances in Research and Technology for Better Dog Breeding

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

Advances in research and technology have transformed dog breeding over the years, leading to healthier and more desirable dogs. DNA testing, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, genome sequencing, marker-assisted selection and improved nutrition are among the key technologies that have contributed to these improvements. DNA testing helps breeders screen their dogs for genetic diseases and … Read more

Striking a Balance: How Conservation Breeding Programs for Working Dogs Can Preserve Traits While Avoiding Inbreeding Depression

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

Conservation breeding programs for working dogs aim to preserve the traits and characteristics that make these dogs effective in their roles, such as hunting, herding, and guarding. However, these programs must also avoid inbreeding depression, which occurs when there is a reduction in genetic diversity due to repeated breeding between closely related individuals. To strike … Read more

What are the areas of knowledge one should be familiar with to breed dogs well?

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

Breeding dogs requires knowledge in areas such as genetics, breeding ethics, animal welfare, and breed-specific health concerns. This article provides an overview of the essential areas of knowledge one should be familiar with to breed dogs successfully. Areas of Knowledge Breeding dogs well requires knowledge in several areas, including: Genetics Understanding the basics of … Read more

What are the characteristics of a responsible dog breeder?

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

This article discusses the essential traits that a reputable breeder must possess. It highlights the importance of proper breeding practices and ethical considerations to ensure that the puppies are healthy, well-socialized, and have a good temperament. The article also provides insight into the responsibilities that breeders have towards their dogs and their owners, including … Read more

CHEW is a Canine Health Enrichment and Whelping Protocol

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

The best way to lift the condition of a litter is to reward excellence in all puppies, while providing pathways of opportunity for the least advantaged ones. The least advantaged puppies will ultimately benefit most. This is the promise of litter enrichment – the notion that a rising tide raises all ships. Novice and unsophisticated … Read more

As a Dog Breeder, Prepare to Succeed

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Black and Tan English Shepherd

High-volume breeding is a qualitative, not quantitative label.  It is not about the number of puppies being produced, although that is usually a factor.  High-volume is qualitative because it means a breeder does not have the knowledge, time or decency to give puppies the appropriate care during some or all of the critical development periods … Read more

High Volume Breeding

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The problem [with High Volume Breeding] is the accelerated loss of genetic diversity. When you have a high volume breeder using short generation times that loss stands the potential of having a dramatic impact on the breed as a whole – if you’ve seen ICB’s “extinction vortex”, the combination of high volume breeding at short … Read more