Black and Tan English Shepherds
Old-fashioned Black and Tan English Shepherd Association
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
Canine ontogeny, or the development of dogs from conception to adulthood, is a complex and intriguing process. It is characterized by a series of six “natural” stages: (1) the prenatal period; (2) the neonatal period; (3) the transition period; (4) the socialization period; (5) the juvenile period; and (6) the pubertal period. Understanding these stages … 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
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 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
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
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