Quote:
Originally Posted by nuts4yorkies  Thank you Mardelin.....I do understand the responsibility in regards to breeding. Not only to not pass on undersireable traits of the breed, but also to start with a healthy dam and sire, understand the $$$ and risks involved and be willing to take those risks, possible c-sections, the care of the bitch and pups before, during and after they are born etc...etc.... I am a horse breeder as well and have cameras in my barns monitering them day and night from my house and on the internet while I am at work. I am willing and do take time off of work to care for the animals when they are foaling/whelping and am prepared beyond belief. I would never breed an animal (horse or dog) that had genetic health issues, this is why I had my dogs entirely looked over and tested for liver disease...had their knees and hips examined and xray'd, discussed with the breeder any previous c-sections performed on the dam and granddam. I might however breed a dog that has a lesser quality of a coat than desired. I know that some proffesionals/judges/breeders out there will disagree with this. I am not breeding "show" quality dogs.....but I will breed high quality "pet" animals. If I get a show quality pup from one of my litters than that is icing on the cake. I however am not experienced enough to be the judge of that. I do know however that neither one of my dogs carries a gene or represents a physical/health defect that would compromise the dogs quality of life or longevity. This is the reason for my question about the hair coat. If this is the only thing I have to worry about my dogs passing on, then I feel like I am ahead of the game  |
That's great then.... However, you do know that there is no genetic marker to date that identifies whether your breeders are clear of shunt.....That is still in the making.
So, until your eye becomes experienced in your taste of a good representation of the breed, then it would be best to rely on your dogs being evaluated by an experienced breeder/exhibitor/handler or judge or all if you can.
Because the breed is comprised of so many breeds...the coat is a crap shoot. I have seen a breeding produce litter mates; 1 soft, 1 silk; 1 light, 1 dark....and this would be coming from well established lines.....