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Originally Posted by Woogie Man  Dog-gone it..I knew I was going to simplify to the point of being wrong LOL. Seriously though, my understanding is that phenotype is the physical expression of gene combinations. The goal of a breeding program is to breed true to desired type. Is breeding for genotype even possible when breeding with open pedigrees (which the OP expressed a desire to do)? How could any trait be homozygous with such pedigrees? It would seem that any trait would be hit or miss with such a program.
I'm glad you responded since you have a better working knowledge than I. One (perhaps over-simplified) question. Could it be said that you are breeding genotype to genotype if successive generations breed true?
My understanding of Yorkies is that Huddersfield Ben was not the first to exhibit the desired characteristics but was the first that was able to pass those traits on to his offspring. Would this not be considered breeding for genotype while similar appearing dogs that did not pass along those traits be considered breeding for phenotype? Though the early breeders didn't use such terms, it appears they had an inherent knowledge of how to breed 'true to type'. |
Let me try to explain in layman's terms. Breeding genotype to genotype is probably the more sucessful way of doing it, or more precisely line breeding as it is the only way to set type. The downfall of this is that you can box yourself in with nothing left because then you'd be breeding too close, so occassionaly you may have to out-cross, however it should be done with a closely line bred dog.
The yorkie breed is not an easy one, once think we've got one thing down then it's on to the next. It's pretty much a crap shoot, but it's an educated crap shoot.
You're right about Huddersfield Ben, however, we've evolved from him as he really doesn't resemble the yorkie of today, he more resembles the breeds that are now extinct. Coat definately not silk, longer backed and larger in stature. Bred more for his true function. But, you're right we attempt to breed to that dog that has the ability to reproduce his self. Most of us look at our females with a critical eye and evaluate her faults, then proceed to look for that stud that can fix those faults (of course with knowledge of the pedigree and everything behind the stud and bitch).