Quote:
Originally Posted by Lorraine  There were various theories about keeping colour and I think you are right it was considered perhaps a way to improve colour to use red legged in your breeding program. However that did not work out very well. Another thought was using soft coated dogs in breeding programs as they seemed to tend to keep darker colours. NOw I doubt you would see a soft coated Yorkie compete. What happened was the soft coated produced mostly soft coat and they did go light in colour. I have one and she is now almost 13 years old, went light at about 2 years of age.
Now those that are striving for correct coat and colour are particular about their breeding stock especially their males that they are using stock in their programs that have correct coat and colour.
As for MARS. Think about it. Genetic research of any kind is extremely expensive. There is not the dollars required that would have to be behind this sort of thing. There is enough problems raising funds to explore genetic health issues in both canine and human genetics ergo funds for something like is my dog part this breed or that breed? I don't think so! I had the opportunity to have quite a good chat with my Vet who is also very interested in genetic issues as am I with some genetic education behind me in pursuing my Bachelor Degree in Agriculture Sciences from an accredited University although that has been some years ago. I still know what is involved in researching genetic issues. |
It looks like we both have an agricultural background, with some training in genetics, LOL! The search for genetic markers in breed identification goes hand in hand with searching for genetic markers for genetic diseases. I don't think it's an either/or situation. If you check out the Wisdom Panel website, they are beginning to market their tests to vets to help vets determine whether the vet should order additional testing for genetic diseases (and they give the websites for the companies that test for genetic diseases, since MARS doesn't do that kind of testing themselves).