Quote:
Originally Posted by navillusc  
Makes you wonder at what point data collection will begin, and what will have happened within the breed by then that might skew test results forever.
I suppose, ideally, genome mapping and DNA testing from the initial start of the development phase of a new breed onward would be good. Even so, there would forever be unknowns about the previous generations of the foundation breed stock, wouldn't there? Especially if there are any oops matings that resulted in puppies who were 'visual representations of the breed' but carrying altered DNA...and if those were used as breed stock...???
I am merely interested and curious, not a breeder, so I could easily be soooo wrong...  |
Once you're at the point of foundation stock, and use only certified dogs from the foundation stock for breeding, DNA breed testing should give you reasonably uniform results. Unless, of course, there is an "oops" mating that slips through. But then again, that's a problem with purebreds in any breeding program. The good thing is that DNA testing of parents and offspring is becoming more common place, and can definitely be used to remove any doubt about "oops" matings. Note: DNA parentage tests are different from the breed testing done by MARS and are much simpler and more accurate since all you are asking is "did these two parents give rise to this puppy?"