A Breeder's Guide to Genetics

A Breeder’s Guide to Genetics offers basic information to the “scientifically challenged” and to beginners.  Our modest book is not geared toward experienced breeders who already possess a sound working knowledge of genetics.  We suggest that such veteran readers study the previously mentioned mountain of texts written on the subject by authors with vastly superior knowledge and insight.

The study of genetics, at any level, should not be a daunting and dreaded chore.  It should be fun and, especially at the basic level, give one the confidence to delve deeper and unravel the fascinating mysteries of inherited traits.  As with any complex issue, it does not produce “instant experts.” 

Merely memorizing the nomenclature of basic genetic principles does not prepare one to immediately defend strong opinions on a subject as multifaceted as this.  Studying them, however, should serve novice breeders and those who decide to approach their breeding program with careful planning to lend it structure and purpose.  From our own background of interests and experiences, Denise and I will explain concepts primarily using data about various dog breeds and camelids.  We hope the reader will understand that basic genetic principles apply to all species, including Man.

We both believe that no story is too foolish to serve as a simplified example to promote the understanding of educational ideas.  Therefore, I have not shied away from employing whimsical – and sometimes downright silly –  descriptions to illustrate necessary points.  The more serious-minded scholars among you might find my methods too “unscientific” for your sensibilities.  It’s okay.  We aren’t easily offended.

Most breeders, if they are anything like me, do not retain technical information the first time it is presented.  Consequently, you will see many little reminders and memory boosters along the way.  The few geniuses with perfect memory will just have to suffer through the repetitions.

If, after a quick glance, you decide the chapters on the cell, DNA, and genomic imprinting are too difficult and confusing, just skim over them.  Then return to them later to gain a deeper understanding of genetic inheritance.  Perhaps that’s putting the cart before the horse.  So what?  That sequence worked well for me, although it is a longer route to take.  I am no wizard in the field of science.

My spirits were boosted considerably when I learned that Gregor Mendel failed his admittance exams to study physics and natural science at the University of Vienna – twice!  The first time he failed because he had not mastered the material, the second time because he argued with the examiner.  You see – there is always hope!

Years ago, I didn’t realize that the knowledge of pure science (genetics) is a prerequisite for the true comprehension of breeding programs. My desire to understand the “system” behind the various breeding options available probably made all the difference.  I finally overcame my fear of pure science and succeeded where previously I had only experienced confusion and defeat.

When I learned of the enormous contributions German and German-American scientists made and continue to make in the field of genetics, I couldn’t help but wonder what contributed to my own genetic make-up.  My family did not show much interest in the subject.  I do remember my father’s reply when my petite sister expressed concern about the size of her truly tiny daughter.  “What did you expect?” he asked, looking from my sister to her equally short husband.  “Mice make mice.”

True enough in most cases, but there are times when, metaphorically speaking, they produce elephants.

I occasionally use human examples to discuss or clarify concepts about animals.  We like to think of ourselves as unique and so different from all mammals lacking our speech patterns and opposable thumbs.  We are not!  The basic components that make up the DNA of dogs, llamas, and all other critters make up the DNA of their two-legged caretakers as well.  What is the difference?  The sequence in which the nucleotides’ bases appear in the DNA chain differs in the various species.  Is that it?  That’s it!  What’s more, specific human DNA sections are identical to those of “other” animals.

The April 2000 Newsweek issue featured a short article about gene sequencing in the fruit fly.  What is the significance of having the fruit fly’s genome “read” and understood?  In Thomas Hayden’s words:  “... because some two-thirds of genes associated with illness in people are also found in Drosophila.  The new data should help researchers to further explore the causes of human genetic disease.”

Canine DNA research has advanced more quickly due to the interest in genetic defects “shared” by Man and his most faithful companions.

We can now appreciate that gaining genetic knowledge about one species can help us to become more successful breeders of other species.

When I researched data for this book, I was referred to a sheep breeder to learn more details about Spiderleg syndrome.  After we had talked for a while, the breeder’s wife commented, “You breed alpacas and dogs – why do you want to know anything about sheep?”  Some dog breeders