Posted by KawValley
on May 12, 2009, 10:45 am
24.143.38.53 | Message modified by user KawValley May 12, 2009, 10:47 am
I have heard many people say out-crossing and introducing new genetics is the answer when a pure line begins producing undesirable traits, but we need to have pure lines and force undesireable recessive traits to the surface in order to cull them out. If your dog looks great (phenotype), but still has unwanted genetics hidden under the surface (genotype) is it a great dog or have the unwanted genetics just been "swept under the rug"?- hidden but very much still there. Ask yourself this- Would you rather continue hiding poor genetics through out-crosses, or breed a family pure and force the unwanted traits to the surface in order to eliminate them from that family. The thing is, you can't develop a line/breed to it's fullest potential without going through the difficult process of keeping litters, culling and fine tuning. The part that's difficult to grasp for some is that in order to breed dogs properly all litters can't be sold; brood litters must be kept. It's whether your motivation is to fatten your wallet or truly improve the breed. This is chess not checkers!
Scott
228 
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