Re: [PyrNet-L] RE: pyrnet-l-digest.19991220

[JGentzel@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/21/99 10:54:19 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
jack.mowery@asc.mhmr.state.tx.us writes:

<< 
 Close breeding can be utilized only so long as there is extensive and
 ruthless culling of the stock for any bad characteristic.  You cannot
 continue to breed dogs that have genetic problems no matter how beautiful
 the coat, or fine the confirmation.  You not only cannot breed them, but you
 must look closely at the parents, and siblings, and half-siblings
 particularly.   >>

Yes, of course.  That goes without saying and it is hard, but required for 
success. 

<<Generally I would recommend outbreeding only.  No matter what the
characteristic you seek, you can generally find it in outside stock. >>

How would you know?  The genotype will not necessarily follow the phenotype.  
You will have no idea what is there if you only outcross.  You think people 
will be totally honest and forthcoming with you as you merrily outcross 
across the land.  This is not a fairly tale, but truth laden with people.  
People who are many times so consumed by their own success as this is all 
they use to measure their lives by, they simply cannot tell you anything bad 
about their dogs.  Ask them, they will say "Oh, I don't know of any problems 
in my dogs."  Sound familiar?

So go ahead and use these outcrosses.  Lets see in about 20 years who has 
relatively healthy dogs and dogs true to the characteristics of dogs that 
came to us from the Mountains in Southwestern France.   

Merry Christmas to all.  Give your dogs a special present this Christmas.

Joe