Description
This article is from the Genetic
Diseases in Dogs FAQ, by Gary Mason.
09 Genetic Information Sharing
Dog breeders should have access to at least the phenotypic history of
dogs in the lines that produced the prospective mates. Having this
information would help breeders to reduce the probability of the
occurrence of diseases by enabling them to determine the statistical
risks involved for propagating those diseases. The absence of this
information means breeding with no possible way of predicting the
outcome. It becomes a matter of pure chance.
One way to make this essential information available to breeders is
through an open registry, in which genetic diseases are recorded along
with the information currently available in the pedigree. Today a
stigma is often attached to a breeder and their breeding stock if this
information is made known. Rather than sharing the information, this
attitude leads to hiding it away. Open registries sponsored by breed
clubs could remove this obstacle, and facilitate improved breeding
programs. While not perfect, it can certainly help to reduce the
problem, and it is within the reach and capabilities of everyone
today.
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dog, canine, genetic desease, breed
