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3. Dog’s Problem
Dog breeding methods also have drawbacks. Its systematic application concentrates not only desired genes, but also the hereditary predisposition for undesired traits. The problem is that harmful genes are being spread while successive generations display only a very limited part of these in the offspring. For every harmful trait the bulk of the unwanted genes is hidden away in carriers. We do not notice their damaging effects until later – many generations down the line, by which time the harmful genes have become so widespread that our selection is virtually powerless. On top of that, hereditary problems involving more complex transmission patterns cannot be combated with this system of individual selection at all.
As soon as we are confronted with a genetic problem the most logical step is to select against it. Via our selection we exclude from breeding dogs that carry undesired genes. In this way we lower the frequency of those genes in the group of animals we use as parents. Thus, we reduce the risk that in the next generation animals are born that suffer the same ailment. Selection is a breeding instrument by which we can alter the genetic composition of populations.
Against the background of the above we run into another problem. The tendency in modern breeding is to make much use of dogs (especially males) that score well in terms of conformation or performance. These are dogs that display outstanding breed-typical qualities, and meet the health requirements as stipulated for the breed. These dogs, it is believed, are they that will provide essential contributions to further development (improvement) of the breed. The idea is that their ‘superior genetic make-up’ should be spread throughout the population with almost no restriction. The problem that these dogs have in common with any other dog (or any other mammal) is that they are carriers for a large number of genetic deviations and disorders. Mind you, as far as we can see they are entirely healthy. Nevertheless, like any other individual, they bring with them the usual genetic load. For every characteristic of which they are ‘carrier’ they will pass on the harmful gene to half of their children. These are dogs that, just like any other dog in the population, can cause a breed-specific problem if we make disproportionate use of them. [Gubbels, 2002]

3.1. Trivial Tactic

Our goal is to minimize the number of ill dogs. The first, trivial tactic is to do nothing, and let the dogs in the population to breed randomly.