I would rather a new breeder start with larger chis of standard colors ect. Start simple. But, I certainly am not going to argue the point, so I wont say any more...everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinion, but I do hope and pray that anyone that decides to breed merles knows all about those genes you refer to....but I fear many do not have the grasp of that whole concept the way you do. You understand it, so it seems simple to you. Not everyone understands it that way, so all I can do is hope and pray people do their homework before getting into it. Otherwise, I beg off of the discussion ...I really hate to argue, lol Marsha
----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [email protected] Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 8:06 AM Subject: Re: [Chihuahuas] CKC versus AKC registration - previously "Question" In a message dated 2/25/2007 10:14:53 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: breed a small chi. An ethical breeder will know their own limits. But the main thing here is to make sure that those who don't know any better, do not get the idea that it is ok for them to just go out and breed a merle.... Marsha Marsha, To be honest, it is easier to breed merles than to breed small chis. IMHO. It is not rocket science. I find genetics a very easy subject to study. The merle gene is very predictable. One parent has to be merle to get a merle. Breeding small chis is not so predictable unless you find it ethical to get c-sections on your bitches. I don't. I prefer large bitches and small dogs. So to each his own. It just isn't that hard to figure out the genetics. The merle (good merle) gene variation consists of the Mm. The double merle is MM. The gene is only dangerous when doubled up. So, no breeding merle to merle. Easy as pie. You should always know your lines breeding merles or non-merles. Of course, all other factors one looks at breeding a chi comes into play as well. The big thing is that there are not so many merles that meet the standard. Some breeders are getting pretty good looking little pups. They are getting better all of the time. So, I am just trying to say that it isn't taboo to breed merles. It is much more dangerous and unpredictable to breed small chis. That's good you have experience breeding small chis. I would much rather someone who is looking to breed start with merles than breeding tiny 3 lbs chis and being stuck with a bitch that can't free whelp them. Breeding, all in all, is an art and shouldn't be undertaken lightly regardless of which color or size you are breeding for. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.
