> While this is theoretically true, I would like to make it a little more > clear that it is still desirable to attempt to eliminate health problems > that cause suffering: hip dysplasia, MVD, and patellar luxation, even if > there is some loss of genetic diversity. The idea is to lose as little as > possible, while still attempting to "lose" traits like MVD and hip > dysplasia.
You can't *lose* them without losing too much genetic diversity. We've already proven that by the very fact that purebred dogs, on average, are not as vigorous/immune system healthy as mixed breed dogs. I don't wish to make things any worse at all in the Cavalier--I think immune system problems in this breed are unacceptably high already. You can, however, *hide* or at least *partially hide* (reduction of severity) them in the majority of dogs by testing and using those test results. It is VERY important to fully test and properly use those test results to *hide* these problems. They are our means of balancing. If you don't test, you do not know anything at all. The more people test and let those results be known--the better a job we can do in hiding faults and creating an overall dog fairly free of severe or crippling genetic defects--with immune system still somewhat intact. I am a strong proponent of mandatory testing, without requiring the dogs to be clear. But I am also a realist. I know there are people who will use the test results incorrectly and end up reducing genetic diversity anyhow--so just like everything else--there is a down side to mandatory testing. I have no idea what the impact on the breed would be should mandatory testing be instituted. I prefer to use a *reward* system to SLOWLY draw people into fully testing and letting results be known. If it is done slowly we will hopefully have time to recognize when we have gone too far and will be able to take a step back before real damage is done. Laura Lang ========================================================= "Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 2002 by its original author.
