The Kennel Club has just launched a dating service for dogs called Mate Select. The idea is to allow registered pedigree dog owners to be able to assess the genetic diversity of the whole breed if their dogs were to procreate. Health test results for both dogs will be available to download which should show up if the dogs are suitable to be bred so they will produce healthy puppies.
This should help to address the concerns about the genetic diseases which are quite widespread in pedigree dogs bred for shows. It is absolutely necessary to have genetic diversity when breeding pedigree dogs to ensure the healthiest puppies. This service is the latest in attempts to reduce diseases, with other steps taken including avoiding closely related dogs from breeding.
Professor Jeff Sampson, Kennel Club Chief Scientific Advisor, said: “The database is the first of its kind to be able to compute all of this (health) information and to tell breeders not only which two dogs will produce the healthiest offspring, but which pairings will have the most positive effect on the overall health of that breed.”
CPW thinks this is great news!
Pingback: Things you must get before you die « Hanamitiii World