Genetics: An Introduction for Dog Breeders (Paperback)

~ (Author) "When Charles Darwin's name is mentioned, the first word that comes to mind is evolution-the change in a popuIation's genetic composition over time..." (more)
Key Phrases: dilution modifiers, intensity alleles, bicolored pattern, Total Dogs, Weimaraner Ways, Cocker Spaniels (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Overall, this book is an excellent reference on the subject of canine genetics." -- (Connie Vanacore, AKC Gazette)

"…a most impressive book! An extremely well researched, well written, 350 page paperback with hundreds of photos…" -- (Muriel Lee, justterriers.com)

"…comprehensive yet easy to understand guide of genetics to specific breeds…" -- (The Cassette)

Product Description

A comprehensive yet easy-to-understand guide covering: the nature of heredity, evolutionary and behavioral genetics, the application of genetics to specific breeds, the art of breed selection, breeding for coat color and type, improving structural traits, how to control genetic disorders, evaluating the results, current genetic research, terminology, and a catalog of known congenital and hereditary disorders by breed.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 322 pages
• Publisher: Alpine Blue Ribbon Books (February 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577790413
• ISBN-13: 978-1577790419
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #618,267 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute necessity, April 12, 2004

By	Barbara Johannes "wincrofthavs" (Missouri) - See all my reviews

This book should be read by anyone the least bit interested in breeding better dogs. Not light reading but extremely valuable to the serious breeder. The Author gives a basic course on genetics and backs up her facts. She applies these principles easily to dogs and makes it easy to understand. The photos and graphs are very helpful.The section on color inheritance is fascinating!If you are not interested in improving your breed do not bother but if you dedicated to your breed this book is invaluable.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'd put this at the top of my list, October 31, 2003

By	Beverly Kohler (Olympia, WA United States) - See all my reviews

Jackie Isabell has a wonderful way of explaining genetics that is detailed yet easily understood. She brings you along with her in an enjoyable discovery of what could be very dry subject, and even adds a bit of humour from time to time. I learned what I set out to learn from this book and I thank Jackie Isabell for being an excellent teacher.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable resource, January 29, 2006

By	Stacey Amirov "stacey_venancio" (usa) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Every single dedicated breeder should have the knowledge found in this book.
In addition to important information on genetics, it has very interesting information on the evolution of dogs and a great chapter on behavior which even goes into detail on the stages of development in puppies and effects of environment on behavior.
There is excellent information about hereditary problems, genetic disorders, and even mate selection. There is a list at the back of every breed with their hereditary disorders listed and mode of inheritance when known, which should be especially helpful for breeders. There is also breed-specific information on coat colors and alleles- which, by the way, used to look like an exotic foreign language to me and now makes sense!

I had a very simple understanding of Mendelian genetics before I read this (from reading "The Joy of Breeding Your Own Show Dog by Anne Seranne- another great book.) This book made my understanding complete.

Before I read this book I thought that genetics were going to be difficult and boring to learn, but the author does a great job of keeping the subject interesting. The preface mentions that the author had her breeder friend, who was confused and intimidated by genetics, read the manuscript and point out areas that were especially confusing to a beginner or areas that needed clarification, etc. Maybe this is one of the reasons why this book is so effective.

A great, absolute must-have book that I highly recommend!