The dog is the most extreme example of human intervention in animal reproduction with the intent of consistently altering a domesticated species...
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| Bruiser |
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| Huey |
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Julie and I have always sought to remain focused on consistent reproducable traits with the primary objective of creating a unique phenotype that is calm, submissive and loyal. The key issue has been a focus on behavioral characteristics, with a lower priority on physical traits such as size, color, coat, head, height & length.
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Creating the Next Generation
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Evolutionary Genetics
We can’t begin a trip into the world of canine eugenics without rewinding to the topic of natural selection. When Charles Darwin’s name is mentioned, the first word that comes to mind is evolution – the change in a population’s genetic composition over time. The title of Darwin’s great work published in 1859, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, reflects his theory of natural selection- the natural process of differential survival and reproduction, also called survival of the fittest. Darwin pointed out that many are born, but only a fraction live to become parents. He concluded that many of those that lived long enough to reproduce had better survival traits, which they passed on to their offspring, and that these hereditary qualities eventually spread through the population. Any trait such as better immunity to disease, digestive efficiency, fertility, or parenting instincts improved not only the individual’s chances of survival but also those of its progeny. Whenever individuals differ in one or more traits, natural selection merely reflects the value of such traits through their survival and reproduction.
For many years, scientists believed that evolution was a very slow process, a gradual accumulation of the genetic differences that develop in reproductive isolation such as that observed by Darwin on the Galapagos Islands. It is now know that very minor mutations occur constantly, indicating that species are dynamic units, subject to constant change. The relatively short gestation cycle (62 days) of the canine make it a particularly attractive candidate for intensive breeding toward a specific goal.
My favorite author on the topic of evolutionary genetics is Richard Dawkins, based at Oxford College in England. Dawkins forced an enormous change in the way we see ourselves and the world with the publication of The Selfish Gene. Suppose, instead of thinking about organisms using genes to reproduce themselves, as we had since Mendel's work was rediscovered, we turn it around and imagine that "our" genes build and maintain us in order to make more genes. That simple reversal seems to answer many questions which had stumped scientists for years, and we haven't thought of evolution in the same way since.
A gene-based view of the world is easy to subscribe to when you surround yourself on a daily basis with fun, devoted, endearing terriers that are capable of developing such deep bonds with their human partners. It is very satisfying for Julie and me to plot our way toward the ultimate Foxhall Terrier.
In the case of our genetic adventure with terriers, we are making the tough decisions regarding how we alter one unique sub-type of this highly differentiated species to achieve reproductive consistency of specific traits. Consistently breeding mentally and physically sound dogs with particular physical and behavioral attributes is a labor of love that involves knowledge of all of the above and a whole lot more.
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| Pitch - Dam:Tipperary; Sire:Harry Precious |
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Our Objectives
Physical & Behavioral Traits
Submissiveness Without Timidity
Devotion/Human Attachment
Minimal Hunting Instinct
Height & Length of Back
Coat & Color (Pitch Black/Caramel Tan)
Horse Sense
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| Dam - Tipper |
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| Sire - Solo |
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| Male Puppy - Slipper |
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Our Favorite Animal - The Domestic Dog
Canis Familiaris
All domesticated dogs have been adapted to an intimate life with humans and most of them have been altered through human intervention. As the title of this page reminds us, the dog is the most extreme example of the alteration of a domesticated species. A tamed animal has almost no flight tendency and has become emotionally stable and comfortable in the presence of humans; what we have to watch out for as breeders is the wild, or overly aggressive, example--and ensure that it's genes do not enter our breeding pool.
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| Barry Precious astride Jacob Two Two (Athens Olympics bronze medal with Julie aboard) - horse sense is always a bonus! |
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Foxhall Terriers
Selection for Breeding
Since breeding is obviously a natural phenomenon, why should we interfere with the normal breeding instincts of our dogs? Obviously one reason is to avoid unwanted pregnancies, but we also want to selectively breed for certain desirable traits and avoid those characteristics which we don’t want in the offspring. Many of the various dog breeds that we enjoy today have developed only after hundreds of years of selective breeding. Julie and I want to preserve the desirable traits of our unique breed of terrier, and this is best done by controlling the dogs’ natural breeding behavior and channeling the stud’s enthusiasm towards the desired bitch.
Although sheep were probably the first animals to be domesticated, our early ancestors most likely domesticated dogs for companionship and protection, as well as for hunting partners in driving and rounding up elusive game. Unlike mules (sterile hybrid offspring from a horse-donkey breeding), fox-dog hybrids and wolf-dog hybrids are often fertile. This fact alone implies a close relationship between these species that undoubtedly dates back to prehistoric times. So there is nothing very new about the idea of breeding dogs… just about how best to do it.
The Social Behavior of our Dogs
We work hard at choosing our breeding pairs with the intention of perpetuating one primary behavioral trait: non-aggressiveness. Occasionally a “mean” puppy will appear in the breed, but this is considered a serious fault, and such animals are not used for breeding. We also consider shyness or timidity to be a fault in our breed, as it is in most others. Our puppies are relatively non-aggressive as a group, but are confident in their relations with people and horses.
It is generally believed that aggression in a breed is usually the result of two dominant genes. We believe that the contrasting gene for tameness in all dog breeds, and in our terriers, must be a recessive one. This fits with general ideas about mutations, since, in all animal and plant species, most of the wild-type genes for hybrids do not show excessive wildness, indicating that most dogs have the same general genes for tameness. This is evidence in favor of a remote common ancestry for all dog breeds, which may have originated with the same recessive genes for tameness in the wild wolf population.
Effects of Maternal Environment
It is obvious that the bitch influences the behavior of her offspring far more than the sire, either by some prenatal environmental effect or by a postnatal effect involving learning from the mother. The natural outcome of this relationship is to make the offspring more like the mother. As a result, it is the bitch - not the sire, that has the dominant influence on our young puppies.
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| Tipperary - The Ultimate Bitch |
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Recommended Breeding Reading
Canine Reproduction - The Breeder's Guide
by Phyllis A. Holst
Many of the books on breeding are written by people with far less experience and understanding of the reproductive system and the estrous cycle in bitches, and simply repeat old, outdated information. This book is not only thorough, written so a complete novice can understand, and covers everything from making the choice to breed to placing the puppies, but it is also dependably accurate.
Genetics: An Introduction for Dog Breeders
by Jackie Isabell
Every dedicated breeder should have the knowledge available 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.
Book of the Bitch: A Complete Guide to Understanding and Caring for Bitches
by J. M. Evans, Kay White
Book of the Bitch provides thorough, in-depth coverage of every aspect of caring for and understanding the canine female. For those interested in breeding a litter, the procedure for whelping and puppy rearing is carefully explained, while detailed advice is given on how to recognize signs of sickness, and, in particular, those diseases to which bitches are prone. Backed up with many clear illustrations and tables, Book of the Bitch is essential reading for anyone considering owning a female dog.
Complete Book of Dog Breeding
by Dan Rice, DVM
Among the many facets of dog breeding that are explained in detail are the seasonality of heats, choosing and conditioning breeding stock, potential breeding problems, the actual breeding process, normal and Cesarean-section births, lactation, and neonatal puppy care.
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