9.12.4 Realizing the selection response in dogs (2024)

In dogs it is very difficult to predict the selection response. The breeding associations and the ‘Raad van Beheer’ have defined some basic prerequisites for males to be allowed to breed. In some breeds females need a health certificate related to some potential breed specific health issues, before it is allowed to use them for breeding. Very few people enjoy having a breeding male, and this is not necessarily related to the quality of the dog. Similarly, few owners of a bitch do not want to breed a litter or do not have the skills to do so despite the quality of the bitch. Consequently, prediction of the genetic response based on selected proportion and on accuracy of selection is not feasible in dogs. Exception to this is the breeding of working dogs, where quality of the dog is the selection criteria and selected dogs are used for breeding.