Genetic Diversity and Breeding

Introduction

Genetics diversity and the size of the gene pool are important factors in the health and long-term sustainability of a breed. If a gene pool is too small the chances of inherited genetic problems is greatly increased.

We have provided links to useful articles, presentations and videos below.

Articles by Jerold S. Bell, DVM, Clinical Associate Professor of Genetics, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

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The Effects of Genetic Testing: Constructive or Destructive?

An article by Jerold S. Bell, DVM, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine originally published in the June, 2001 issue of the AKC Gazette.

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The Aspect Of Population Size On Healthy Breeding In Dog Breeds

An article by Jerold S. Bell, DVM, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, USA. This article originally appeared in the proceedings of the 2017 AKC Canine Health Foundation National Parent Club Canine Health Conference.

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The Ins and Outs of Pedigree Analysis, Genetic Diversity, and Genetic Disease Control

An article by Jerold S. Bell, DVM, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, USA. This is an updated version of an article that originally appeared in the American Kennel Club Gazette in September 1992 entitled, “Getting What You Want From Your Breeding Program.”

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Breeding Strategies for Managing Genetic Traits

An article by Jerold S. Bell, DVM, Clinical Associate Professor of Genetics, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

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Pedigree Analysis and How Breeding Decisions Affect Genes

An article by Jerold S. Bell, DVM, Clinical Associate Professor of Genetics, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

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Popular-Sire Syndrome: Keeping watch over health and quality issues in purebreds

An article by Jerold S. Bell, DVM, Clinical Associate Professor of Genetics, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine which originally appeared in the “Healthy Dog” section of the August, 2004 AKC Gazette.

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Removing the Stigma of Genetic Disease

An article by Jerold S. Bell, DVM, Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, N. Grafton, MA adapted from an article published in the “Healthy Dog” section of the October, 2003 AKC Gazette.

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