Posted by Larry Hoover on May 23, 2005, at 7:49:33
In reply to Re: Sorry, Gabbi darling P.S. » Larry Hoover, posted by alexandra_k on May 23, 2005, at 5:37:49
> > Australian shepherd.
>
> Is that the breed that is really american???Before I go on, I'd like to say that I am not a dog expert. I find the genetics fascinating (genetype), and breeds also (phenotype). It is the interplay of genotype and phenotype that fascinates.
Genotypy is the specific form of the DNA; which variant, if you will. At a specific gene, sometimes there can be dozens of versions of the DNA (called alleles) coding for a specific trait (e.g. coat or eye colour). Phenotypy is appearance. Sometimes a phenotype can be produced by different, distinctive gene combinations. Usually, though, a stable phenotype (such as a breed) is produced by a stable genotype. That occurs only through inbreeding and selection, which stabilizes the genes.
Back to the Australian Shepherd. A quick google search confirmed it.....an American "invention", and one so recent the breed has not stabilized genetically. An interesting quirk is the preference for a merle coat pattern, pictured here: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/australianshepherd.htm
As the gene that confers the merle coat also contributes to blindness/deafness, the herding capability of the dog seems to be secondary to its appearance. It's a dog show dog.
> I saw one recently.
> They look quite cool.
> Kind of border collie like..The only one I had seen looked like a border collie, as well. Shorter coat, shorter muzzle. Same mesmerizing eyes.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:497256
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050513/msgs/501588.html