Jeff Cox Webboard User Reg: 04-07-2003
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I saw this program on PBS last night. It was narrated by John Lithgow (sp?). I missed the beginning but it was pretty interesting. Part of the program dealt with different theories on how dogs evolved from wolves since genetically they are different. The part that caught my eye was an experiment conducted by a Russian scientist who was trying to breed tamer foxes. He would pick the tamest fox out of a litter, breed, and repeat. He found that within 10 generations the coat colors of the foxes (from black to white) and their behaviors changed significantly. Further investigation showed they had far lower levels of adrenaline, melonine, etc.
Could this explain why there aren't any ( or very many) working white GSDs?
The gene that produces a solid white GSD (and white wolf) is a different gene from the one which showed up in Belayev's foxes (the spotting gene "S"), and there's no known correlation between the spotting gene and a 'tame' or juevenile temperament. The white GSD rarely has great working ability becuz the gene pool is too limited. When you're breeding for color as your priority, you limit your options and the other characteristics take a back seat.
Jeff Cox Webboard User Reg: 04-07-2003
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I knew there would be someone on this board that would be able to set me straight. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
One of the parts I enjoyed from the program is where some of the experts pointed out that Dog Shows were the worst thing to happen to canines and that everyone would be better off if people would breed for behaviors rather than appearance.
Althought as mentionned above the gene for the pigmentation of the fox is not the same of the wolf or dogs, the white GSD is not environmental but by selective breeding , trial - error.
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Lee, I agree with you 100%. It's a very interesting THEORY. One I like better than the wolf at the campfire thing, but still nothing more than theory. Didn't mean to stir your pot. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Aw c'mon...I was hoping for a good debate. It's Friday and slow here...I need something to argue about! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />
Jeff Cox Webboard User Reg: 04-07-2003
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OK Lee...
"Dogs" by Raymond and Lorna Coppinger is the best dog book ever written and all of their facts were discovered through accurate scientific methods.
(I haven't read the book nor do I believe the above statement but I don't want Lee to be bored on a Friday <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> )
Oooooh, one of my favorite debate topics! That book was an incredibly biased, unscientific work and it kills me when it's cited as a scientific work of value (I know, Bob, you didnt' say that, but a lot of people do!).
Best. most well thought out book on the evolution of the human-canine relationship ever written.
Now TRY to prove the captured wolf theory if you want to talk unscientific.
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