Being ethical in breeding goes beyond just focusing on the health and well-being of the parents and their offspring. It also involves valuing breed preservation, upholding the breed's authenticity, and adhering to ethical standards.
What not to do! Matting two Dapple Dachshunds can be risky because of the potential for health problems in the offspring. Here's why:
1. Dapple Dachshunds carry the Merle gene (M), which can cause health issues when combined with another Merle gene. When two Dapple Dachshunds are bred, there's a 25% chance of producing puppies with the genotype MM (homozygous Merle).
2. Increased risk of health problems: Puppies with the MM genotype are at a higher risk of:
- Deafness
- Vision problems (microphthalmia, coloboma)
- Blindness
- Other eye abnormalities
- Increased risk of heart problems
3. Reduced fertility: Male puppies with the MM genotype may be infertile or have reduced fertility.
To avoid these potential health issues, it's recommended to breed a Dapple Dachshund with a non-Dapple Dachshund (a Dachshund without the Merle gene). This reduces the risk of passing on the MM genotype to offspring.
Remember, responsible breeding practices prioritize the health and well-being of dogs!
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