ISSN:
1573-3297
Keywords:
fearfulness
;
guide dogs
;
discriminant functions
;
heterosis
;
heritability
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Psychology
Notes:
Abstract Fearfulness is the most common reason causing dogs to be unsuitable for training as guide dogs. We have carried out a diallel cross using four breeds of dog—Labrador, German shepherd, boxer, and kelpie—and recorded 38 measures of fearfulness. The variation between litters was described by three discriminant functions. One function, which measured general fearfulness, showed significant genetic variation but no nongenetic between-litter variation. The other two functions showed a mixture of genetic and environmental variation. Of the three functions, only general fearfulness affected a dog's suitability as a guide dog. Labradors were the least fearful and German shepherd dogs the most fearful of the four breeds. There was no heterosis for general fearfulness, but there was significant within-breed genetic variation, implying that fearfulness could best be reduced by a selection program among Labradors. Optimum methods of selecting against general fearfulness are discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01071933
