The
A Recording System for Basset Hound Breeders
Copyright © 1998 by Claudia Waller Orlandi, Ph.D.
Table of Contents
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Introduction to Pediscore Tool Kit System: Using Numbers and Colors to Breed Better Bassets)
Building a Better Dog: Tips on Using the Pediscore Tool Kit
CHART # 1 Evaluating A Dog’s Outward Appearance (Phenotype)
Chart that uses numbers to evaluate up to 33 conformation traits in a single dog. Each trait is scored from 1 (Excellent) to 5 (Very Poor). Also provides a way to describe how a trait is faulty. For example, a dog’s HINDQUARTERS may be scored as 4 (Below Average). To indicate how the HINDQUARTERS are faulty, [they may be Cow-hocked (CH), Bow-legged (B), Close (CL), etc.] refer to Chart #2 for a list of letter codes which may be placed after the number score. Below Average, Cow-hocked Hindquarters, for example, would be scored: 4 CH (4 is the score for Below Average; CH is the letter code for Cow-hocks).
CHART # 2 Fault Abbreviations: Codes For Describing Conformation Faults
A list of letter codes to help a breeder describe how a trait is faulty.
CHART # 3 The Official Standard for the Basset Hound
CHART # 4 Parts of the Basset Hound
A Chart that shows the anatomy (physical outline and major skeletal parts) of the Basset Hound. Assists the novice in learning the parts of the Basset Hound and in using the Tool Kit charts.
CHART # 5 Evaluating A Litter
A number chart similar to Chart #1 that evaluates up to 33 conformation traits in a sire and dam and the litter they produce. Provides breeders a way to record the types of traits a sire and dam pass on to offspring. By looking across one horizontal line of scores, for example, a breeder knows at a glance how a particular trait was expressed in the parents and in each one of the puppies they produced.
CHART # 6 Evaluating 3 Generations
A number chart similar to Charts #1 and #5 that shows at a glance how a particular trait scored in a dog and 14 immediate ancestors. Gives a breeder a better idea of the genetic make-up (genotype) of the individuals in a pedigree and subsequently helps predict the traits ancestors may pass on to offspring.
CHART # 7 What Is The Prism Pedigree?
Explains how to use the Prism Pedigree. The Prism Pedigree is made up of stick figure Basset Hounds and is based on a color coding system which uses five magic marker colors to rate the quality of conformation traits in a sire and dam, grandparents and great-grandparents. The colors used on each stick figure dog help a breeder visualize ancestors in a pedigree and the kinds of traits individual animals are dominant for. The Prism Pedigree can be used by itself or in combination with the number charts.
CHART # 8 The Prism Pedigree
A 3 generation pedigree of Basset Hound stick figures which are meant to be color coded. Also includes 8 stick figure "Predicted Puppies" a breeder should color code before the litter is born. Another 8 stick figure "Actual Puppies" are provided so that breeders can compare their predictions with what was actually produced in the litter. The Prism Pedigree helps breeders train their "eye" for a dog by helping them visualize dogs in a pedigree. Crayola Thin Line Markers are recommended for working with the Prism Pedigree.
CHART # 9 A 3-Generation Health Factor Chart
A chart that allows a breeder to track health problems in a 3-generation pedigree and predict with greater accuracy what the chances are that a particular health problem will be passed on to offspring. Lists 27 disorders which are commonly found in the Basset Hound.
CHART #10 Some Health Problems Commonly Found in the Basset Hound: Definitions
Provides a brief description of some of the health problems commonly found in the Basset Hound
CHART #11 Glossary of Terms
Defines the dog terms used in the Tool Kit.