Author Description

Wood and Como share a treasure trove of fascinating facts gleaned from extensive research and decades of experience breeding sighthounds and alpacas. The authors introduce readers to genetic concepts such as dominant and recessive genes, polygenic inheritance, and genomic imprinting. Various breeding programs are explored in great detail. Issues such as breeding fads and common myths are candidly addressed. Other chapters offer information on DNA testing, hybrid vigor, understanding pedigrees, and sex chromosomes. An entire section features the basic concepts of color inheritance. All scientific concepts and terms are clearly explained, often by using practical examples. The book's content including a carefully selected reference section provides breeders with the tools to make more informed breeding decisions. Since man shares considerable portions of DNA with his fellow creatures, people from all walks of life will appreciate the wealth of information presented here. The author's sense of humor and artist Maryann Conran's delightful illustrations emphasize and support the message: learning about genetics can be fun! A prior knowledge of genetics is not required to enjoy this book. Relax it's not rocket science!