What can breeders do to reduce the chance of a dwarf?

[targetsmom]

First of all, thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity! My question probably requires combining answers for other questions, but as a breeder, I would like to know what steps I can take to reduce my chance of producing a dwarf. For example, does that involve selecting bloodlines with care, or avoiding certain characteristices in the parents, (or heights), or just starting with the best conformation? Can you make a list? I realize that some risk would remain unless there is a test.

 

[Arion Mgmt]

targetsmom,

If you refer to Annettes question that I answered it will help you. But I can say that there is no specific list of characteristics to stay away from, unfortunately. I wish I knew those answers!! Type one can have carriers that have some expressivity of the recessive gene, but not all. Types 2 and 3 really dont have much other than possibly a slightly larger sized head, but it is a straighter head more "horse" looking head compared to the type 1 carrier, not exotic, but not all exotic heads means type 1 recessive. Again, pedigree and knowledge of breeding results of siblings, parents, etc is the key to minimizing bad results, but not a guarantee.

You want to breed the best conformation, BALANCED, horses you can. Proportion is a major key.

Proper Proportion!!

John