is there such a thing as a pedigree pig?

[Pepperdog]

This is a discussion about breeds and NOT breeding but something I have pondered for some time, its more about genetics than encouraging breeding. I hope I havent broken the rules as I have not intended to discuss intentional breeding (nor have plans to breed, far too many pigs in rescue) but I wondered if breeds are more like types that actual purposeful breeds unless you try for pure breeds.

Considering a lot of pigs have come from all sorts of different breeds of pigs, yet not all that come out are the same breed as the mum or dad, is there such a thing as pedigree pigs - more to the point considering the mess pedigree dogs have gotten into health wise due to closed source breeding would you really want them to be.

I have two smooth short haired pigs, a rex and an abby, the short hair girl came from the abby so must have taken after her dad (unkown) more. The genetics that can create a lethal pig is worrying, and I know that basically if the genes of mum and dad are the same chances are the babys will be the same breed but would there also be some surprise breeds in the litter too? Also is the defective genes such as lethal and roan (Is that right? ) carried in lots of pigs so its hit and miss as to which pigs also become carriers or does it tend to occur in certain types of piggies?

Mods if you feel this is inapropriate then feel free to remove or lock, I dont mean any offence but genetics is a subject that fasinates me and origins or breeds/types also is a subject that I love to learn more about. Had a fascinating discussion on where the blue colour in lurchers came from a few weeks ago and the genetic side effects that come with it.

 

[MerryPip]

There are breed standards for showing but I don't think there is any certification that comes with them like a pedigree. I know some people advertise their offspring as coming from a certain line though.

I have been looking at breeds and genetics since I got Hamish (my little lethal piggy) as there is loads of interesting traits passed on etc.

Good luck investigating!

 

[Pat Shields]

I also have been curious about the very thing you are asking since I rescued Red; he has such an unusual appearance for a guinea pig so was wondering if he is a certain type. I have noticed, and others have told me, that certain personality characteristics go with certain types; Redemption appears to be a Texel mix and is rather calm, but this new one I have, Salvatore, appears to be an Abyssinian mix and is beginning to show the traits (being much more active and demonstrative) that others have suggested such a guinea pig will show. It is my opinion therefore that pigs bred to have a certain appearance will also have personality traits typical of those with that same appearance. Is there a pedigree pig? I personally don't have a clue, but I would say that those with true-to-type appearances and actions would come close to the definition.