What is a ZW# - Page 1

Can anyone tell me what a ZW# is? 

W

ZW stands for Zuchtwert, the Breed Value Assessment. Here's a brief definition written by Fred Lanting:

Breed Value Assessment (Zuchtwert) is the attempt to describe how an animal will pass characteristics to its progeny. Hereditary transmission (whether improving or weakening) is described to breeders as “value or breed worthiness”, and is expressed in the form of a number. An animal bequeathing an “average” value (neither improving nor worsening) has a value of 100. Animals that improve upon this average in the breeding scheme (in HD that would be lowering the incidence in progeny) are given value numbers under 100; animals that magnify or increase the feature will have values over 100. With this system, the breeder need no longer focus [as much?] on whether a particular dog is free of HD, or what degree of laxity/tightness it has; in the future he can expect a reduced risk of HD (smaller ZW number) or an increased risk (high number).

The full article is at www.vanerp.net/ilse/GSDINFO/Breed%20value%20and%20the%20GSD.htm

http://hauspharao.com/wusvinf/valueasses.html

Great in theory, but I am not yet convinced it works in real life. Too many dysplastic dogs' x-rays are never submitted, giving a false numerical factor. Still, its the best we have at this point, so must be considered.

SS

Pups from the above breeding will start life with a ZW of 78, considered pretty good as 100 is officially consdiered "median", but no guarantee that none of the pups won't show up with dysplasia. As the progeny of the dogs receive SV (only, not OFA) hip ratings for THEIR progeny, their numbers will change.
IOW: As parents' progeny attains one year and receive ratings, the parents' progeny's ZB will be adjusted to include their progeny's ratings. Does that explanation make sense?

SS

Oh, my that makes great sense!  THANK YOU!

 

W