Selective breeding

[lankeela]

The thread on taller sons got me wondering. Now I am a dog breeder and most of us try to select the best mate for our dogs, one that will perhaps improve something the bitch is lacking or a feature that is desirable. I have never had kids but if I had I would have liked them to be healthy, intelligent and good looking, and definitely taller than me. I saw a programme recently where a sperm donor in the US was contacted by many of his 'offspring' and he was a tall, good looking chap, with a lovely laid back nature. If any of you are (or have a partner who is) less than 100% healthy, intelligent and good looking would you consider using a sperm donor as a stud, to give your kids a better chance in life? Are you being fair to your children if you breed with someone with undesirable traits?

[NOX]

Ouch eugenics...that's a never a good idea with people, I'm a man but if my partner had a problem unless it was major and definitly genetically heritable I would never dream of nicking some perfect woman's egg to fertilise- that's just not the way kids ought to be brought into the world unless there is a fertility problem.

' Oh she's not your real mum son, she's got a funny nose and a gammy leg, so I didn't want you inheriting that, so naturally we went with a donor...'

Yukk.

[bednobs]

i'm not sure TBH i think love would overcome - i love my husband and would like to see what type of dad he would make. However, having said that, i'm very glad he is tall. All of my family is very short, and i would at least like any kids i have to have the chance to be taller than me. I expect if he was short, i'd still like him to be the father though

[ummmm]

No, I wouldn't consider using a sperm donor.

[rowanwitch]

When I was married my Ex (he later came out of the closet) was not going to provide the required and I considered trying to find a donor. had I gone down that path I would have tried to find the best genetic material I could... in fact a friend was on my list...tall blond green eyes, talented musician and research scientist... he was also gay and I knew he'd have loved to be a timeshare parent circumstances precluded I regret it now

[jackthehat]

Selective breeding in dogs still allows for there to be a tendency to hip-displacements, dodgy tickers and other congenital defects, though.

Perhaps Mother Nature does know best, after all.

[venator]

I'll get this in before anyone else, hopefully --

I'm available....

[NOX]

That's different though rowan and wholly understandable, the OP asked if someone would replace their partner because they had traits you found undesireable, I've no objection to anyone looking for the best material to have a baby with if theyre going to go the IVF turkey baster route, just the idea of replacing your partner cos they aren't up to to much is a bit off:)

[Zacs-Master]

What a bizarre question. You say you've never had kids lankeela; have you ever been in love?

[rowanwitch]

But I would still have been with my ex if he hadn't left and the friend was a much better specimen... and I use that term with due regard to how cold blooded it seems... I also had a try at the 'natural method' with a rather stunning chap of proven fertility with the same intent

[RATTER15]

JTH, I agree and in many cases these traits were deliberately bred into dogs because us humans thought they "looked" better!

Thankfully the tables are turning and much of this type of breeding is being targeted and stamped out, largely thanks to Panarama a new KC president and some young blood.

[lankeela]

Not talking about replacing partners, how often do you look at someone or a couple and think I hope they never have kids? Is it selfish to expect kids to grow up with some that has been a problem in your life? I don't necessarily mean an inherited disease (although I wouldn't pass that on), I mean short fat legs, or having to wear beer bottle glasses, or so thick they would have no chance of having a decent education.

[NOX]

ah okay sorry rowan, I was a bit confused ( happens a lot..lol)- so your patrner was perfectly fertile or was he infertile, that's the bit that's confusing me?

[RATTER15]

Panorama*

[rowanwitch]

Didn't want to do the deed... I had the wrong bits...as it turned out... the other gay friend would have needed to do the formal donor thing... ex husband would not have gone down the AIH route as he would have lost face by agreeing to that method... he was a perfectly ok tall fit chap of average intelligence just other friend was an upgrade

[lankeela]

Zacs-master, being in love has nothing to do with it, I'd still want the best for any kids and I have had some 'partners' I definitely wouldn't want to breed from! I am sure if gay couples decide to have kids they would choose a suitable mate from those available.

[ummmm]

If someone had characteristics you found distasteful, distasteful enough to want to breed them out, surely you wouldn't be with that person in the first place??

Sounds incredibly shallow.....I love my OH's imperfections.

[lankeela]

A relative has an adopted child and the child's mother was very well educated. The child has gone on to university and a very good career while the couple's 'own' child couldn't solve the teatime teaser on Countdown.

[rowanwitch]

Funny thing is if I'd met redman when we were both young enough to have kids I'd have had a family with him gladly... he may not be tall dark and handsome but would have been a brilliant dad

[jackthehat]

You might swap short-legs and myopia for long-legged diabetes or 20/20 heart-problems.......

[ummmm]

Being in love has everything to do with it.

And what person would happily agree to bring up a child for at least 18 years. that wasn't biologically theirs, just because they had fat legs or a big nose?