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?

[ummmm]

Glasses are trendy now Jack. Not link the pink ones I had to wear :-(

[rowanwitch]

Hey when I was a kid I was fat, wore glasses and was a brainy kid... three strikes I was stuffed ... but with laser surgery becoming more common it may not be an issue in the future.

[jackthehat]

I think anyone in possession of over-developed caninophilia and misanthropic genes should be prevented from procreating...........:o)

[rowanwitch]

Shame there isn't a gene for bigotry it would be good to breed that one out

[mccfluff]

errr what jack said...

(What The Funicular)

[terrywogan]

How can you guarantee what the product of a sperm donor and your egg would look like? I have three children; first boy is tall, slim(ish), blonde, blue eyes, pale skin, slightly Chinese features; second boy is tall, very muscular, black hair, dark skin, hazel eyes; girl, very slim, tall, pale skin, mousy brown hair, dark brown eyes, not a hint of Chinese. All three are from the same father, who is English with Welsh antecedents, and me, English/Chinese. It seems you would STILL be getting the 'luck of the draw', whichever method you chose!

[pa___ul3]

I'd like to offer as an example Mr Steven Tyler, he looks like that Iggy Pop puppet off the adverts with a hangover, yet his daughter is, in a very classic sense, tremendously beautiful. Picking and chosing just doesn't work.
I'm short, bald and wear glasses, so I'm pretty sure I'd fall well outside the bell curve of physical desirability in the theoretical sense, but I like to think I've done OK with the shoddy piece of clay I was given and, let's just say, I've done very well for myself because, unless we're after 'trophies', we're not that bothered and probably place more importance on environmental factors; sense of humour, humility, confidence.. etc.
You could have a 'perfect' looking chid, with musical talent and a genial brain, but who was so doted on by thier parents for being so 'perfect' that they were an arrogant little prick, never to hold down a meaningful relationship because they were so self obsessed and so, never to find real happiness.
I'd just want my children, when I have them, to be happy, to make the best of what they have.

[cazzz1975]

and what is wrong with short legs?

beauty is subjective..

[venator]

Married twice, I have 1 girl from each - one is a blue eyed brunette, the other a brown eyed blonde. Both intelligent with masters degrees.

The best genes I've passed on are a complete lack of interest in motoring (one drives for her business) and an aversion to smoking.

[dave50]

Ouch Nox!

[pa___ul3]

oh and lankeela, on the baldness question, maybe you should as Victoria's Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, or maybe Kelly Brook, or even my lass who could absolutely have her pick of fellas with their own hair, perfect vision and long legs.

[mccfluff]

nothing wrong with baldies, damn sexy imo

[RATTER15]

Hey, im rapidly going bald!! not rapidly enough if you ask me. hair is such an inconvenience!! mind you, I now have it growing out of control all over my face!!!!