Breeders don't care about dogs, but only about 'winning'

DebiT

Person_one wrote: »

You're right! Let's just turn our dogs onto the streets like they did back in the day and wait to be surprised with what the litters look like every few months.

We can always drown the ones that don't sell.

You talk like there arent any dogs on the streets now or even dogs owned by irresponsible people? There are many, too many to rehome as it is.
The only possible excuse for breeding would be for dogs required to do specific jobs, ie., police work, guide dogs, etc.,
Breeding animals to make them look a certain way (or to trace their lineage back to the year dot) just isnt on.

Person_one

DebiT wrote: »

You talk like there arent any dogs on the streets now or even dogs owned by irresponsible people? There are many, too many to rehome as it is.
The only possible excuse for breeding would be for dogs required to do specific jobs, ie., police work, guide dogs, etc.,
Breeding animals to make them look a certain way (or to trace their lineage back to the year dot) just isnt on.

What about breeding dogs to be healthy companion animals? After all, the vast majority of dogs in this country are family pets.

Of course there are dogs abandoned on the street, but I was referring to the fact that people used to let their pet dogs roam the streets like cats. Those weren't exactly the good old days, despite the amount of mongrels produced!

dizziblonde

Two dogs at Crufts so far not passed the vet checks to be awarded their Best of Breed incidentally (peke and I think a bulldog)... babysteps I guess but still...

WolfSong2000

I watched part of the programme and utterly despaired at the attitude of some of the breeders. I do think more attention needs to be paid to ensuring that genetic issues do not get passed down. I can only speak for Golden Retrievers, as they're a breed I know well, but a popular sire a few generations back, whilst physically "perfect" had the most appalling temperament and passed this on to his offpsring. Hence why if you now speak to vets they'll tell you that Golden Retrievers can be particularly vicious. I'd never in a million years have believed this, and it's incredibly depressing as traditionally Golden's are one of the friendliest, most loving breeds you can buy. my parents bought a Goldie pup (now 8 months) from a reputable breeder...his heritage is a mix of show and working lines and IMO he has the best of both worlds...he's a lovely colour (not too light) and stands like a show dog (square, with head held high), but I know that if he was trained he'd easily do a day's work as a gundog. He also has a wonderful personality - very friendly, doesn't beg, jump up, loves everyone, etc, etc.

Whilst some fault lies with the breeders, however, other blame can be laid at the feet of dog food manufacturers. A lot of allergy issues, etc, are down to dog food. Get the dog on a decent food and the issues clear up. Giving the wrong dog food to puppies can also cause issues with growth which leads to problems later in life. I cringe every time I see an advert for Bakers dog food on TV...the human equivalent would be continuously feeding your child MacDonalds. Iams/Eukanuba also have a lot to answer for...Pedigree used to be very high in sugar (not sure if that issue has been resolved). The list goes on...luckily, more and more natural dog food comapnies are emerging, so there's good choices to suit all budgets. It's just a case of making people aware how big of an impact the dog's diet has on its health and wellbeing.

Person_one

I agree feeding dogs well is important, but Bakers won't give your dog hip dysplasia or syringomyelia. Its really a separate and much less critical issue.

Sprolliehouse

dizziblonde wrote: »

Two dogs at Crufts so far not passed the vet checks to be awarded their Best of Breed incidentally (peke and I think a bulldog)... babysteps I guess but still...

Well done that vet!!! Really hoping that it is the start of real change, not just a publicity stunt due to pressure. What has been done to many breeds in the name of vanity is simply wickedness.

lostinrates

dizziblonde wrote: »

Two dogs at Crufts so far not passed the vet checks to be awarded their Best of Breed incidentally (peke and I think a bulldog)... babysteps I guess but still...

Excellent news.

Fwiw, i bet i am not the only pedigree supporter fully behind this, and accepting that some lovely breeds might not have a future. The truely sad thing its what has happened to some incredibly workmanlike breeds.....hip scores in the working and gun dogs.

A common complaint from working strain breeders is that pedigrees do not work. I know a few show breeders who work their dogs, most commonly gun dogs. One of my, non gundogs, points..which is handy! And also herds, which is very useful. We have not managed to train either to rat, but might consider a terrier for that purpose. Dh has wanted a particular rerrier breed of which the show and working lines have diverged somewhat, and we will probably go show line looking for trainability for job from the breeders.


Interestingly this week you and yours on bbc radio 4 had a feature on the unsuitability of working strains fopr most households as pets....selection in working lines has often focused not only at the job the breed was bred to do, but also with no consideration for traits that make a housedog most content itself and easy to live with.

dizziblonde

The Crufts BOB Clumber Spaniel Int Ch Chervood Snowsun has not passed the veterinary inspection so has not been awarded Best of Breed.

Another one... and yet the dog-showy/breedy people I know - are up in arms about the "injustice" of it all. Says it all really.

lolseh

dizziblonde wrote: »

Another one... and yet the dog-showy/breedy people I know - are up in arms about the "injustice" of it all. Says it all really.

Don't tar us all with the same brush. I was at Crufts showing yesterday and am very glad to see something finaly being done. There's too much face judging and no care to the dogs so atleast idependant vets can't be like 'O this is such and suchs dog no way can I not give it BOB otherwise there will be hell afterwords'

Personally I think all dogs should be vet checked before being allowed in the ring.. In a perfect world eh

Person_one

lolseh wrote: »

Don't tar us all with the same brush. I was at Crufts showing yesterday and am very glad to see something finaly being done. There's too much face judging and no care to the dogs so atleast idependant vets can't be like 'O this is such and suchs dog no way can I not give it BOB otherwise there will be hell afterwords'

Personally I think all dogs should be vet checked before being allowed in the ring.. In a perfect world eh

What breed do you show? Please say you support sensible outcrossing!

I can't even begin to comprehend the politics of the dog showing world, it baffles me.