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SHOW
QUALITY:
SUBSTANCE OR
ILLUSION?
By, Isabel M. Gordon
Perhaps the time has come to re-examine
the term "show dog".
The words themselves imply that the dogs' purpose is merely to look
good.
Unfortunately, some breeders have embraced this misnomer as their
breeding objective.
If that statement disturbs you, as it should, the following will shock
(if not embarrass) you. I am not addressing the "Backyard Breeders" from
whom we have all learned not to expect too much. My comments are
directed to those whose names have the same effect
in Yorkie or Silky's - doom as E.F. Hutton has on Wall Street; the ones
to whom we refer potential puppy buyers after warning against the small
honest breeder or "Backyard Bogeymen".
The fact that recently some of our most
respected "show lines" have demonstrated serious genetic defects and
tendencies is in itself an indictment of some reputable breeders.
But in all fairness, we all stand accused of allowing our quest for the
"living standard"
to overshadow our original cause; the betterment of the breed.
We share collective guilt, if not for our
actions then for our inaction as we stand by silently watching our
colleagues breeding for the ring to the exclusion of all other
considerations. So, how do we differ from those mini; mills we look down
on? In some cases, not very much. (With the possible exception of the
credibility lent by show stats and club affiliations.)
I guess we all
know the truth, but few admit this openly. Instead, we whisper our
impressions or cover up our weaknesses in a breeding program. But
now.
The Devil has come to take his due. What do we say to a puppy buyer
who calls his/her breeder, upset because after spending $1500 on vet
bills, a puppy.' dog has died of a congenital defect? In defense can
a breeder say "His father is a B.I.S.W
winner and he can talk!" or "His
mother has 500 BOB's" or how about "I'm sorry about your dog, but
didn't he have a coat to die for? " Unfortunately, he did! And none
of those fancy titles made a bit of difference.
Those of you who are at this very
moment shaking your heads in denial know that questionable breeding
practices DO take place, sometimes with sad results for pet owners
and fellow breeders as well. It is true that ALL bloodlines have the
potential for various defects, but that is where the Breeders
skillful choice of sire or dam can make the difference. Anyone can
breed two dogs and produce puppies. However, it takes care and
sacrifice to produce quality puppies. We can never hope to purge the
breed of all defects!, but through selective breeding we can work to
stack the "genetic deck" more in our favor over the years.
This basic principal of responsible
breeding has, in some cases been lost in the vast collection of
ribbons, trophies and prestige. Whatever the reason, the effects
are the same. Caring breeders and loving pet owners are meeting on
common ground they share; the place they come to bury their darling
little charges and their sorrows.
To the breeders of these "Trojan Doggies", I say it's time to get on
with the true business at hand — the improvement, refinement and
above all the safeguarding of our breed as a whole.
It is very likely that I have
displeased a few, perhaps surprised or embarrassed some.
Good! Maybe that is what we need every now and then, a little
shaking up. Granted after the final tremors, we may find a few
pedestals will stand empty, but only those whose hold was weak.
Thankfully however, we will find many standing. Those who through
the years have stood as true bastions of the breed and who will
hopefully continue to do so for many years to come.
I have to apologize to re print this article, but thanks to M.
Gordon every
honest good Breeder should read this before his next selective
mating. Thanks Helmut
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