The ethical "rules" when breeding a family pet - Page 2

I agree, if you want a dog for herding go with someone who breeds for herding instinct.   If there's no dogs in the lineage that have "known" herding titles, or dogs known to produce herding instinct (Molly Graf's kennel is an example, eichenluft) you really have no way of knowing what to expect.  What type of herding do you want to do with the dog?   Traditional tending which is what the GSD was intended for, or something else.   

This is someone who breeds GSD's meant for herding.....     www.whitecloversheepfarm.com    

http://www.whitecloversheepfarm.com/sh-articles.html    "the tending pup" and the "the instinct test" might be something good for you to read....

I train my dogs in the tending style of sheep herding, mostly for HGH.  But, I also do AKC C course.    My older bitch who was not from "herding" lines had herding instinct, however in the long run wasn't suited nerve wise when it came time for any real pressure to work.   If that makes sense.   My two that I have now, one was from this kennel and the other from a "herding" kennel in Germany.   Which goes back to vom Quasliner Moor mother lines....I knew that both would have herding instinct and would be strong enough to handle the work.           

As far as breeding the family pet, why exactly do your friends want to breed the dog?    

Just my two cents...



Kathy

If you want a dog for a specific purpose, it is common sense to select from a breeder that has a proven track record of dogs for that purpose.  No point buying a spanner if you need a hammer!

On the other hand, just because a dog is a family dog does not make it rubbish, being a family dog is damned hard work with the goalposts being changed all the time and far more variables to cope with on a day to day basis than a kennel dog, even one in training.   However, I doubt the average family who breed from their pet dog is likely to be in a position to offer ongoing back up if things go pear shaped with one of the pups in the future, however good their intentions - can they really take back into their home an older dog that is maybe unused to children or other pets in the household until they can find it a home if the original purchaser cannot keep it for some reason?

Margaret N-J

its great if you want a good family pet, but be aware alot of shep cant herd.
i do sell alot of mine to family homes , but my guys  can work and the mother has very strong herding ,she has her HIC and will be doing lessons this spring, she was born to herd.
i breed  shep. for all kinds of work which is what breeders should be breeding for.
i dont breed very much either.
i think you should find parents that have herding instint forsure.
good luck

 

bea

Breeding's a crap shoot . I don't see anything in the pedigree that says the pups will not be smart enough to do what ever you want them to do. Go for it. Most people just want good stable family dogs anyway .So there should be no problem getting the resulting pups great loving homes. It is a lot of work raising pups so consider that when deciding to breed or not to breed.She looks like a very  nice dog to me.

Nostalgic to see a Rainhamess dog in the bitches pedigree, I remember the lady who held that affix, Greta, from the days when she had a dog called Pilot, Druidswood Navigator or Rainhamess and competed in Competition Obedience.  Alas, Pilot was not the keenest stud dog and only sired a couple of litters, I still have him far back in some of my pedigrees, his daughter lived to nearly 17 years of age, having recovered from Parvo as a baby puppy, never had a days illness  again and was strong on her legs til the end.  Greta must be very old now, anyone know if she is still alive?

Margaret N-J