Breed Improvement Suggestions for the UK GSD Breed Council - Page 29

David - it is very obvious that a lot of thought has gone into this proposal.  You have done well  to come up with template that can be made to fit all breeds, which I agree is important.

If you were to look at for breeds such as the Rodesian Ridgeback they will be able to use it for the ridgeless puppies and remove the need for them to be culled at birth - all they have to do is request a more basic pedigree for them, even if they have come from Tier 1 parents.  Those in our breed who insist of continuing to breed the odd colours can do so without being seen in the same light as those of correct colours.

Lets hope the right people get hold of this and push it forward, I think that those of us with friends in other breeds should get them to forward them to their breed councils and ask that they also implement a 2 tier system, as the more breeds that support this scheme the better chance we have of getting it implemented.  The kennel club have only got to work with each breed to get the relevant health schemes added or taken away and in fact for those that use DNA testing a coloured pedgree will make it easier to the lay person as to what has been checked and what hasnt.

Well done.

beepy: Thank you, you have grasped a "core" issue within my proposals. You wouldn't believe the amount of thought that went into these proposals. Having read this whole thread very carefully and then linked that with my own experiences, I considered many formulations and options, some obvious and some not so obvious. I was constantly considering "option" and then the arising consequences, then alternative option, and then again the arising consequences. This process went on for many hours. I sincerely believe I have made proposals which offer a "best chance" for our breed and will attract the majority of breeders, and hopefully will be supported by our Breeds National Organisations, despite who formulated and wrote them. The KC "one size fits all" policy has been facilitated as best it can.

I can imagine the amount of thought that went into this - and it is my lack of experience that stopped me even attempting it.  The KC is very keen on having a scheme that every one fits into and in MHO I think that they should replace the Accredited Breeder Scheme with this and it wont require people to sign up as those who fit the criteria will automatically be included.  It wont require breeders to say I'm good (when I bet not that many are), but for the effort and work to stand up for itself.

beepy: My proposal is objective, it does not rely on any bullshit or personal opinion. It ensures everyone is playing on a level playing field. It is achievable and measured and most importantly it is focused on very important health issues. If we are not proactive and overwhelmingly supportive of such a proposal, I fear the Kennel Club will simply add another tier to the infamous "Accredited Breeders Scheme" and call it the "Elite Breeders Scheme" - I kid you not. That will be the TWO TIER Kennel Club System we end up with. I am sure that huge support for my proposals from throughout our breed is the only way to stop that happening. It was these thoughts that drove me to formulate my proposals. I sincerely hope the majority of people in our breed can strongly support these proposals. Do not let anyone "divide & conquer" us, please.

Have you forwarded your suggestions to the Breed Council and your local Club?

Also how about sending it to the dog press as a suggested way forward for the Kennel club to show their efforts to help breeders produce a healthier Pedigree dog?

Beepy, lets not rock any boats yet! leave the press and other avenue's till after the K.C. meeting. Lets see how the proposals are recieved by our breed first. If they are agreed, and are put forward for the meeting, lets see how the K.C. respond. It might be they agree with everything! Remember the K.C. need to get out of a hole after the battering they received with the T.V. programme, If they do as we ask, and we get what we want, that's all that matters, Let them wallow in any potential glory.  So lets not saber rattle too soon. One thing I would like to see if this graduates to a K.C. meeting, D.P. is invited to attend by one of the groups, Breed Council, League, BAGD, U.K. (alsatian) club. to help give it every chance to succeed. Bill Owen.

DP, you may well be right about the KC wanting a "one size fits all" system and I freely admit that I hadn't even thought about the KC seeking recognition, significant or otherwise!

I am very much for your proposals, however, I am not totally sold on the KC angle.  I do think that the working side may, with some justification, feel rather let down.  One of the reasons I plumped for the BC Breed Survey was because we could (if the KC agree) have everything under one umbrella... including a good working & temperament test.  Another point worth considering is, that any adjustments/updates to the survey, could be carried out without lengthy KC dealings.

I'm not picking holes here DP.  I'm quite happy for someone to tell me why my suggestion is not an option; after all, if the KC give the ok to the BC, wouldn't the KC have less to do?

Bill, re: DP going to the KC... mmmmmm...don't know... does he have a little tweedy number and a pair of perforated shoes? 

The KC from what I can gather only do things if it suits them, and by devising a system that can be used/adapted for all breeds is certainly a good idea as it shows us as rounded and not only interested in ourselves and difficult.

The suggestions posted seem to have no bias towards any type and this is the way forward and I have said so on previous posts.  It is only as 1 unified breed can we get the KC behind us, divided we appear weak.

Bill - I get what you say, lets give the KC a chance to see the light and if and when they dont lets slam them from all directions!

I have read Videx proposal and as expected it is well/cleverley thought out and definetely covers the health issues in most dog breeds, it would be sensible and easy for the K C to apply with no loss of revenue and would not take anything from breeders, that did not want to apply it, But for it to have value to OUR breed it would need the B C to incorporate into its survey working. aptitude tests progressing to ultimately full testing as per the continental system, so we would need to lobby the B C to be much more progressive and active regarding temperament / character testing

This has now almost become two subjects and for me the only one of interest is the one regarding the GSD

The proposal from Videx i think would be very useful to ALL the other working breeds, certainly those that have a recognised working test 

The next few weeks will be very interesting to see if the heirachy of the BAGSD, GSDL and BC SHOW OR LEND SUPPORT to the idea, i am sure they read this and they will all need something to talk about next weekend in Germany so we will see

Well, I really don't know... so, I shall contact the BC tomorrow and ask their opinion.  My interest here is in the GSD, not in being difficult... we've come this far, I want to be as sure as possible that the correct (best) route is now taken for the GSD.  Without intended offence to anyone... honestly!

DP, whatever "authority" ends up with your proposal... well done... seriously well done!