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by duke1965 on 18 June 2010 - 20:06
there is few people breeding dogs , and many people producing puppies
inbreeding is for the few that are breeding dogs
I personally took my breedingprogram even further then noCurs and never had to cull anything
inbreeding does not bring any worst results than when you outcross with the same lines/dogs , thats the biggest fairytale
if you have ,for example , hip displasia in your lines , you have a chance of producing hipdisplasia , if you inbreed , but also when you outcross with these dogs
by NoCurs on 18 June 2010 - 22:06
I agree, but sadly, I wish everyone that produced pups would have a "high level of commitment". I consider myself a student of the breed, and waited 20 years in the breed before I started a breeding program. The average time of commitment in dogs is FIVE YEARS on average; not even the life time of ONE dog...
Make no mistake: I, like anyone, could have a "no culls" program too. All it takes is NOT culling. Just about any pup can be placed. But as so many of the "drama" threads on here show, finding responsible owners is very, very tough. It's really tough with breeds going through a fad phase like pit bulls. I went into my breeding program determined to keep only the top best few pups in the litter alive. This is a practice that I really understand is unattractive to many, but is common practice with the more serious working dog breeders (research the history of breeds like the Jadgt terrier, the alaskan husky, the wirehaired griffon for few). I ask no permission or forgiveness for what I do, as I learned a long time ago to please only my own high standards. I can stand being called a "puppy killer" by those few who simply could never understand working dog breeding.
I really live by the old cowboy statement about horses: "If you can't shoe 'em or shoot 'em, don't have em."
I'm interested to hear about other's inbreeding experiences. Are you strong enough to share?
by Steve Schuler on 18 June 2010 - 22:06
Yes, even as I wrote what you quoted above I thought that it was really applicable to ANY breeding program.. I need to emphasize that I am not a breeder, and my thoughts and comments should be taken in that context. I certainly don't propose that I have any real insight or understanding as to how one could, or should, best approach the responsibilities that come with breeding. I have given it quite a bit of thought over the years and the short answer to why I have not entered into the the "business" myself is that I cannot afford to, either financially or emotionally. Well, I could go on about that but I won't. Best of luck to you in your endeavors!
SteveO
by k9kop9 on 19 June 2010 - 04:06
by NoCurs on 19 June 2010 - 05:06
It is heartbreaking. It has fantastic highs and really, really, really low lows. Only a serious breeder understands this. I am sad that thoughtful people like yourself often opt to not breed, knowing this. Sadly, this leaves a void for the backyard crew. But I sure respect anyone who doesn't take it on, as it is not for everyone. I did not start until I was retired and had time to mess with the dogs and could house pups as long as necessary and take any back as needed.
Those who work with "working" dogs have it really tough. They are not onl y trying (or should be!) to breed somewhat typey and very sound animals in appearance, but also trying to keep a good balance with temperament and working drives.
I recently took up breeding fowl. Thought it would be "oh so much easier". HAH! NOT! : )
by Steve Schuler on 19 June 2010 - 06:06
@No Curs
I imagine that like most people who really like a breed, I too have dreamed about being a breeder. I mean, who hasn't thought what a great thing it would be to be a participant in the grand endeavor of not only perpeuating but to even improve upon the Noblest of Breeds, The Magnificant German Shepherd! But then Reality sets in, as it often does, thankfully....
Am I even remotely familiar enough with "The Breed" to even begin selecting the proper breeding stock? And how am I going to finance this noble enterprise? Do I have access to a trustworthy and honest Mentor who might share the same sensibility or vision of what constitutes the most desirable constituents of Character, Temperament, and Conformation? And what about properly placing the product of my efforts into enduring and responsible situations? I am sure you have struggled with these and many, many more problems, as have many others. As you point out, the average duration of a "Kennel" is five years....
But you know, still the dream or desire persists, although it likely will never be realized. Oh well, I can only wish others who are breeding GSDs that they suceed in producing quality dogs that best exemplify the German Shepherd as the ultimate canine companion to man. A beautiful, healthy dog with a safe, strong, and incorruptible character. Much easier said than done, this much I know.
SteveO
P.S.
I caught your "Public Service Announcement" pertaining to micro-chipping dogs for reliable identification in another somewhat Dramatic thread elsewhere in this form. I doubt if many of the participants in that discussion are "Clear-Headed" enough to be aware of what's going on around them while they are in "Civil Drive". Still, your contribution to that thread was one of very few that was worth reading, but I've got to admit I have read the whole gnarly affair with dull amazement. I guess it's something like finding yourself being not able to NOT watch a horrible wreck. Well, there probably is quite a bit to be learned from that strange and terrible saga, including the value of micro-shipping.
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