Just for discussion........ - Page 1

in another thread, a very prominent poster (with dogs and accomplishments to match his claims) felt that the GSD goes forward on the large breeders able to carry 5+ lines.

I really don't agree with this, but it did cause me to consider some things. would like to hear further discussion and reasons.

IMO only, it has gone forward (good or bad) on dogs having to meet a standard, set at inception of the breed, in public display, from dogs not dependent on size of line or breeder, but on the individual dogs abilities and the individual breeders.

no matter if they breed 1 or a 100 litters a year.

just curious,

Rik

Seems to me the larger kennels, if they carry an assortment of bloodlines within the breed, perhaps have greater OPPORTUNITY to produce better stock ( and thereby 'improve the breed'); but that does not automatically mean that they WILL do so. A 'good & talented' breeder can be any size of operation, from one litter per year hobby breeders up to the biggest full-time kennels; it still takes 'an eye for a dog', an ability to wash-out your mistakes, and dedication in the long term.

The 'production line' should of course be centred on the Breed Standard and in the original aims of the founding breeders; the only deviation from this should be with properly argued reasons on the part of any breeder for what they are seeking to produce and why (e.g. "I just like 150 lbs dogs" is NOT a properly argued reason !)

Individual abilities or other 'good points' about the dogs and bitches being used to contribute to the next generation is of course a factor, but these come from somewhere in the genetic make-up of each dog, its history alongside its development and mutation. They do not spring unformed from the air. The trick of the able breeder who gets improvements (or even avoids back-sliding within a breed !) is to spot those good points and ensure they are bred on.

Breed improvement DOES NOT lie with those 'breeders' (whatever the size of their operation) who deliberately perpetuate faults in the breed because they can obtain extra money for their 'rare', or fashionable, puppies.

 

It depends on the quality of the large operation. Kennels such as Jinopo or Joseph/Taunya Mvarik( Eurosport), Den Heuvel, etc in which I have seen many many dogs from these kennels, have owned/trained many from these kennels, and I know that the owners of these kennels are extremely knowledgeable about their lines and the breed.....the overwhelming majority of dogs I have seen/ worked with are good strong representatives of the breed and I feel play an important part in maintaining the breed for standard purposes.

Theoretically for "big" breeder it's easier -
different lines, more dogs, no need to search for studs/dams.

The big problem I often saw: the so called "kennel blindnes" - no need and interest to compare any more.

Another problem: what about proper socialisation of the douzends of pups year after year,
what about quality time for the adults?

Not possible...it's about kennel, training (in case it's a requirement, otherwise...), breeding only.
Maybe one or two favorites, but otherwise?

The hobby breeder needs to know what he is doing, but 2 adult females out of different bloodlines, well researched studs (no need to own a male), once in a while a new female/fresh blood, and co-ownerships with puppy buyers =
no need for douzends of kennels, but the same result.