"Breed Worthy," - Page 3

I disagree Kenny, we are NOT all biased that our dogs are the greatest.  A smart, successful breeder acknowledges the faults in their own dogs and breeds to complement/correct said faults.

Sue, I see what you mentioned in the hunting breeds nearly every day. The split between a show/work golden or lab is as drastic in that of the GSD. However, crossing show/work lines in those breeds seems to produce a much more consistently balanced dog, yet in the GSD, many of those crosses go haywire. I'd love someone with a good understanding of genetics start a thread on why.

I agree with you on supporting breeders who support the system, also. But I also trust my own judgement, and those of a few associates. There is a small, VERY SMALL, number of untitled dogs I would consider buying from/breeding to- and I would only incorporate it for that 1 generation, the progeny would of course be titled. 1- because its the right thing to do, and 2- to justify the choice. I guess it depends on whether a breeders' controversial decision will garner trust from the consumer and their peers.

I do NOT agree with someone who breeds untitled stock generation after generation. My 1st GSD bitch had a TON of titled/surveyed dogs, in the 4th and 5th generation of her pedigree. She, however, was an undersized, grossly incorrect nervebag that was afraid of her own shadow. I learned the hard way, spayed her, found her a home, and started over.

I just think that closing one's mind completely potentially closes off what could be something positive- if done with extreme care.

KC, you and I are of the same mind on this; however, I think Kenny makes a  valid point about many  people sort of rationalizing or minimizing faults to some degree when it comes to our own dogs - (I use to hate light eyes, my current dogs eyes are not as dark as they should be, at first it bothered me, now I tell myself they look good with his coloring!!!!!).  I also think if people aren't out there, seeing other dogs perform what do they have to compare their own stock to,  what are they measuring against?  I know there are people talented enough to keep a mental image of the written standard for conformation dogs, but don't you think  it's more difficult with performance?

KC, I didn't know the hunting dog breeders have more success with crossing performance/show lines (I only know a few breeders of those breeds and they are field dog breeders, no show).  I too would like to know why it can work with those breeds but not ours.  Would it then have to do with their lines not being as divergent as ours?  I have read many times here breeders talking about how it would take several generations to come up with consistant types when crossing lines.

Look at all the dual champions out there. There are tons of them. One of the perks of being an all breed trainer is the sheer volume of dogs I see. I've seen quite a few field/show cross labs, goldens, pointers, spaniels, border collies- and they seem to complement each other beautifully and it seems a lot more line crossing is going on in those breeds than in ours. My friend just got a rott from a breeder I referred her to, she breeds V rated SchH titled rotts with AKC Ch and obedience titled rotts. They are dead gorgeous and great workers. Maybe in those breeds the breeders are not as hesitant to experiment?  Perhaps the extremes are not as pronounced? I would love to try crossing lines one day, but I feel my education on working lines is severely lacking to attempt it anytime soon.

And yes, many people DO rationalize faults, but not all of us. And some faults need to be rationalized...if you know your line throws a light eye or a white toe but the structure, health, and temperment are all very sound, isn't it worth it? I'd take a dog who can bite well over a long pretty croup on a softer dog any day. Each breeder has to balance what's important to them, and it's up to a buyer to locate a breeder whose values parallel their own.