KENNEL CLUB "ABS" IS THEIR "ACHILLES HEEL" - Page 1

 KENNEL CLUB "ABS" IS THEIR "ACHILLES HEEL"
I have no doubts that the Kennel Club "Accredited Breeders Scheme" (ABS)
IS THEIR "Achilles Heel"

What is needed is an article to be written on behalf of the GSD Breed Council explaining just how the KC ABS is simply a huge deception of the pedigree dog buying public. The article can detail how even health screen "requirements" of the ABS are rendered meaningless. For example under the Hip x-ray "requirement" there is NO minimum score (explain scoring aspect).
It must also include detail of the health screening tests included in the ABS which are simply "voluntary".

The "article" can also detail what is NOT included in the ABS - for instance NO character and temperament assessments. No "conformational requirements!" - for example there is NO requirement for ABS GSD breeders to have SOUND breeding stock. The AS breeders do NOT have to prove their GSD are sound in the hindquarters.

There is SO MUCH that can be included in such an article.

Then the "Coup de grâce" - The GSD Breed Council issue a PRESS STATEMENT announcing the article, and everyone makes sure it is sent to EVERY newspaper & magazine & television & radio etc. - The "ARTICLE" can also be placed on EVERY GSD owners website - how powerful a media to the GSD buying public can that be? HUGE!

Of course the Breed Council will need people for interviews, and I am sure they can find them amongst their member clubs and leaders.

Such a campaign can be done - such a campaign addresses the issue of "compulsory health screening" - such a campaign addresses the very issue they are "NAILING" our GSD breed for through exhibitors ONLY, = unsoundness.
Let us FORCE them to make their ABS include "compulsory assessments of pedigree dogs for registration of litters"

CAN WE DO IT? YES WE CAN!

FOR THE SAKE OF ALL PEDIGREE DOGS, ESPECIALLY OUR GSD BREED

David Payne - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achilles'_heel  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coup_de_gr%C3%A2ce

Writing in response to David Paynes post we are about to update our web site and advertise our recent litter . We will inform people through our site that we are not AB and point out the reasons why we do not want to be associated with the KC scheme. No doubt this will raise a few questions on behalf  of some people who might inquire about our puppies but it will be the start of something positive towards making the public aware of the flaws of this flagship scheme . Until the KC support mandatory testing with guidelines to the value of the tests and minimum requirements are in place to ensure the general public are not deceived when buying from an AB this will be our stance.
John Ward

Dave, whilst I agree totally with what you have pointed out about the ABS I think you need to modify the approach slightly.....

I do not see the ABS as an achilles heel but as the KC's biggest missed opportunity ever - they have the structure to really enforce standards and they fail to do so. If we go down the route that you suggest the KC will simply state that it is a start in the right direction. What we need to do is make sure that the public understand the failings of the system and make that a big issue.

I am an accredited breeder and I can tell you that the majority of my pups go to people who were attracted by this fact - the KC have their marketing down to perfection. Once I have spoken to new owners I do explain that they must not just take ABS at face value but must make sure that the pups parents meet certain standards etc. I do not apologise for being an accredited breeder or avoid it because it is not everything it should be because I make sure that I fill in the gaps left by the KC.

I am not disagreeing with your sentiments but I think it should be used to show the public that the KC is half hearted in it's pursuit of healthy dogs.

Shirley

I have had a statement about the ABS on my web site for about 6 months and when people phone enquiering about a pup or something else it does become the topic of conversation and i always tell them that the ABS is not an indication of a reputable breeder so they should always ask questions about health tests etc before commiting to any thing
jim h

 IT IS A HUGE DECEPTION - WE NEED TO POINT THAT OUT

let the Kennel Club continue stating "it's a start" - FOR HOW MANY YEARS WILL IT BE "A START"

The media and the public WILL see it for what it is "A DECEPTION"

current AB's can resign from it - indeed should resign from it, until the major flaws are sorted.

We should not be gentle about this - The Kennel Club are victimising our GSD breed -
simply because we want "compulsory and meaningful health screening" and because we have the audacity to ask for it.

This campaign will support our GSD breeds "declared position" on health screening.

IT IS TIME FOR THE GSD BREED COUNCIL TO ACT - (and of course their member clubs)

excuses, avoidance, usual apathic diatribe from anyone, will get us nowhere.

Of that I am certain.

The time has (most definitely) come for the direct action I am suggesting.

DO WE SERIOUSLY WANT TO ACHIEVE OUR GOALS?

OR DO WE SIMPLY WANT TO ENJOY "TALKING" or "WRITING" ABOUT THEM?

Our GSDP have been treated with contempt by the Kennel Club.

Our we prepared to continue on a "diet" of contempt from them.

Let us treat their ABS with contempt - powerfully & publicly (the KC way)

There is one major difference - ours is fully justified

Are we WIMPS or WARRIORS?   we will find out   (we know what the KC think)

Hi David
I did join the ABS when it first started
but soon learn't it was just another money maker for the KC and left soon after
will only go back if or when they make health test compulsory.

I look forward the day when another body makes health tests compulsory before breeding from any dpgs !!!

Bernard

I look forward to a "progressive" GSD organisation, independent of the KC, establishing an "Accredited GSD Breeders" Scheme which embraces all or most of what the Kennel Club will not do for our breed. An organisation which will actually get many important things done for our breed in Great Britain. An organisation with powerful support both here and overseas, including full support from the WUSV.

Perhaps it is not too far off!

Now observe those with a 'personal and selfish' agenda try even harder to stop it happening.

Many will not realise when and how 'they' are doing it. How sad for our breeds future.

This is a quote direct from the KC  ABS

NEW APPLICANTS ONLY RECEIVE A PRE-JOINING VISIT IF THEY HAVE BRED FIVE OR MORE LITTERS THE YEAR PRIOR TO APPLYING

How many breeders here in the UK breed more than five litters a year.