Purpose of VA stud breeding limits? - Page 1

What is the purpose of limiting the annual number of breedings of a VA male to 60 within Germany and 30 outside of Germany?

There are various reasons claimed, but the main reason is to maintain a broader base in the genetics. This concept is the main reason for a VA class as opposed to simple ranking. By having a VA class the judges have made the statement that these are the most correct, best producing, and most breed worthy animals at this show. It remains necessary, however, to have supporting lines to breed these to. Bear in mind that many VA dogs come from parents who were V rated. If a dog could have 200 breedings a year (and could perform) we might soon see even fewer breeding choices available. As it is a Yasko daughter or grand daughter is too closely related to most eligible studs for breeding.

The breeding limits are for all males not just the VA ones.

How is the value and pedigree of a litter affected that is bred outside of the annual breeding limits of a legitimate VA sire? Can the GSD’s of a litter bred outside of the breeding limit still claim, breed or compete under that VA sire’s pedigree? Will breeding outside of the annual breeding limit prevent the progeny of that litter from claiming, breeding, or competing under that VA sire’s pedigree?

The breeding limit is correct for all males, regardless of VA or V status. Jonah, you are correct I believe about the desire for some genetic diversity, as difficult as this is these days. I have read that many years ago for a short period the S.V. did not award VA status to any dogs in order to make use of the some of the "lesser" dogs who would have achieved but V status. I presume there were limits on the number of times that a stud could be used per year just like today. This happened long before my time. Dargo, you ask a really good question about something that I am sure has happened more than once, as many studs are very heavily used, especially nowadays with the ability to quickly transport frozen semen a long distance. Possible sanctions against the stud owner? Written warnings to the stud owner? Denial for admission to the breed book for the puppies? All of these? Who knows? Bob-O

Bob-O, I thought that the SV doesn't allow artificial insemination.?

Buddyspal, you are correct about the S.V.'s stance on AI, but as far as I know it occurs. What are the ramifications? What is the enforcement? Just as with my first post on this topic, I don't know. I do recall occassionally seeing frozen semen available from VA- and V-rated males. I don't see this advertised a lot, though, I think for obvious reasons. I think of the many "sins' that one can make with the breed that this is probably the least important if it could even be considered a "sin" at all, especially nowadays with the availability of economical DNA testing. In days past I could see a legitimate concern since DNA verification was non-existent. From the A.K.C. there is, for example, a registration form for artificial insemination in order to keep it "legal". If this is a surgical AI then it is normally done by a veterinarian, so you have him/her as a witness, and he/she is required to sign and verify the stud used. There are breeders who do the non-surgical type themselves for a variety of reasons and keep it perhaps a bit on the QT. For the litter registration of either organization the owners of both the sire and the dam have to sign and swear who were the dogs used. Since this is for some a common practice in the A.K.C. world, then I would think that it sometimes occurs in the S.V. world as well and kept very much on the QT. I am not supporting anyone breaking the rules of the S.V., but I think that with the availabilty of DNA testing that it is time to change the rule to allow AI to be used. But that is something for a different thread. Bob-O

Dargo and Bob, I suppose that like any breeding requirement, if not met the resulting progeny could be denied breedbook entry or the ownwers could be sanctioned or both. With regard to AI there is the additional concern that the GSD remain a "maintenance free" breed so there might be a fear that allowing AI would open the doors to difficult to conceive dogs and bitches. Best wishes, Jonah

Bob-O, thanks. Jonah, I agree with you on the AI.