Originally Posted by JHurtt  None of us here can say that we know for sure what is in this breed. We have had to trust the written history of the breed, what we have been told, and what we have read. Could something have been mixed into this breed as a whole or just into certain lines....sure. Unless you are actually there to see the breeding of the dogs, then you have to trust the information that has been shared with us. I think it is important that everyone keep an open mind when trying to further develop this breed as there are so many unanswered questions. We are all still learning and you cannot learn if you are not open to different possibilities.
As for the name of the dog, as others have said, I too believe that one day the Yorkshire will need to be dropped from the name.....just don't see the rush in it. As for the changing of the standard for the Biewer Terrier, this is something that I just do not agree with. I have no doubt that one day the standard will need to be changed from the one that was given to us by Germany. I just don't see what the rush is. Why not get a better understanding of this breed, watch the generations grow here in the U.S., and then go from there? I also do not want to see the standard changed just to suit what some are seeing wthin the breed. We should be developing a standard based on what we want to see in this breed as the standard is supposed to be what we are all striving to produce. Sure, this means that we have a whole lot of work ahead of us, but look at what the result could be! We could have a beautiful breed with all of the qualities that we WANT to see in this breed rather than dogs that fit the standard that was written around them.
In determining what is within the breed, I am all for testing my dogs if / when a test becomes available that I feel can do this. I know that the members of the BTCA feel that the MARS DNA test is the test that can do this and I applaude them for their work. Personally, I do not feel that the MARS test is an adequate test to determine what is behind the Biewers. Their website clearly states that they are not able to test pure bred dogs and many Biewer owners have written MARS asking if they feel if their test is capable of testing these dogs. The simple answer received from them is no, they do not feel that it is. What I do not understand is why this information is being forced upon others. If some feel that this test is accurate, great, go for it! Please respect those who do not though. I have seen comments posted by some stating that those who do not believe the MARS testing are ignorant, refuse to believe in scientific studies, and one comment went as low as to state that of course someone who doesn't believe in modern denistry would not believe in modern science. Why? What does this accomplish? While it would be great if all of the clubs could just work together for the betterment of the breed, I do not see this happening. But why the nastiness? Why can't everyone just focus on their own goals for the breed? If you come across information that you feel is important for all to know, then share it.....but then leave it for others to take as they want. If they want to take the information and work on it as well, then great. If they don't feel that is the path that they want to take, then great. No harm done!
Sorry, I usually stay out of these kinds of posts but am just so tired of the bickering and childishness. To answer the original question, I have Biewer Yorkshire Terriers until a test that I feel is accurate shows me otherwise. |