[FlDebra]

Originally Posted by kjcmsw

I think (which means, like all posts here, in my opinion) once someone has made a decision to breed their dog, then that is their decision and their decision only. If they come on here and ask for advice regarding a particular aspect of breeding, either give the advice on that particular aspect of breeding or don’t. Going on and on with your opinion regarding whether they should adopt a dog from a rescue is nothing more than your opinion and does nothing to answer the request. Not everyone wants a “rescued” dog for a lot of different reasons, but reasons of their own. If you had a bad experience breeding your dog, after answering their particular question ask them if they’d like to hear your story. If they respond they would, then whatever benefit you hope your story will give them, then it might be perceived as well intentioned and taken into consideration.

I do think it’s appropriate when responding to the poster’s question to mention that genetic testing is important, but it is not appropriate to tell them, by way of assuming you are in a position to tell them, they should not breed their dog and advise them to get a dog from a rescue or other dog agency. Sadly, there are many abandoned dogs available, but that doesn’t mean that’s an option or even the desire for that particular person. If you want to get your dog from a rescue then do so, but don’t insist everyone does so. Choosing to breed your own healthy dog is just as noble as any “rescue”.

Many people have healthy, genetically sound dogs and would like to breed them to another healthy, genetically sound dog, and many of those people would like to breed their dog for no other reason than they want to. If their dog(s) are healthy and genetically sound then they have every right to breed their dog for their own personal reasons. Your reasons for not breeding your dog is your reason, and your decision alone, but that doesn’t necessarily apply to them.

Just like not everyone wanting a “rescue” dog, not everyone wants a “show dog”, as we all know “best in show” does not equate to “best in health”, particularly when once the show dog has served its purpose and is disposed of by selling off long before it’s been around long enough to see if some of those later-developing genetic disorders crop up. The fact that one or both of the dogs may not have an ancestor that ever placed in a show does not mean it is not of breeder quality and should not be breed. I have heard of people with healthy and genetically sound dogs (not Yorkies) being turned down by the owners of “show” studs because the female had no championships in her background. Those are the breeders, along with people that claim to “care about the betterment of the breed” end up doing the breed a disservice, as those intent on breeding then find the next available stud, which may not have been as genetically sound as the one they first wanted. I would suppose if a breeder has such a “great” dog, great in health, they’d want share it and actually contribute to the overall health of the breed.

For people that insist they care about the future health of the breed, once finding someone who would like to breed their healthy dog should encourage them to do so, as that is the only way to contribute to the breed’s overall health. All the trophies and ribbons in the world mean nothing compared to the health of the dog.

In my (humble) opinion, the best way to contribute to the overall health of the breed is to help those that are going to (not “if” or “maybe”) breed their dog by answering their question(s) and leave out the personal fodder for other posts. Let your expertise show by thoroughly answering the actual question asked.
KC

Whew ...talk about "going on and on with your opinion" as you said......... You say there is nothing wrong with someone breeding two genetically sound, healthy dogs....the point many were trying to make is that if you do not do the testing, the peer evaluation, how in the world are you going to KNOW they are genetically sound and healthy? One of the main reasons breeders strive to meet standards is to keep their dogs within healthy genetic parameters. Reading through your post, it does not seem like you understand the philosophy behind responsible breeding. But the difference between your posting and mine, is I still respect your right to post your opinion (whether I agree with you or not or whether you go on and on or not).