There seems to be few issues here. One is adhering to standards that are detrimental to the breed. Two, the pros and cons of in and line breeding. Third should sick dogs allowed to be shown.
The first has got to be a no-brainer, any standard that proves to be detrimental to the health of the breed should be revised.
Second, in and line breeding. Although my first reaction was a resounding NO, after reading some of the comments I've become just a bit more open. Even in humans, different cultures have different definitions to rules regarding who can marry and mate with who. In some cultures marriages to relatives is the norm, especially cousins. I do not know if they are more or less healthier than we are. Again speaking personally, I would rather err on the side of safely and would rather have a dog with little to no inbreeding.
I think that dogs with genetic problems should not be bred and I do not care what they win! The problem with showing this group of dogs is IF they win there will be a great interest in breeding them. The leads to the third question raised. Should the health of the dog be a criteria for entrance into a show, along with breed standard appearance? |