Quote:
Originally Posted by Ladymom  |
I think it is very hard to truly learn in all the ways we need to about the breed without going to shows, watching, listening, asking questions. But I do understand that not everyone does have the money, or the freedom to go to the shows alot. But there are some very good educational videos, there are videos of dog shows showing movenment, stacking, etc. There are probably some online learning programs for dog genetics(although) I've not looked them up. The internet has expanded one's ability to research and to learn so much.
The thing is it all takes time, networking, and trying to find the right places and people to learn from, if you so desire to learn. It takes a passion for and a desire to do "right" by the breed. It takes restraint not to breed when your beloved dog is not a good representative of the breed. And finally it does take money set aside enought to cover emergencies, health tests and checks, so that you can give the absolute best care for your dogs n pups.
To me a hobby breeder is one who has an abiding passion for the breed, a deep knowledge and understanding of the breed, a desire to at the minimum maintain the quality and the standard of the breed, and hopefully the desire to improve on the breed. They invest oodles of time and of money to learn, to contribute, and finally one day to breed. They will have very few litters in a year, one maybe two. They know their risks, they honor their responsibilities and they support in the ways they can, all reputable breed organizations