In addition to the overpopulation/shelter problem there is the concern of what is produced by indiscriminant breeding. I have never told someone their dog was 'ugly', because all pets are beautiful in the eyes of the owner, because they are loved....at least one hopes. BUT it is obvious that many of the lovely attributes of this breed are quickly lost when people just 'put two dogs together'. Many pet yorks now bear little resemblance to the breed standard, and as a true fancier, I find this disheartening.
I applaud when people ask for a breeding analysis and do their homework and garner experienced opinions before making a choice. All reputable breeders do this. For anyone that truly loves the breed it is justifiably irritating to see responses to these questions offered up by those who have no experience in breeding. Just because a dog is gorgeous in the opinion of an untrained eye, does not mean it will make gorgeous pups. There are a multitude of factors involved with making these choices. As a breeder, I know that any pups I produce are here on the planet because of a choice I made and their well-being is my responsibility as long as they live. That's huge if you really think about it. I am glad to help anyone interested in doing this seriously and well and harbor no snobbery towards those willing to learn and stand behind the ethics involved. If all breeders lived by these ethics, there would be no dogs in rescue. It is a disservice to the breed itself to do this just because you can. If it makes me arrogant to use critical judgement before making these choices, then so be it, I am arrogant. |