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Originally Posted by BamaFan121s  Every established breed has some aspect that can be labeled as a health issue, or potential health issue. (The vet bills I racked up this past week will vouch for that!  ) But the solution to the 'problem' is not to cross breed them--that would not be improving the breed, it would be eliminating it altogether.  You don't improve a breed by integrating another one into the mix.
I would think those aspects would need to be first addressed by the parent breed club. Health issues that continually arise, when in relation to the physical aspects called for by the standard, would need to be addressed, and the standard modified to correct the problem. From there, it's the responsibility of the breeders to fall in line and address the issues within their own programs. And it's not an overnight solution. It would take many many many years to fix.
Aside from there, there are always going to be breeders who disregard those aspects and breed for those 'extremes' anyway. You already see it being done with Yorkies--breeding dogs that do not adhere to the standard because of some preferred variation in physical appearance. And often, those variations present a bigger risk for health issues. And for some reason, that type of breeding is supported here all the time!  Makes no sense. |
Misty,
As long as human nature fits into the equation it makes perfect sense. There are those that will always attempt to capitilize on something. In this case providing a demand to the buyer's market. These type of people are only concerned with that issue; do not put the time and effort into whatever project they undertaking. Only looking at the short term not taking into consideration the long term outcome of what they are doing. The almighty $$$ has always been a powerful driving force.