[gemy]

[QUOTE=DBlain;4019558]

It would be such a perfect world if the only people that bred dogs did it to better the breed and health test them all but that is just not realistic. Can you imagine how few dogs there would be if we could only buy from show breeders. So what do people do that can't find a show breeder to buy from or just want a small dog, where do they go. All I know is if you search hard, do your research, and be prepared for what life throws you, there are viable options between puppy mills and show breeders and Lola is living proof.


Donna: there is much I loved about your whole response; but the above extract is one that is near and dear to my heart.

I have been doing a lot of thinking about this. I think pro-actively the breed clubs in conjunction with the reputable registries need to head the charge on this one.

I think it would not be too hard for all to agree that the Number 1 concern of any breeder of dogs should be the current and future health of the dog. So health tests including pre breeding screening tests are mandatory.

The reality is that not all persons have the desire, money, or personal health necessary to endure the rigors of the show world. It is an expensive proposition to finish a dog in the conformation world.

What if we (the breed clubs) established a system, I will out of thin air pick a name for this system. The Bronze Breeders Award.

To be a member here in good standing you a) must be a member in good standing of your breed club b) and a member of CKC Canadian Kennel club. or the AKC which ever is relevant.

In order to qualify for this Honored Designation the following needs to happen:
1) an Application form to be filled out - stating all the usual things your name, addy, etc.

2) A fee paid for the examination of the dog(s) you wish to breed

3) A passing grade from this examination.

4) Signed affadivat for a mentorship program. The program is free, and you will be mentored by at least one and up to three breed experts, from join date.

The mentorship program, includes one onsite visit to help you set up your whelping area, and supplies.

Whelping coach when the time comes.

Guidance on where, when, and what health tests are required and appropriate timing of same.

A breed specific support group you can reach out to by email and or phone call.

Reference books on whelping, and good on line learning programs.

The Actual Examination of the Dog

2 Breed experts, and one CKC judge experienced in judging your breed.

A written critique is provided, and the session is videotaped. The judges independently will score your dog out of 100, on various aspects of the dog.

The DQ's - for some but not all breeds can be softened IF it doesn't impact too negatively on the health of the dog.

For eg: in my breed the only acceptable bite is SCISSOR. If the dog has a flat bite that dog can still do most everything quite well indeed. Or if the dog has a missing tooth due to injury sustained earlier. (must be documented by a vet).

There will be an overall mark to score how well this dog conforms to the standard in physical structure requirements.

Temperament - IMHO will always have a DQ . Wrong temperament you will not get approval to Breed this dog.

The idea here is to structure a healthy group of breeding animals, that actually may meet the standard, but their owners can not go the show ring route; or dogs that are very good representatives of the breed, but one or two major flaws have kept them from the show ring. These flaws are not to be of a known health concern; like one undescended testicle. Or testing positive on PRA, or thyroid or heart concerns.

This can be a win win for the breed clubs, and the breed as a whole. It will open up for purchase more dogs that have been properly heath tested, and in turn should be a good and healthy representative themselves of the breed.

Also Bronze Breeders must sell on spay and neuter contract, unless litter evaluation done by two breed experts concur on potential show worthy candidate(s).

I am okay with the reality that not everyone might be able to own a purebred dog. I understand that the market place places immense pressure in a profit motivated society to jump in and fill a supply "gap". I think perhaps overtime, more of North America society will begin to change their minds about it is OKAY to breed for profit dogs/cats, future companion animals.

I do know that as it stands now, there is an impossible gap, between what good show breeders want/can produce, and the demand for most breeds.