Quote:
Originally Posted by Mistymillar  My understanding is that these many dogs were bred to deformity to match the exaggerated breed standards. I agree the German Shepherd dog's transformation is beyond acceptable. The Pug can't breath can have abhorrent eye conditions and has a twisted spine to accommodate the much sought after corkscrew tail, not to mention the agonising genetic disorder bred into the poor little King Charles Spaniels.
While Yorkies are not as impacted as other breeds, the trend to downsize their overall structure to meet breed standards has certainly had some impact on the general health and well being of the dogs.
Both the UK and American Kennel Clubs seem ill equipped or not inclined to insist on the breed health and temperament being more important than the overall look. |
I have written much about this here and elsewhere. In fact the Kennel Club in Britain actually did review all its standards and changed some as a result of Pedigree Dogs Exposed.
For the link that was provided I actually saw a Boxer that structurally looked healthier than 100 yrs ago. Look at the topline, look at the angulations, and yes a shorter muzzle and a slight upturned nose today.
I am going to put aside costs for one moment, and the always troubling in-breeding factor.
But there are some countries when you can not get a full championship until the dog is matured. Why is this important? Because no matter how promising a young dog is and moves, etc there are many factors that do not show up until 2+ years old. One obvious factor is coat length for the Yorkie for example. And for all breeds health screenings some of them can not be done until 2yrs old (eg; Hip and elbow dysplasia)
For all breeds I say there needs to be a Temperament test done, that is structured for that particular breed. For example working dogs need a different evaluative criteria then say herding dogs, or companion dogs (of which Yorkies are one of). A stable temperament is desirable in all breed of dogs no matter what their function is.
I will speak more about working breeds as that is my passion. A temperament evaluation can be done officially as early as 15months, but for example my breed should have it repeated at 3+ years old. They are a slow growing and maturing breed. And the way they respond to stimuli is much different to a Yorkie, a GSD, or a Rottweiler. What would exemplify a good working temperament for BRTs' is different to the aforementioned.
So for a companion dog, the temperament test would include friendliness or at least calmness and some degree of acceptance to strangers, whereas in a guard and protect breed the criteria would be different.
Then there are the working abilities that should be also gleaned before a full Championship is issued. This is more apropos of working, herding, guarding, and field dogs. But for companion dogs surely their working ability is how well they can bond and their friendliness with strangers.
Working breeds might have dependent upon the breed, mandatory CD or CDX, herding breeds the equivalent in their skill, etc etc.
It is quite a complex challenge. To change how AKC and CKC determine when and how Ch's are earned.