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Originally Posted by rjwalt  The breeders you speak of are not as much trying to "better" any breed because the standard is already established what they are trying to do is breed dogs to embody and represent the AESTHETIC AND FUNCTIONAL breed standard as closely as possible and without illnesses.
Basically they are breeding for a look and the theoretical ability for them to carry out the functions that they were bred for initially, so yorkies are bred to look like and be built to perhaps hunt rats in burrows or perhaps run out rabbits. Of course most of these dogs are never allowed to actually perform these tasks because the standard for their coats is pretty cumbersome and they are rarely allowed to get dirty or do any job.
Unfortunately, many breeds and their "good" breeding has created dogs who are bound to suffer because of the standards. Bulldogs not being able to give birth naturally because of good breeders trying to achieve a standard. Dogs with so many heavy wrinkles their eyes are damaged, German Shepherds with backs so sloped they can barely walk. Its great that these breeders are testing for genetic defects to get rid of them but what about the defects that they are breeding for? |
Breeding to better the breed means breeding healthy. We have so many Yorkie's being breed by bad breeders that are breeding very unhealthy Yorkie's. I disagree with a lot of the standards they have done terrible things to several breeds. Health should always be first. Your opinion on reputable breeders and mine differ I think.