Must I join a Biewer Club? I am new to the Biewer world. I bought my 1st Biewer 15 months ago and had my first Biewer litter last month. I have done a lot of research and searched the forums to put the pieces together of what each club is about and what the hot issues are. One club was very warm and friendly and took me under their wing immediately. The other club was cold and not helpful, and I have just been lead towards this one club. However, wanting to make the right move and choose the club that I agreed most with I held off and remained neutral. I am only on my 1st litter so I didn't really feel the need to join a club just yet. My question is, is it realistic to remain neutral? |
Welcome to the Biewer world!! Congrates on your first litter :) |
You could always join both! :) |
Welcome to the Biewer world and congratulations on your litter. No, you don't have to join a club at all if you don't want to. As you have probably seen, the Biewer world is surrounded in politics and not always a fun place to be, so I can truly understand why people would hesitate to jump out there. The good thing about belonging to a club though is it opens you up to a lot of information and allows you to help work on the future of these dogs outside of just your own breeding program. There are currently three active Biewer clubs (BAPPC, BBCA, BTCA) in the U.S. If you decide to join one of the clubs, the best advice that I can give is to research each club and find out what they stand for and the paths that they are following and then join the one that closely mirrors what you believe and the goals that you have. Unfortunately, I see many people joining clubs out of friendship. While I agree that wonderful friendships can be formed within a club, people should be joining clubs with the dog in mind. After all, that is why the clubs were formed and that should be everyone's priority. Good luck with your Biewers and your decisions! :) |
Congrats on your first litter and Biewers are wonderful dogs. To answer your question there are more than just 2 clubs in the US and the difference in the 3 main ones are breeding practices. 2 (BBCA & BTCA) of them only believe in breeding Biewer to Biewer where the 3rd club (BAPPC)believes for the health of these dogs it is important to breed back to its foundation dogs (the Yorkie) about every 5th generation. This is a new breed/variation and because of the inbreeding it is very important to understand the genetics of these dogs. While you might not want to join a club I believe it is very important for the health of your dogs and to understand what needs to be done with the health of the dog in mind. Joining a club will help you become a better breeder and help you with the pedigree's. Just putting 2 Biewers together could be a disaster if you don't know how closely related these dogs are. Many people that have been involved since 2003 still do not have all the answers so I believe doing research on your own will not provide you with enough answers on so new of a variation of the Yorkie. One of the clubs (BTCA) does not believe they are Yorkies anymore and are Biewer Terriers even though they will not acknowledge what the mix of breeds is for these dogs. If you are interested in showing your dogs (which I think is very important to help you make good decisions in your breeding program) two of the clubs have been much more involved in the showring than the 3rd club. It will also help you make decisions on when you sell your puppies if they are pet quality (which most will be) or breeding quality. So while I can understand you not wanting to join a club (it can be very ugly at times) for the sake of your dogs I believe it is important to be with like minded people in trying to build a strong foundation for these dogs. I do not believe in the rush to join AKC until these dogs have a strong foundation and I would like to see at least 10 generations without breeding from the same lines. This is not possible at this time but reputable breeders are working hand and hand together to protect these dogs. Good Luck with your decision. |
I think the other posters have given you some great advice regarding making your decision. I will also tell you...I know many people in clubs and many people who are not....and have found the ones most concerned about the betterment of the breed will happily answer your questions and concerns regardless of your affliation. Congratulations on your new litter! |
Like Deb, I agree that you have already gotten some good advice. I got into the Biewer world in 2006, and until this last month, had never joined a club. There are MANY wonderful people, I'm sure in all of the clubs here in the states, breeders and fanciers alike. When you get serious about your program, you'll have to decide what you believe in.. as was stated previously, the clubs DO believe in different things.. So, you have options on where to go based on your beliefs (doesn't get much better than that). Friendships are wonderful, and they'll come along the way, either within your club or by meeting others at shows.. I agree with Jen.. I can no longer base my affiliations based solely on these friendships, but on what I belive is the best interest of My Dogs, and the future of the Biewer Breed...so then, you choose. You'll get to that point.. there's really no rush and no hurry.. spend time enjoying these wonderful dogs.. there are many out there that will help you along the way, even if you don't belong to any club. Diana :animal-pa |
You really have to read a lot of information on the clubs pages, debates on the forums, and conversations with the various club members to get the picture like you all have given me so I thank you ALL very much for detailed explanation. I will look into it a little deeper and when the time is right I will definitely join one. |
Congradulations on your first litter. Isn't it awesome to watch the puppies grow. Everyone who responded gave you excellent advice. Take your time, read the clubs' forum and ask lots of questions--we're happy to answer regardless of affiliation or non-affilliationn. |
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