THE SUBJECT OF BREEDING


THE LOGICAL STEP?

The next series of articles deals with the fundamentals of breeding and the responsibility that goes hand in hand with the title of "Breeder". If you thought there was a lot to learn in showing dogs, "B-b-b-baby, you aint seen nuthin' yet!"


With conformation shows being the evaluation of breeding stock, it would follow that the next logical step after completing your dog's championship would be to breed. There are, however, many factors, other than titles, to be considered. You must know for a certainty that your dog has qualities that will benefit the breed.


CH. Serendipity's Eagle's Wings (Peter)

(America's top winning Airedale, the #1 Airedale sire for '97 with another eight American champions, two Canadian, one Argentinian, one Russian and one Australian in '98.)
Barbara Schneider, Virginia Beach, VA

The first factor to be considered when contemplating breeding is your motivation. Do your reasons include any of the following:

  • Your dog is a champion and has many champions in his pedigree.
The value of a championship is directly proportional to the quality and number of dogs defeated. Entries can be 'stacked' with inferior specimens in order to make points. Although a pedigree is important, the number of champion ancestors is not, in itself, an indication of quality.
  • All of the puppies will be 'show dogs'.
While an entire litter may be 'showable', it is highly unlikely that every puppy will be exceptional. The responsible breeder keeps or places in 'show homes' only those that show signs of outstanding quality. The remainder are placed as companions under spay/neuter agreements. By allowing only superior specimens to be bred, the breeder protects the integrity of his/her breed.

Strongfort Storm Chaser
(Pictured at six weeks-now an Australian Champion)
Barbara Schneider, Virginia Beach, VA

  • The breeder wants it to be bred.
A breeder should not expect pet owners to become involved in showing or breeding. This is too great of a commitment to force on someone who merely wants a companion.
  • Your sister, brother, aunt, neighbor, etc. wants a puppy.
No breed is perfect for every lifestyle. It is your duty to determine the suitability of owners, even relatives.
  • Your dog is very healthy.
The health of your dog is no guarantee that his offspring will be free from genetic problems. The breeder must test stock for known genetic defects and do everything possible to ensure a healthy future for puppies.
The copyright of the article THE SUBJECT OF BREEDING in Dog Breeding is owned by Marilyn Koyanagi. Permission to republish THE SUBJECT OF BREEDING in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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