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THE HERO

© Marilyn Koyanagi

While the successful breeding of quality dogs is an ongoing process of judicious compromise, at no time will the accomplished breeder sacrifice characteristics that are vital to a breed's form and function. Always uppermost in her mind is the whole dog and not just the parts.

In order to improve in one area, it is often necessary to sacrifice in another. Depending on the breed, one may compromise slightly on coat to get a better front or give up some size in return for improved movement. Wise decisions of compromise can be made only if one is aware of the importance of specific features.

Obviously the correct color of toenails is not nearly as critical as shoulder placement but features that may appear to be cosmetic could be crucial to a breed's ability to perform his job. For example, a Newfoundland with an incorrect coat could actually drown. A Terrier with a weak muzzle could break his jaw shaking a fox.

A stud dog is chosen for his virtues but no dog is perfect and he will undoubtedly contribute some or all of his weaknesses to a breeding. It is imperative that the breeder carefully and realistically considers those weaknesses. In a worst case scenario, what impact could they have on this and future offspring? How easy will it be to correct these faults should they appear? How difficult will it be to regain the characteristic that you are sacrificing?

Finally, the breeder must decide if the risk is worth taking. Weighing the strengths against the weaknesses, she must decide if she stands to gain more than she may lose.

The following story is a perfect illustration of the disastrous effects of unwise and uneducated compromises.

THE HERO

Clouds of white swirled around the lone van as it made a fresh path through the newly fallen snow. The storm was getting worse and strong blasts of wind gusted the snow into already deep banks along the narrow highway.

Inside the van, the four occupants were lost in thought over their less than successful weekend. Anxious to put the dog show behind them, they had loaded the dogs as soon as Saint Bernard judging was finished and headed for home despite weather warnings.

“Maybe we should have stayed over like everyone else,” said Elaine, finally breaking the silence. “Don’t worry,” assured Bob. “The 4-wheel drive on this baby can handle any kind of weather.” A crate rocked behind them as one of the dogs shifted his mighty body. “I just hope none of them needs out before we get home,” said Gail. “Hey, they were bred for just this kind of weather.” Glen reminded her. “Well, I’m the one who has to walk them and I wasn’t!” she laughed. The others joined in but their laughter was cut abruptly short.