Sponsored By
Do you weigh your dog frequently?
Yes
No
My dog gets weighed at the vet’s office



Printer Friendly Bookmark and Share
Sponsored by

Breeding Dogs in the 21st Century

Today's dog breeder faces more obstacles than ever before.

Richard G. ("Rick") Beauchamp

Page 1 of 5

Today's dog breeder faces more obstacles to developing a successful producing line than ever before. Granted, advances in genetic research and health issues assist us toward eliminating problems that once stumped the generations that preceded us. However, in order to implement these advances we have to have living, breathing dogs on the ground, and this is where a good part of today's problem lies.

The high cost of real estate and restrictive zoning laws combined with the unceasing work of the so-called animal rights groupsthose who insist they advocate in the best interests of dogsreduce our breeding stock population down to its barest minimum. The large breeding kennels of the past are all but nonexistent today.

We, too, impose sanctions on ourselves. What would the reaction be today if in fact there were a return of the large breeding kennels of the past? I fear that if the very individuals who occupy chapters of praise in our breed books because of their contributions were to return today, they would be branded "puppy mills." Since we are no longer afforded the luxury of large breeding operations we've somehow managed to stigmatize the few that do.

In days gone by when the large kennels were able to house great numbers of dogs, a single failure really didn't represent a great loss, in that there were other combinations and other plans that could quickly be resorted to without losing a great deal of time or progress. Those revered breeders of old helped breeds take great strides along their developmental paths. We enjoy the fruits of their contributions to this day.

The Win's the Thing
Another obstacle we've imposed upon ourselves comes by way of our obsession with the record-makers. Practically every mega-winner that passes through that brief window of fame becomes the sought-after sire of the hourall too often at a disadvantage to both individuals involved in the mating. Wins have little or nothing to do with producing ability. There is an underlying assumption that if a dog is good enough to acquire an impressive show record, it will be reflected in the quality of his offspring. Bred to the right bitches from the right bloodlines a winning dog may sire winners, but the ability to produce has nothing to do with the number of wins the dog has acquired.

As odd as it may appear to some, there are some sires whose offspring are less apt to be great winners than they are great producers. But if one's only intent is to produce next season's winners, producing ability doesn't even enter into the equation.

I'm sure my harping on days gone by may come as a source of irritation to those who see themselves as a part of the "modern" dog game. That may well be the case, but I clearly remember breeders I knew referring to particular matings as "step breedings." That is, they were making a breeding to produce the individual that they then would take to a particular line or dog to accomplish what they were after.

Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Posted: Thu Mar 24 00:00:00 PST 2005

 Give us your opinion on
Breeding Dogs in the 21st Century
Submit a Comment

Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Email:

Grooming Your Dog
Buy Now
Dog Training Solutions
Buy Now
Healthy Puppy
Buy Now
Featured Products
Treat your pets and save up to 20% at the same time! Click the ad to start saving at Petco.com
Right now get $1 off EMT Gel and Spray. Stock your first aid kit with these unique wound healing products, excellent for hotspots, cuts, scrapes and skin irritations. EMT Gel and Spray speed healing, reduce pain and protect wounds.
The true story of a mutt, a marine, and the miraculous friendship they formed against all odds. Discover the incredible true story of Nubs, an Iraqi dog of war whose life changed when Marine Major Brian Dennis found him alone and abandoned. Click to watch the Nubs book trailer.
 

Dogs & Puppies
Dog Activities dog shows, dog show news, Westminster, dog sports, dog fun, working dogs
Dog Breeds Labrabor Retriever, Golden Retriever, Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd, Boxer, Mixed Breeds
Dog Care dog vaccination, dog microchipping, dog grooming, dog neutering, dog spaying, dog nutrition, natural dog remedies, natural dog prevention, natural dog treatments, natural dog care success stories, fleas & ticks, dog obesity, senior dogs
Dog Diseases dog cancer, dog diabetes, dog epilepsy, dog hip dysplasia, sick dog
Dog Experts Allan Reznik dog breed expert, dog show expert, veterinary expert, dog grooming expert, dog training expert, Cesar Millan, dog adoption expert, dog rescue expert
Dog Magazines DOG FANCY, Dog World, Dogs for Kids, Dogs in Review, Dogs USA, Puppies USA, Popular Dog Series, Natural Dog
Dog Medication dog allergy medication, dog pain medication, dog anxiety medication, dog flea medication
Dog News entertainment news, dog laws, seasonal tips, good dog news, dog health news
Dog Pictures puppy pictures, funny dogs, cute dogs, dog breeds, sleeping dogs, silly dogs, small dogs
Dog Products dog bowls, dog crates, dog toys, dog beds, dog ramps, dog food storage, dog tags
Dog Symptoms dog vomiting, dog limping, dog diarrhea, dog bad breath, dog coughing, dog seizures
Dog Training dog aggression, dog barking, dog chewing, dog behaviorDog Whisperer, dog containment, housetraining
Living with Dogs dog travel, family dog, dog-friendly home, dog-friendly yard, dog style, dog trends, dog exercise
Puppies ready for a puppy, puppy health, puppy nutrition, puppy breeders, puppy training, socialization, housetraining, spay-neuter, new puppy checklist
More Dog Topics dog videos, dog books, Club Dog
DogChannel Facebook
DogChannel Twitter
Sponsored by


Hi my name's Lucky #155272~ Thank you everyone for DOTD!!

Visit the Photo Gallery to
cast your vote!