Thinking about breeding and stuff.

I am just sitting in my sofa, looking at video clips on Youtube, reading about various breeds, and thinking. Breeding dogs is really a science, one should almost have Master degree or something in order to be a breeder.

Personally I have gone from hunting dogs, to Doberman, to Shar Pei and now, to my 2 White Swiss. I cannot recall that our hunting dogs had any particular problems, just sore legs and paws after many hours of hunting. They would not stop running, despite their aching legs; it was their life to hunt.

My Doberman was rather healthy, but suffered from pyometra and had to have a surgery which unfortunately made her incontinent and she had to be put down at the young age of six. She was losing her pride, and a Doberman without pride is not a happy dog.

My two Shar Pei’s I could write a book about: not only about their unique characters, but also about their diseases and troubles. I love the breed for their very odd way of being, they are not really like dogs compared to all other dogs I have had…maybe more like some weird cats mixed with aliens? :-) However, after my last love Bosse died, I decided never again to involve myself in a breed so domed due to the stupidity of humans – the breed has been destroyed and it will take decades to make it right again. I am sure there are some healthy Shar Pei’s around, and hopefully some careful breeding can make it right again.

So far, my two Whites have been healthy – knock on wood. The breed is rather healthy I would say, at least when compared with many other breeds. When I watch my two dogs running and playing, jumping around and just being powerful and healthy I think this is the way a dog should be. So full of life, no allergies, no pain, no aching ears, eyes or legs. I think the biggest danger to this breed is their beauty. A big, sparkling white dog running the show ring with pride – that’s a breathtaking sight!

But what if we forget about their true origin? What if we breed the most beautiful dogs, without taking into consideration their mind and mentality? What if the breed-standard change, and we get the modern German Shepherd look for example? No spine and no legs?

I should not worry about things like this (I tell myself) since we have some good breeders around. But I worry anyway. I would like to become a breeder myself one day, but when do you know you have a dog good enough?! For example, my own two – they are healthy (no known diseases and hips and elbows ok), and my male has a mentality that would tackle a nuclear war. But is he good enough? I would like him to have more engine when it comes to obedience, but he can track forever…am I the one who does not understand what triggers him at the obedience-training? Or, can a workingdog simply have an interest for tracking, but not for obedience and still be a good representative of the breed?

My female is one big engine. She can and will work forever if you ask her. She is healthy. But I would like her to have more courage. She is friendly and social to people, and to dogs she knows. Since I am the one who did not socialize her enough with other dogs at a young age I cannot blame her for being shy among dogs she do not know. But I would still like to see more courage in her. She is beautiful and fulfills the breed standard very well. But is she good enough? Can she, despite her weaknesses be considered a good representative of the breed?

I guess there are no facts or obvious answers…and I will probably forever wonder about those things. One thing is for sure though, health both in body and mind, should be a minimum requirement for all breeders around the world. Appearance should always come second. Have a look at this video clip, it is really food for thoughts!!!

Very well…that was my thought for the day. Goodnight everyone!