graydawntreader
Forums Enthusiast
Most good breeders use a waiting list, and make sure to have it filled up pretty good before even planning their next breeding. Sadly, good breeders are hard to find.
Pedigree Dogs Exposed
- Thread starter romeosangiovese
- Start date
tofu pup
Moderator
PDE to air in US Tonight
Hi everyone,
I thought I'd resurrect this thread to point out that the documentary "Pedigree Dogs Exposed" will air on BBC America tonight, 12/10/09, at 8 PM Eastern.
This is, I believe, the first time that PDE has aired in the US (it was broadcast in Canada a couple months ago). It has been (and still is) available for viewing online, but now it will be available for viewing to a much larger portion of the American public (and the American dog fancy).
Is it critical of certain practices of purebred dog breeding? Yes. Are these practices worth scrutiny, especially from those of us within the dog fancy? I absolutely believe so.
The show isn't perfect, but it brings up a lot very good points that we breeders need to address and consider. I hope that many of you will be able to tune in and watch it for yourselves.
Hi everyone,
I thought I'd resurrect this thread to point out that the documentary "Pedigree Dogs Exposed" will air on BBC America tonight, 12/10/09, at 8 PM Eastern.
This is, I believe, the first time that PDE has aired in the US (it was broadcast in Canada a couple months ago). It has been (and still is) available for viewing online, but now it will be available for viewing to a much larger portion of the American public (and the American dog fancy).
Is it critical of certain practices of purebred dog breeding? Yes. Are these practices worth scrutiny, especially from those of us within the dog fancy? I absolutely believe so.
The show isn't perfect, but it brings up a lot very good points that we breeders need to address and consider. I hope that many of you will be able to tune in and watch it for yourselves.
HopeShelties
Forums Enthusiast
It'll also help to turn more americans against purebred breeders....
tofu pup
Moderator
HopeShelties,
It might. One of the things that struck me about the show is the fact that it embraces purebred dogs. People love pure breeds: they give you consistency, a measure of predictability, and there are over 160 of them recognized by the AKC, ensuring that you'll find at least one breed that suits your situation and desires.
What people do not want is sick dogs, dogs that suffer from genetic diseases that were entirely preventable, and dogs that fall apart structurally at a young age. Unfortunately, these are exactly what many perfectly-well-meaning show breeders are producing.
The other thing that struck me about the show was how much truth there is in it. I know, and I think any other person who's spent an appreciable amount of time at conformation shows in the US knows, that Bulldogs snort and gasp for air. We know that Shepherds move in a way that does not imply soundness. We know that our friends' Dobermans are very lucky to live to age 10. We know (or I hope we do) that in many of our breeds, any connection between current appearance and past function is a complete myth.
If the American public finds out about these things and develops a negative view of the breeders of purebred dogs, I can't say I blame them. Perhaps this will provide the necessary impetus for all of us involved in dog shows to honestly evaluate our practices and policies, for the health and preservation of the breeds we love so much.
It might. One of the things that struck me about the show is the fact that it embraces purebred dogs. People love pure breeds: they give you consistency, a measure of predictability, and there are over 160 of them recognized by the AKC, ensuring that you'll find at least one breed that suits your situation and desires.
What people do not want is sick dogs, dogs that suffer from genetic diseases that were entirely preventable, and dogs that fall apart structurally at a young age. Unfortunately, these are exactly what many perfectly-well-meaning show breeders are producing.
The other thing that struck me about the show was how much truth there is in it. I know, and I think any other person who's spent an appreciable amount of time at conformation shows in the US knows, that Bulldogs snort and gasp for air. We know that Shepherds move in a way that does not imply soundness. We know that our friends' Dobermans are very lucky to live to age 10. We know (or I hope we do) that in many of our breeds, any connection between current appearance and past function is a complete myth.
If the American public finds out about these things and develops a negative view of the breeders of purebred dogs, I can't say I blame them. Perhaps this will provide the necessary impetus for all of us involved in dog shows to honestly evaluate our practices and policies, for the health and preservation of the breeds we love so much.
Ann
Moderator
Very well said, Tofu Pup, and so true. Perhaps it's time for not only the breeding, but the standards to change.
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
Totally agree!
I totally support purebred breeding programs, but when the standards get out of whack and start pushing for traits that essentially nullify what the breed was bred for in the first place, then it's time to put on the brakes and re-evaluate. Every morning, I watch one of my neighbours walk his German Shepherd down the road. This dog is less than 5 years old, but he walks like a dog with severe hip dysplasia. His hind legs are so bent over, that its a wonder he can walk at all.
I hope this does not turn people away from purebreds and reputable breeders, but rather raise a level of knowledge and enlightenment in the general populace and the breeding associations as well.
I did not see the entire video, but I wish they had balanced the broadcast with the "alternatives": puppy mills, designer dogs, byb's, etc.
I totally support purebred breeding programs, but when the standards get out of whack and start pushing for traits that essentially nullify what the breed was bred for in the first place, then it's time to put on the brakes and re-evaluate. Every morning, I watch one of my neighbours walk his German Shepherd down the road. This dog is less than 5 years old, but he walks like a dog with severe hip dysplasia. His hind legs are so bent over, that its a wonder he can walk at all.
I hope this does not turn people away from purebreds and reputable breeders, but rather raise a level of knowledge and enlightenment in the general populace and the breeding associations as well.
I did not see the entire video, but I wish they had balanced the broadcast with the "alternatives": puppy mills, designer dogs, byb's, etc.
elaine2004
Forums Enthusiast
I agree Ann !
I think the standards may need to change so that some of these characteristics that are expected in the Breeds that are not natural or realistic be undone ! Point being Why do we dock tails off and crop ears that are meant to be there!!
Would you want someone to crop your ears? Don't think so. These are some of the immediate things that can be put into changing right now ! It's a starting point and needs to be addressed.
I think the standards may need to change so that some of these characteristics that are expected in the Breeds that are not natural or realistic be undone ! Point being Why do we dock tails off and crop ears that are meant to be there!!
Would you want someone to crop your ears? Don't think so. These are some of the immediate things that can be put into changing right now ! It's a starting point and needs to be addressed.I think the standards may need to change so that some of these characteristics that are expected in the Breeds that are not natural or realistic be undone ! Point being Why do we dock tails off and crop ears that are meant to be there!!
I completely agree. I have never understood (and never will understand) why cropping and docking are the standard for some breeds. How does a cropped ear or a docked tail help them better do their job?
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
Actually, there were "valid" reasons for docking tails and cropping ears at one point, for some breeds....some terrier breeds were to be ratters....and long tails and ears would have impeded their work.
Ideally, rather than docking and clipping, the early breeders would have included in their breeding program dogs that already had shorter tails, etc. to evolve to that ideal. I guess, at some point, it just seemed more expedient.....
I don't know why most terriers have prick ears though....as ratters, etc. I would have thought that dropped ears would keep out goop from getting in.
Ideally, rather than docking and clipping, the early breeders would have included in their breeding program dogs that already had shorter tails, etc. to evolve to that ideal. I guess, at some point, it just seemed more expedient.....
I don't know why most terriers have prick ears though....as ratters, etc. I would have thought that dropped ears would keep out goop from getting in.
HopeShelties
Forums Enthusiast
It also fails to cover the many good things about purebred breeders, and purebred dogs. This show only looks at the negative.
While I agree that yes, there are a lot of things that need to change within the world of purebred dogs (look within our own, and you'll find breeders knowingly breeding dogs with bad thyroids, ignoring structure for the almighty pretty head, and breeding incredibly high inbreeding COIs to the point of it becoming a detriment to the dogs) putting videos out there such as this one in the current climate probably isn't going to help. It will further PETA and the HSUS's cause. It'll be one more weapon they can use against the purebred dog breeders and owners.
While I agree that yes, there are a lot of things that need to change within the world of purebred dogs (look within our own, and you'll find breeders knowingly breeding dogs with bad thyroids, ignoring structure for the almighty pretty head, and breeding incredibly high inbreeding COIs to the point of it becoming a detriment to the dogs) putting videos out there such as this one in the current climate probably isn't going to help. It will further PETA and the HSUS's cause. It'll be one more weapon they can use against the purebred dog breeders and owners.