I know that everyone and if not everyone, then most people are aware of the millions of dogs that need forever homes... so why do these same people buy dogs? And if you breed dogs, why do you breed? I've seen pictures of many of your dogs and there are indeed beautiful, but why do you do it?
I have two very well-bred dogs and I love them to pieces. The reason why I went for a responsible (different than reputable) is because I want to know what I'm "inviting to dinner".
Health. From knowing my dogs' pedigrees and knowing their relatives and ancestors, I know what to expect - I know that my dogs have very good hips and elbows in their pedigrees, so chances are that they'll have healthy hips and elbows. I know there are virtually no eye problems in their pedigrees - there's another health issue I can tick off the list. My dogs were created in the process of lessening and eliminating health problems, such as Wobblers, CAH, and to an extent, cardio. I know what my dogs' ancestors died of, I know which ones are still alive and kicking. have a pretty good idea of how my dogs will mature, and I'm fairly certain they'll live LONG lives... my dogs' pedigrees are built up with LC (longevity certified) ancestors. I also know what to consider if I see a problem... if my dogs every develop liver problems, I know where it came from. If they develop Wobblers, I'll know which part of the pedigree is responsible. If my dogs display symptoms of a health probelm that my vets cant' figure out, I'll ask my breeder and she might be able to tell me that the *same thing* happened to such-and-such a dog in the pedigree, and what the problem ended up being... thereby saving my dog's life, or at least speeding up diagnosis and treatment.
Temperament. Many rescues will not adopt out a dog with any shred of aggressiveness. I'm a small statured, female college student, living alone - I want a Doberman with *controllable aggression* by my side... if I'm attacked or mugged, I want a dog whose relatives and ancestors passed on the temperament to defend me... with the titles to prove it. My dogs are pets, but they are also my working dogs - I want to make sure that my dogs can do the job that they were meant for. Show me a rescue that tests their Dobes for formidable agression to an aggressor, and I'll be sold on that rescue!
What I want. Yes, I'll admit it - I want specific qualities in my dogs. This isn't purely selfish - I have the dog's interests in mind as well. I want a dog that is easy to groom, a dog that can keep up with my energy, a dog that I can take into teaching and "ambassador" situations. I want a large dog - but not too large. I can't imagine having a dog whose coat went to pot because I couldn't groom it... or a dog that had to stay at home - alone - while I go on a ten mile hike... that's not fair to the dog.
As far as showing goes.... my show dog loves to show. He was in a very bad, abusive, neglectful home. When I got him, he was scared fo everything, nervous, stressed, and in bad physical condition. Showing in conformation is our way of bonding - he gets so excited when we pull into a show site, because he *knows* he gets to have some one-on-one time with his Momma in the spotlight. People coo over him, he gets treats and pats, and he gets to go out and have fun with his heart, his soul, his protector and savior (me). I've never seen Ronin happier than when he's in the ring with me. I don't only show for the ribbons and the rare scrap of prestige... I show for Ronin - it's his passion, and I'll cater to that passion - even if it's expensive and difficult and trying at times. And not all champions are bred. Ronin will never be bred, and I'm fine with that. And responsible breeders don't make money on breeding, it's the oldest "old wive's tale" inthe book that they do.
I find that most people opposed to showing are those who have never seen a dog show in real life. Some dogs dont' like to show... and the'll likely be pulled from showing and be put into pet homes. A dog usually has to *ask* for the win - the dog has to look alert, happy, and confident - dogs arehonest creatures, and the judges can tell when a show dog isn't asking for that win. The best show dogs out there are the ones that love to show... the ones with finesse and pizzaz, the ones that strut into the ring and say, "Look at me, and see that I am great. Let's get this show on the road, so I can show you how magnificent I really am!"
Showing may not look like much fun if you watch it on a TV screen... but in real life, showing is exhilarating - and it's a great way to bond with your dog. A good team is always more prepared to win... and what better way to become one - a true team - than to go out there and have fun with your best friend...
Rant finished!
P.S. This is a show dog waiting to go into the ring. He just looks miserable...
