.......this is what I think about the Kennel Club et al
Dear breeders of pedigree dogs... ......do you think that you could breed for us a specimen that is within a cigarette paper of the KC Breed standard to give us amateurs some chance of winning at Crufts, with a temperament of a guide-dog but when necessary the protective instinct of an army cadet, with the ability to hunt and chase so as to help us achieve our other ambitions in flyball and field sports, but preferably only breed a dog that chases tennis balls because training them to be steady to sheep is just oh so much hard work, and could you also breed into this litter the capacity to put up with boarding kennels without whining nor the merest hint of separation anxiety for a couple of two week periods a year, could you iron out of the gene pool you use any proclivity towards accidents, ensure that all pups are socialised with all young children, even my naughty nieces and could they also be bred to get on with other dogs especially terriers. Oh and finally and this is most important of all could you breed us specimens that are completely free of all hereditary diseases known to the medical profession and some that are not even yet discovered with the additional feature of in-built protection from viruses thus making all innoculations unecessary. That wouldn't be too much to ask would it?
I have read a great deal now about the genetics involved in epilepsy and it is very complex. Therefore breeders of epileptic dogs cannot be blamed for their existence except of course those that knowingly breed from diagnosed epileptics or epilepsy carriers. Most breeders do work hard at securing the healthiest lines. But I do have a problem with the Kennel Club because I do not think it makes anywhere near enough attempt to get breeders, owners and the veterinary profession working together on eliminating these awful conditions. Either that or certain Breed Clubs are not availing themselves of the help that is there. On its own website the Kennel Club explains that there approximately 400 inherited diseases identified in the dog. It also gives information on the health screening schemes they have up and running - for three of those diseases. THREE. A great deal is brushed under the dog blanket by way of keeping health reports for limited distribution only, promoting health screening that focuses on just a handful of health issues to give the impression "they are doing all they can", and keeping very mum about what is happening in many of their breeds.
Peaked caps off to some breed clubs like the Standard Poodle, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Wirehaired Dachshund who are proactively working to help eliminate the diseases that affect them.
Aaah rant over I feel much better now!
Update - September 2006
The Kennel Club has now published the health survey results on their website. Well done them. It makes very interesting reading.
I have read a great deal now about the genetics involved in epilepsy and it is very complex. Therefore breeders of epileptic dogs cannot be blamed for their existence except of course those that knowingly breed from diagnosed epileptics or epilepsy carriers. Most breeders do work hard at securing the healthiest lines. But I do have a problem with the Kennel Club because I do not think it makes anywhere near enough attempt to get breeders, owners and the veterinary profession working together on eliminating these awful conditions. Either that or certain Breed Clubs are not availing themselves of the help that is there. On its own website the Kennel Club explains that there approximately 400 inherited diseases identified in the dog. It also gives information on the health screening schemes they have up and running - for three of those diseases. THREE. A great deal is brushed under the dog blanket by way of keeping health reports for limited distribution only, promoting health screening that focuses on just a handful of health issues to give the impression "they are doing all they can", and keeping very mum about what is happening in many of their breeds.
Peaked caps off to some breed clubs like the Standard Poodle, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Wirehaired Dachshund who are proactively working to help eliminate the diseases that affect them.
Aaah rant over I feel much better now!
Update - September 2006
The Kennel Club has now published the health survey results on their website. Well done them. It makes very interesting reading.