| Lorna,
I agree with you as well, particularly your remark about nerves. I only mentioned that in brief and didn't expand because I didn't want to make my post a diatribe against American show breeders. I'm a moderate in that I don't take a hard line against them. No, I'm not happy with the direction the breed has gone, but it's gone there and there's no turning back. The AKC isn't going to add a schutzhund like component as a requirement for breeding. So, there's no point in bemoaning the subject. At this point, I accept that there are two somewhat distinct uses for our favorite dogs and have moved on. Though I would like to see far more viable working breeders here at home.
However, where I know I can speak for everyone no matter which side of the fence you're on is the necessity of breeding for health and longevity over use. Show and working breeders alike must work tirelessly and diligently to keep sick breeding stock and lines from keeping the circle unbroken -- whether you'd like your dog to wink at the judges or eat your least favorite UPS guy. |