End-of-Year Musings - 2021
It’s been quite the year - starting with my Fast Car litter (Aston & Roy - now Gimli, both now in pet homes), and ending 2021 / starting 2022 with the Elites puppies in their respective homes (Agatha with me, Darcy & Rory with trusted caregivers, Gryff with Ben Lobo @ BredRight, and Chopper residing in Burnaby). While many on social media have followed along on our adventures on Instagram & Facebook, I realize that there are so many more details that are omitted - or simply can’t be communicated properly - in social media posts. I’m hoping that I can start penning my thoughts about issues related to the dog world (and myself) here, so that I can share with others what I’ve been learning :)
If anything, I’d like to say that I learned a lot about the “gray zones” related to breeding and raising dogs. For example, before having my first litter, I had originally believed that there was “one right way” to do things - and that those who did not adhere to those certain set of rules (regardless of the circumstances) were to be deemed irresponsible breeders. Fortunately I know better now, and also understand that breeding to improve the breed isn’t something to be taken lightly - or done easily.
In order to do this - or so I’ve learned - one must pay attention to so many things! In the future I will elaborate on several of these in writing, but for now, a shortened list will suffice:
—> Structure (Form & Function)
—> Temperament
—> Ability to Perform tasks (e.g. Can my Pembroke Welsh Corgis herd stock?)
—> Genetic & Health Test outcomes (Genotypes & Phenotypes)
—> Linebreeding vs. Litter Consistency
—> Caesarean Section vs. Free Whelping ability
—> Reproductive Success & Overall Vitality
—> Docking / Cropping , Medical Intervention choices and preferences
When an experienced and knowledgeable breeder says “I’m breeding to the standard”, it’s so much more difficult and complicated than any can fathom!
One of the reasons I left the “What defines a responsible breeder” section so sparse on my website was for this exact reason. Although some breeders take pride in having their due diligence made public (e.g. health testing, radiograph screenings, genetic test results), others do not like having their records made available for public browsing. While that difference may make things more difficult for puppy/dog-seekers, it shouldn’t be something that is held against the breeders themselves. However, that places even more weight on the shoulders of would-be puppy purchasers to find the right breeder…by asking the right questions. Remember - transparency itself is not a virtue or a flaw, but simply a tool that enables people to more easily see others’ virtues or flaws.
I am in no way trying to say that I do any better or worse than others out there. I understand there is widespread backbiting and false information being shared behind closed doors, and yet I think the best way to confront or combat this is by being forthcoming, honest, and educational to those all around me.
Cheers!
Jenny, Pearl, & Agatha
