It leads to a lot of severe medical conditions and it should be a matter of time before the authorities and international canine organisations become
stricter about breeding standards.
Though the setting may resemble the Westminster, this unique dog show is
not about breed standards or impressive pedigrees — it is a venue to celebrate the perfectly imperfect traits that make rescue dogs so beautiful.
She
talks about the breed standard, what the breed was originally bred to do, what type of coat a Bouvier «should have» if the coat is correct, and where to set the pattern lines.
«There's nothing snooty, if you will, about buying a dog through a breeder,» Griggs said, noting that owners of purebreds need to be
concerned about breed standards — such as the dog's color, size and temperament.
The breeders are also unlikely to either know or
care about the breed standard, that set of guidelines that describes each breed and maintains its integrity; to carefully choose breeding stock for sound temperament; to use AKC's limited registration and require sterilization of pet quality puppies; or to consider the reproductive health of their dogs when making breeding decisions.
In all likelihood, these breeders do not test for genetic diseases, place no limits on puppy registrations, have a marginal health program, know
little about the breed standard, and have poor quality breeding stock.
Educate
yourself about breeding standards, become involved with a network of responsible breeders and find a veterinarian who can be involved along the way.