Old English Sheepdog Breed Magazine - Showsight

OLD ENGLISH SHEEPDOG

JANICE MCCLARY

like just throwing in the towel, but we pick ourselves up and persevere! Young breeders need to understand the huge responsibility they undertake in preserving this wonderful breed. As required by the Breed Standard, the breed is a thick- set compact looking breed-I see dogs winning at times that are tubular, which is not a bobtail! The Old English Sheepdog is a wonderful gregarious out- going breed. They are not for everyone due to their coat care and their over the top loving nature. 3. The biggest problem facing you as a breeder. JM: No problems with being a breeder—and I live in California. AS: The biggest problem is dealing with the public’s percep- tion of breeders who have been vilified by the extremists. Families that want lovingly raised family pet are misin- formed about breeders. As in all, aspects of life,there are good and bad people. Their tentacles have also have extended all the way down into the minds of children in schools and all the way up into the Veterinary Schools as well. A friend was asked by a vet tech, why would she do a fro- zen insemination of one of the greatest dogs in her breed, when so many dogs need homes? This was said in front of the vet doing the insemination, who said nothing! The mere thought that the vet tech thought this was appropri- ate to even ask this of a client is breathaking! “THERE IS SUCH JOY IN STUDYING PUPPIES AND WATCH THEM DEVELOP, BUT THERE ARE TIMES WHEN ONE FEELS LIKE JUST THROWING IN THE TOWEL, BUT WE PICK OURSELVES UP AND PERSEVERE!”

I live in Southern California and currently have a whole- sale ceramic business. I’m a breed of Old English Sheepdogs, a judge for two plus groups. ANGELA STEIN After my stroke eight years ago, I retired. My husband and I have had a Medical and Veterinarian Illustrating business for 45 years. 1. Your opinion of the current quality of purebred dogs in general, and your breed in particular. JM: The quality of dogs in general that I judge are average to good quality; with a hand full of exceptional quality. OES overrall are average to good. AS: The current quality in general is good, but the sport is in decline due to a variety of reasons. I don’t see people wanting to commit to the discipline and commitment required. In our “instant” society today, reading books and learning the history and purpose of a breed is pretty much non existent. It is very discouraging, when after a presentation at a National Specialty, a new young person asked me ,“Why they should care what a bunch of old guys decided in 1905 in establishing the Breed Stan- dard?” This cultural shift demonstrated in this statement makes it clear to me, that those of that want to preserve our breeds have our work cut out! The creeping incremental assault from the extremists painting us all with a very broad brush has also had a chilling impact. 2. The biggest concern you have about your breed, be it medical, structural, temperament-wise, or what. JM: Exhibitors are more concerned with winning and not concerned with the structure. They forget they are herding dogs. AS: My biggest concern is the steep decline in numbers of people totally dedicated to being a lifelong student of my breed along with the discipline required for a very labor intensive breed. Medically, we have made great strides. Back in the 60s and 70s the rates of Hip Dysplasia were much higher and now we have tools for genetic issues to breed without flying blind. At the same time, if one is not a student of the breed and willing to spend many hours of research, reading and talking to long time breeders, then one should not breed! Breeding requires a very thick skin. There is such joy in studying puppies and watch them develop, but there are times when one feels

S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , J UNE 2018 • 261

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