says HAS THE RECENT “ADOPT DON’T SHOP” CAMPAIGN BY THE AR ORGANIZATIONS AFFECTED YOUR BREEDING PROGRAM? IF SO, HOW?
Not in the least currently. I still find that my breed of Giant Schnauzers is so specific to certain people that owners real- ize they either obtain from a responsible preservation breed- er or thru that breeds national rescue. —Robin Clifton No it has not. Purebred dog breeders continue to educate perspective puppy owners about the pros and cons as they relate to their breed/s. By doing this, hopefully, people real- ize that if they locate a breeder who does all health tests avail- able and breeds smartly, that they will get a lifetime commit- ment from said breeder. My breed is fairly new in the US and the popularity has not happened yet. Plus the fact that the Wirehaired Vizsla is a Sporting breed and reaches a different group of people looking for puppies that are not only a family companion but can hunt as well. Education and communica- tion is the key. —Kathy Lormis Yes. I breed Australian Shepherds. When I have pups many people want to pay far less than the asking price and then they go to so-called “rescue” sites. The general public doesn’t understand all the effort and expense in breeding a healthy litter. They also think the breeder is out to make money. Of course, we know that small breeders like myself operate in the red with a litter. Real, local rescue groups are not the problem. They provide a service for dogs that are in need for a variety of reasons. — Joan Stone Yes, I write that there is a reason for purpose-bred/pure- bred dogs and that one-size-doesn’t fit all. Purchasing from a reputable breeder and purchasing from a rescue or shelter should be well-thought out choices for the potential owner without value judgements becoming involved. I touch on ani- mal rights vs animal welfare, what is wrong with HSUS and PETA, and point out that without knowledgeable and dedicat- ed breed fanciest and Parent Breed Clubs, purebred dogs will become extinct and the only choices will be randomly bred mixes. Dogs—and people who love and want to share their lives with dogs—deserve better. —Lori Chapek-Carleton This has not affected me yet. I raise Brittanys and we have a pretty specific group that want this breed for field trials, hunting, hunt tests etc. so they are more prone to come to a breeder than rescue for a competition dog. I don’t like the Adopt don’t shop theme. I feel it hurts breeders and encourages rescue groups to bring in mix breed dogs from other countries, which carry diseases we do not have in the United States. I wish people would just mind their own business and leave the good breeders alone. —Anonymous I’ve not bred a litter recently due to the negative attitudes currently going around. I’m concerned with the welfare of my dogs to this point and some over zealous people with their emotions/actions. I’m planning on breeding next Fall when stronger security system has been installed for the welfare and safety of all and hopefully by then emotions will have calmed down quite a bit. —Anonymous Indirectly, but not personally. My breed has dropped so low in registrations that people cannot find puppies but that is another story! It has affected me indirectly because
“THE GENERAL PUBLIC DOESN’T UNDERSTAND ALL THE EFFORT AND EXPENSE IN BREEDING A HEALTHY LITTER.”
it has affected the whole show dog breeding community in terms of public opinion. This affects everyone. It affects the buyers of today who are than castigated by their friends or neighbors for not saving a dog. It affects their children who are brainwashed before they are old enough to understand the reality. I would like to add more one thing. This has been going on for years—not just recently! The Animal Rights threat has been real for too long—and too many people in the dog show community have turned a blind eye on the situation. Those of us who have been doing our part for the past 20 years have been ignored by too many and even criticized by some. I hope we have not passed the point of no return. —Stephanie Hunt-Crowley Yes, AR organizations never acknowledge all the hard work reputable breeders go through to protect their breed; extensive health testing, showing, breeding only their best dogs. Placing dogs and agreeing to take them back if a situa- tion arises. I could go on and on about my breeding program. I support almost all efforts of Humane Societies, however they should not bash breeders. —Barbara A Hadden No, at least not in my planning but that’s because I have Finnish Spitz, which most people don’t even know exist, so I rarely breed anyway. However, it pisses me off because, as usual, AR sugarcoats their message while ignoring what good we real, responsible breeders really do. —Anonymous
154 • S how S ight M agazine , M arch 2018
Powered by FlippingBook