Dear
Prospective Breeder (PLEASE ASK THESE QUESTIONS!)
E very so often I am asked by newer (and a few experienced) owner/exhibitors in my breed about breeding particular dogs together. Often, the individuals are looking only at the dogs in question or they will tell me they have put the prospec- tive sire and dam’s pedigrees together and it “looks good on paper,” and ask if I concur. What’s missing here? PROSPECTIVE SIRE AND DAM Let’s first look at the breed standard-driven type ele- ments, structure, and movement of the prospective sire and dam in question. Supposing ownership of the prospec- tive dam, has the prospective breeder honestly appraised her strengths and weakness? If not, have experienced and successful breeders (at the National Specialty level) been sought for input? Has the prospective sire been physically seen and appraised for his strengths and weaknesses? If not physically seen, have videos from all angles, including movement, been reviewed and discussed with the prospec- tive sire’s owner? Do the prospective sire and dam have similar strengths and dissimilar weaknesses? If there is a breeding history on either the prospective sire or dam, what do their respective offspring look like in relation to the breed standard?
BY CELESTE M. GONZALEZ
96 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, NOVEMBER 2022
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