(This is a second re-posting as the originals
did not go through)
To Maryellen and other Pyr owners contemplating
breeding their bitch,
consider this BEFORE you breed....
Yes I have a male, in fact several, that would (I'm sure) love
to breed your bitch. But anyone who approaches me for potential stud
service has to earn my respect first. How
does one do that? Join a local and the National breed Club, attend Club
events, assist with rescue, contribute to the newsletter, solicit opinions, ask
questions about health issues & breeding concerns, be open to learn &
listen to what others are saying, subscribe to the Code of Ethics. This
will help us get to know you in the Pyr community and goes a long way towards
respecting you.
Purchase a copy of the Illustrated Breed Standard and read it
cover to cover - then read it again with your bitch in view. Does she meet
the Standard? If you are not sure then "network". Ask
other experienced breeders for their honest opinions on your bitches strong and
weak points. People who take the time to learn everything they can about
the finer points of the breed and who will admit their bitches faults earn
points towards my respect. I've spayed many a bitch that didn't live up to
the best of the Standard..not every bitch 'needs' to be bred.
Exhibit at dog shows but remember..a Championship does not a
good bitch make. All my puppy people get the "lecture" if they
ask me about breeding their dog. I don't care if that pup becomes the Top
Pyr in the nation with multiple Best in Show wins - that non-breeding agreement
will NOT be lifted unless they can prove to me that they will be responsible to
the BREED. If the owner/breeder is not responsible on how they breed that
dog, they show no respect for the breed and will do more damage than good.
It takes two quality animals, a solid background of knowledge, responsible
placements of the puppies produced, and a lot of luck thrown in, (and a lot of
heartbreak along the way) to make a breeding successful.
I'm not alone in my thinking. Many breeders had to prove
themselves (pay their dues) before entering the "breeding ring".
That is what we have to do to protect this breed.
This area (S.W. British Columbia) is already becoming
saturated with cheap Pyr puppies looking for homes from well-intended breeders
(in their eyes). No one is willing to pay top price for a quality
animal...can you blame them? Unfortunately it is these animals that I, and
other caring Pyr owners, have to take care of in rescue...part of our
responsibility to the breed (more points earned!) The homes for these dogs
are just not available.
Before you breed..can you earn this respect? Ask
yourself.
Sharon Armstrong