Re: [PyrNet-L] Westminster

[Pyrstaf@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/22/00 5:50:26 AM US Mountain Standard Time, 
JGentzel@aol.com writes:

<< The term is "selective" linebreeding i.e. don't 
 breed animals who are affected or have siblings with problems, unless you 
run 
 the increased risk of having the problem go forward.  Leaves out a lot of 
 animals and you have to be prepared to house or rehome a lot of dogs. >>

Just a comment here and certainly not a flame at all to Joe personally.  This 
seems to be a common thought among many people in dogs.  As to the above 
comment, is there really such an animal?  Have you really ever had a whole 
litter that had *no* problems?  No health issues, no temperment issues, no 
structural issues, no type issues, no genetic issues? This question is not 
directed just at Joe, but at any breeder out there.  I have had 4 litters of 
dogs (only 1 Pyr litter) in 11 years, and I can honestly say that I did have 
issues in each litter that bothered me to one degree or another.  I think 
that the typical pet owner actually thinks there is some *super-perfect-dog* 
owned and bred by some *superbreeder* out there, and that is an unrealistic 
expectation.  This idea is what compels some breeders to hide problems in my 
opinion.   Dr. Padgett says that each dog carries at least 4-5 genetically 
defective genes.  He may or may not display them, but they are there.  
Just some food for thought.  I am very happy to see the openness and honesty 
that is becoming more common among Pyr breeders on these lists.

Peggy Watson
Framboise Great Pyrs and SBT's
pyrstaf@aol.com