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RE: [pyrnet] LGD breeders (was Shelters and Breeders)
I have
goats and two Pyrs. Here's what I was told when I was buying them:
- Conformation breeders want looks and body structure
as much as they want LGD performance.
- Since
they must keep the dogs clean and well-socialized, leaving them out in the
barn with the goats from birth is not an
option.
I
believe that there are two legitimate reasons for raising Pyrenees: the
show ring and the LGD role the dogs were originally bred to do. My
two dogs were bought from reputable breeders -- of LGDs. The dogs are
healthy, but were bred to live as their parents lived, do what their parents do,
and not come into the house. The roam with the herd, sleep with the herd,
etc. The would probably not win any conformation shows, though they're
registered. (The male is beautiful to me, but has a head like
a St. Bernard.) His coat is horrible just now -- especially since
it's been raining all day, and he's been out in the
mud.
Could
a dog bred for conformation do what mine do? Probably, but if I were to
get a 4-6 month old house-bred dog from a conformation breeder, the chances
would be very good that it would take many months to learn how to guard.
During that time, I might have a dog that would try to play with the stock, try
to get back into the house, or one that would have no interest in guarding my
flock. So ... I'd probably go t a breeder who raises his/her dogs for
guarding, and with a flock, rather than for conformation, and in the
house.
Sandy
Lynchburg TN
In a message dated 1/28/01 11:11:40 AM
Eastern Standard Time,
janices@austin.rr.com writes:
I think we've already discussed how you can talk til you're
blue in the face and not get anywhere with some of them and the
mindsets. Even I've had enough conversations with those around
here. Why would you think their recommendations would be any
different to their members?
I
guess the question is, if the main reason for recommending that working
Pyrs "not" be gotten from Show kennels because these dogs cannot work,
we
need to educate them. There are as many variables and
agendas as there are
folks, but eliminating the agendas and conflicts, why
would they recommend
against our dogs? The ones I have talked with
and one in particular is very
well known nationally and within the
organization, simply was under the
impression that the show dogs could not
work. Simple as that. I realize
price, attitude, ability of
show kennels to understand these folks, etc., go
on and on and on and on,
but that is part of the process as well on our side.
This person I
reference is very pleased to have my view and opinion about
her dogs.
She would have no problem form this point recommending my dogs to
anyone as she knows that I will give a quality dog with a real stand
behind
guarantee. She also recognizes that I know the breed very
well. She knows
she does not have any of this with the dogs she
presently has and is
uncomfortable with it. This is the way these
folks make their living and
they want good dogs that work for them and do
not break down due to problems
and if problems do occur want someone who
will work with them to solve the
problem or stand behind their dogs.
I am not disagreeing with what is being said, I just am not willing to
give
up as the alternative is certain failure, that should be spelled in
upper
case.
Joe