In order to end all the nastiness and mud slinging that is going back and forth, I would like to apologize to the original poster. Apparently, some forum members feel my questions were not valid. As of now I am tired of being baited into a "discussion" on breeding. I stand behind my dogs and breeding program and the AKC venues I choose to compete in.
show me exactly where I said that YOU bred for good heads.. I said.. that health and temprament were more important.. please show me where I said that is what you bred for... show me..
and yeah, junior hunter IS a puppy stake.. but then, as stated, your dog far exceeds anything Dixie does.. so you would know..
Gosh, I didnt' think Greg was disrespectful. And I didn't think DelmarvaGold was asking bad or irrelevant questions. I guess I'll have to re-read.
I think that many believe that only champions should be bred. I don't believe that. But I have respect for those that put everything into the breeding program....health, temperament, performance, champions...
I thought Greg was saying that the breeding program doesn't need "champions". But health and Temperament is crucial.
Gosh, I didnt' think Greg was disrespectful. And I didn't think DelmarvaGold was asking bad or irrelevant questions. I guess I'll have to re-read.
I think that many believe that only champions should be bred. I don't believe that. But I have respect for those that put everything into the breeding program....health, temperament, performance, champions...
I thought Greg was saying that the breeding program doesn't need "champions". But health and Temperament is crucial.
there were two things..
1. she said she didnt know why she bothered posting
2. i called her a snob..
now it has escalated into somthing else.. well, im calling an end to it..
even though i still have about 10 more hours of boorish behavior coming to me..
I've had you on ignore for a long time because of your constant attacks and reaction to "show" people. Her response on this forum was a result of your continued insulting treament of people that don't participate in your event.
Now I am gonna have to go back and re read the whole thread...
BUT--IMHO--if both parents don't have health clearances you should not breed and if you can't afford or won't pay for the health tests--you REALLY should not breed.
Responsible breeders do this, responsible breeders are not part of the problem.
I get slammed on forums all of the time because of my breeding program. The show breeders do not think that anyone that doesn't show should not breed. I disagree. All of my dogs have clearances on hip, elbows, heart, eyes and I am working on thyroid clearances also. I breed my "pets" for health and temperament. My puppy owners are thrilled with the puppies that I produce and are thrilled that they can get a decently priced, HEATHLY, good mannered Golden. They are also according to my vet, the best looking Goldens that he has ever seen. Do I have wonderful pedigrees on my dogs? NOPE, but not everyone looks for that.
I get slammed on forums all of the time because of my breeding program. The show breeders do not think that anyone that doesn't show should not breed. I disagree. All of my dogs have clearances on hip, elbows, heart, eyes and I am working on thyroid clearances also. I breed my "pets" for health and temperament. My puppy owners are thrilled with the puppies that I produce and are thrilled that they can get a decently priced, HEATHLY, good mannered Golden. They are also according to my vet, the best looking Goldens that he has ever seen. Do I have wonderful pedigrees on my dogs? NOPE, but not everyone looks for that.
I think one thing that everyone could agree on is that we all want healthy dogs that live a long time. We can also all agree that we all love goldens. I love all the different things that goldens can do. Greg's is great in the field, Vrocco's in the show ring and mine pretty much just chases cats and is an all around joy to live with. My only negative comment about the original poster is that if he/she doesn't know a basic (for breeders, I'm guessing) such as when to breed, I don't think it's very likely he/she has tested hips/heart/thyroid/eyes. As I mentioned in a previous thread, my one and only puppy before Marley was a pom when I was a teenager. He came from a breeder who seemed to really love her dogs and I didn't know any better. He died during a routine neuter due to a congenital heart defect. It is soooo hard to lose a dog like that. So, health clearances were a huge, huge deal when I got Marley. I don't think we really know a lot about the original posters dog. Does she do field work, does she do anything or have the clearances/temperment that would mean a breeding would be beneficial? Having friends that are excited about the prospect of an adorable puppy (doesn't mean that they wouldn't tire of the endless work) isn't a good enough reason to breed a dog. And if someone's heart isn't in it, as the original poster said they didn't want to do it, are they really ready to risk the death of their pet, the possible mistreatment of her babies, health issues etc?? A lot to think about.
To me the decision to breed a dog is almost as big as having a child. I would consider the offspring my responsibility.
I think we can all agree also, that show dog or pet, it is not those that breed responsibly that cause the problems. I am betting that pups from serious show dog or competing dogs in whatever event--most likely don't end up in the hands of people that tie their 4 year old to the vets door...
All that aside--the original poster does not sound responsible for lots of reasons. If the dog was all that why is he just now asking when the dog is 4?
The thought "troll" has crossed my mind. I am not pointing fingers--not yet.
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