From: winders@aux.support.apple.com (Scott Winders)
Newsgroups: rec.pets.dogs
Subject: Re: Hunting ability in Labradors
Date: 27 Aug 92 01:02:36 GMT
Followup-To: rec.pets.dogs
Organization: Apple Computer, Inc.

In article <1684F9491.X005CB@tamvm1.tamu.edu>, X005CB@tamvm1.tamu.edu
(Chris Barnes) wrote:
> 
> In article <13432@pogo.wv.tek.com>
>     daveb@pogo.wv.tek.com (Dave Butler) writes:
>  
> >In conclusion, I personally feel that if a dog is in a specific category (eg:
> >herding, hunting, ratting), then it is irresponsible to breed solely for
> >aesthetics.  Thus a terrier which can't rat, or a Setter which cannot hunt,
> >should not be rewarded for mere aesthetic conformation.  This is why I would
> >assert that no dog should be able to earn either a champion status, or a best
> >in breed (and definitely not a best in show) unless it has excelled in the
> >working requirements of its breed.
>  
> Actually, I think the "best" solution would be for the AKC to not
> register pups born to a sire and dam that do not have their titles.
> Since this would "protect" the breed from the things I fear happening
> by recommending it for things other than it's original purpose, I
> would no longer have any complaints against it (even if they just
> wanted a pet).  This should also make Liza happy, since the titles
> required could include something along the lines of a certain number
> of points in the conformation ring as well (although I still feel that
> an obiediance requirement would be silly since that is already required
> of dogs that can compete in the field).  A requirement for a Canine
> Good Citizenship might not be a bad idea though.
>  
> I would imagine that a set of requirements would have to be developed
> for each breed (or at least each breed type).  But I don't think
> that would be such a big deal, that's what breed clubs are for
> after all.  The biggest problem would be getting an agreement among
> the different factions of people within the breed club.
> The show people would want a CH, the obiendance people would want
> a UD, the field trailers would want a FC, and the hunting test people
> would want a MH.
>  
> My sample requirement for Labs:
>    a JH
>    1/3 of the points required for a CH
>    CGC award
>  
> Not too difficult, but it's still *something* that means that the people
> that are breeding are TRYING to improve the breed.  I would require the
> full JH title because it really is pretty easy.  Of course, a more
> difficult title (FC, AFC, SH, MH) would certainly be acceptable in it's
> place.
>  
> PS:  wouldn't this also take a big chunk out of the puppy mill
>      problem too?)
>  
> But, since the AKC makes it's money by registering litters and dogs,
> I just don't see this happening anytime soon.
>  
>  
> Comments?
>  
>       ----------------------------------------------
> Chris Barnes            |

What do you do for the toy breeds? They were not bred to do work, they
were bred to be companions. What about Dobermans? Require them to get a
Schutzund 1 title? The Doberman Breed Club wants nothing to do with bite
work. I don't see this idea working irrespective of the AKC goals...

Scott Winders
winders@aux.support.apple.com

"My opinions are my own, not my employer's"