MeganAK2AZ
UKC Forum Member
Registered: Sep 2012
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Posts: 43 |
I was under the impression, that the breeding education (in this thread, specifically addressing merle X merle) was being encouraged not to discredit the breeding of the past greats, but to protect to breeding of the future--especially if the Leopard continues to grow in popularity. I would put that last part all in capital letters, if it didn't seem obnoxious to do so
Because, see, that's what happens when a breed grows in popularity! It's happened to EVERY dog that has gained ground and come out into the "mainstream", if you will, and it has happened to EVERY horse that has done so. Take a Paint horse, for example: somewhere along the line, people started breeding for color patterns and disregarding conformation, hoof quality, mind, etc. Now we have Paints all over the place with terrible feet and you see it all the time. Oh sure, they look beautiful and usually work decent too--but ask any good Farrier what he/she thinks about their feet! Most of the time, their hooves are junk and people keep breeding 'em anyway...it's the Horseshoer's fault they aren't sound, right? Obviously, I could bore everyone (unless some of you fancy horses?) with comparisons, such as that. It's all over the horse world, with any breed that earned a moment in the spotlight, because unfortunately, not everyone takes breeding with the responsibility they should.
Now, as far as I'm concerned, that responsibility = everything one can consider! Personally, I think the only animal that should be intentionally bred has to pass EVERY test. But I'm a picky one, when it comes to me making the decision. My own Paint horse passes all tests, except for his feet and therefore, he's a gelding Shame too, because I haven't ridden too many horses that have a more solid mind and work ethic than him...and he sure wears a darn pretty coat
Now, back to dogs and Leopards particularly, I ask: don't we have enough quality dogs available, that someone like me can wait to seek out a solid-colored male for breeding? Why should I take the risk, breeding my female to another merle? If I was advised by some of you that are more experienced (and I wouldn't breed her without some advice!) that a good cross could be made with another certain merle male, sure, I might go for it. But why not wait and seek out a solid-colored male to be on the "safe" side, so to speak? And as was mentioned already, I might have a litter of pups that turn out with minimal or no need for culling--but what will those pups carry? Maybe the pups I sell are good-to-go, but what am I putting out there for other people to work with? Other people that might not be as serious about:
1.) doing their own research--yes, with books and the internet
2.) "milking" other experienced Leopard breeders for all their worth in knowledge and history
The fact is, once I sell that pup, it's future is out of my control. And if, as I hope, my Leopards impress people around these parts, they might be in high demand and it's a big responsibility that the pups I sell represent the breed to the best ability possible.
I know I'm thinking way ahead of time here, but I'm quite concerned about it. I'd hate to look back when I'm 60 years old and see Leopards that aren't as "great as they used to be", because they got pulled out of the woods and mucked up. I've already met some people that think that has begun. So, I don't think it's neurotic to worry about it. I don't know one breed of animal it hasn't happened to, once they gained in popularity...success can be a double-edged sword.
Just my little thoughts, for what they're worth...which probably isn't much yet But I do think this thread is valuable and I do think it's information worthy of active thoughts and discussion! And that goes for every single post so far.
I've decided I am going to have my pup and any future dogs I own tested. I just talked about it today, to the owner of the breeding stable I manage! He says it will only cost me $25-45 a dog, if we send it to the same University we send our horses' samples too. I figure, that's well worth the price. Although my pups probably won't appreciate me ripping their hairs out to send to the lab
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