Recently, I was reading articles about different breeds and came across a very common sense definition of what a dog breed is:
The following excerpt from the University of Oklahoma's website:
"...this definition from The Genetics of Populations by Jay L. Lush helps explain why a good definition of "breed" is elusive.
"A breed is a group of domestic animals, termed such by common consent of the breeders, ... a term which arose among breeders of livestock, created one might say, for their own use, and no one is warranted in assigning to this word a scientific definition and in calling the breeders wrong when they deviate from the formulated definition. It is their word and the breeders common usage is what we must accept as the correct definition."
Sometimes, when I read something, a light goes on in my head. The above quote makes so much sense. When man met dog, it was 'a convenience'. Both could offer something to each other which was of benefit. It was not defined by some 'expert' sitting at his computer to tweak how the next 'breed' should look. Each dog type developed a relationship based on need, companionship, ability, intuitiveness, structural design and temperament. How sad that this incredible journey between man and his beast has been reduced to a beauty pageant by organizations such as the AKC and other dog fancier clubs. I often wonder why such organizations place so much on 'looks' rather than health. What these show boats have done over the years is create slumping spines on Shepherds, breathing difficulties on English Bulldogs, cranial issues with King Charles Spaniels..... the list is endless, all in the name of a 'look'. What happened to the DNA that each original breed contributed to its offspring that defined itself as a sighthound, for instance? Or a herding breed? Or a foot warmer, for that matter!
The common sense expressed in the above quote gives me hope that the future of our breeds will be allowed to go back to their roots and be rewarded for historic value based on performance. I doubt it will ever happen but that is why I breed Labradoodles - a hybrid that DOES allow breeders, like myself, to make breeding decisions
not on how many champions are in a pedigree but instead on complimentary temperaments and solid health scores. I am so grateful that hybrids such as Cockapoos, Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, Schnoodles, Maltipoos and others are winning over the general public BECAUSE of their diversity. Let's not forget how cute they are as well!
Get a cup of tea or perhaps a pot of tea and watch this video for a real eye opener about the negative impact shows and clubs have done to dog breeds. It is long, disturbing and so true.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9jROjFPAis&feature=youtube_gdata_player
