Re: [PyrNet-L] Breeding

["Tracy Bassett" <espinay@dynamite.com.au>]

Well said Sharon,  that respect is so important.  Start with a willingness
to learn from others, show your concern for the welfare of the breed,
display your willingness to abide by the ethics that all responsible
breeders abide by, and doors will begin to open everywhere.

Tracy Bassett
Canberra, Australia
espinay@dynamite.com.au
http://members.dynamite.com.au/espinay/index.htm

-----Original Message-----
From: Sharon J. Armstrong <asitapyrs@idmail.com>
To: PyrNet List <pyrnet-l@gamerz.net>
Date: Wednesday, 30 June 1999 2:08
Subject: [PyrNet-L] Breeding


(This is a second re-posting as the originals did not go through)

To Maryellen and other Pyr owners contemplating breeding their bitch,
consider this BEFORE you breed....

Yes I have a male, in fact several, that would (I'm sure) love to breed your
bitch.  But anyone who approaches me for potential stud service has to earn
my respect first.    How does one do that?  Join a local and the National
breed Club, attend Club events, assist with rescue, contribute to the
newsletter, solicit opinions, ask questions about health issues & breeding
concerns, be open to learn & listen to what others are saying, subscribe to
the Code of Ethics.  This will help us get to know you in the Pyr community
and goes a long way towards respecting you.

Purchase a copy of the Illustrated Breed Standard and read it cover to
cover - then read it again with your bitch in view.  Does she meet the
Standard?  If you are not sure then "network".  Ask other experienced
breeders for their honest opinions on your bitches strong and weak points.
People who take the time to learn everything they can about the finer points
of the breed and who will admit their bitches faults earn points towards my
respect.  I've spayed many a bitch that didn't live up to the best of the
Standard..not every bitch 'needs' to be bred.

Exhibit at dog shows but remember..a Championship does not a good bitch
make.  All my puppy people get the "lecture" if they ask me about breeding
their dog.  I don't care if that pup becomes the Top Pyr in the nation with
multiple Best in Show wins - that non-breeding agreement will NOT be lifted
unless they can prove to me that they will be responsible to the BREED.  If
the owner/breeder is not responsible on how they breed that dog, they show
no respect for the breed and will do more damage than good.  It takes two
quality animals, a solid background of knowledge, responsible placements of
the puppies produced, and a lot of luck thrown in, (and a lot of heartbreak
along the way) to make a breeding successful.

I'm not alone in my thinking.  Many breeders had to prove themselves (pay
their dues) before entering the "breeding ring".  That is what we have to do
to protect this breed.

This area (S.W. British Columbia) is already becoming saturated with cheap
Pyr puppies looking for homes from well-intended breeders (in their eyes).
No one is willing to pay top price for a quality animal...can you blame
them?  Unfortunately it is these animals that I, and other caring Pyr
owners, have to take care of in rescue...part of our responsibility to the
breed (more points earned!)  The homes for these dogs are just not
available.

Before you breed..can you earn this respect?  Ask yourself.

Sharon Armstrong
asitapyrs@idmail.com