> Can the same be said of the Weimaraner??? We have a Blue that
> doesn't exist other than from American stock outside the odd incident
> which is said to have been a cross breed anyway, this is OUR easy to
> point at error. Health aside, the breeding of that dog into the gene
> pool was not for the benefit longterm of the breed but the
> consequence can be seen far and wide with exported studs.


Tasha,

When I first read this I didn't quite understand what you were getting at, but I
think I realize that your concern is over the recent Blue exports into your
country. I understand that concern, although I am not sure what it has to do
with the topic, except perhaps your point is that people in your country are now
breeding for color alone. However, I do have to clarify that the issue did not
arise from the first Blue dog (regardless of whether he was crossbred or not, we
will never know). That first Blue dog was arguably quality dog, especially
since he was used to correct the hunting problems in the breed. Before the DQ
many old timers remember when there were quality Blues around. Some of those
dogs ended up being foundation dogs for some very well regarded kennels. It was
the DQ that caused the unintended consequence which we all struggle with today.
In my opinion, this is no longer a matter of cross bred or not; that is
inconsequential, and I would even argue it may have been a good thing.

In answer to your question of whether the same can be said of the Weimaraner, I
would answer YES. I know many people who bought Weims for their pretty blue
coat color but also those that bought them for their pretty GRAY coat color as
well, not for their unique working ability. I know many Weims who are sought
after soley for their show ring winning records as well. I did not see the
program, but I'd say that if people are serious about being caretakers of the
breed, which, like it or not, now includes the Blues, then positive steps must
be taken to encourage responsible breeding and the understanding and protection
of the breed as a hunting dog. I hope that in the UK and other countries who
are now seeing Blues coming into their country and are rightfully concerned will
look at what played out in the US with the DQ'ing of the Blues. They were left
in the hands of those that cared nothing for stewardship. It didn't make the
Blues go away.

I agree with your point about poor breeding choices made based on show ring
wins, and I agree that a fundamental aspect of protecting a breed is by being
aware of and honoring that breed's function. To me, this point you are making
is an issue that transcends the whole Blue argument, which has a 70 year history
in our breed. A Weimaraner is defined by it's unique working abilities and
character. Color, hair length, in this age of DNA testing and understanding of
simple Mendelian genetics makes the whole argument moot. Honesty about health,
the overall lack of working ability, popular sire syndrome, etc. is what we need
to be discussing.

Anne


> Posted by: "Tasha" [LINK: mailto:tashaphillips@...?Subject=
> Re%3A%20article%20of%20interest%20%2F%20pedigreed%20dogs%20exposed]
> tashaphillips@... [LINK:
> http://profiles.yahoo.com/tashaphillips] tashaphillips
>
> Wed Aug 27, 2008 11:48 am (PDT)
> Having watched this program when it aired I think the main point of
> it was that we have as show breeders gone from breeding dogs for
> function first and form second to form first in the eye of the
> beholder. A beholder that at times has absolutely no idea about what
> is needed for the dog to be able to do the job that it was originally
> bred for.
>
> The alsations were a prime example, here is a strong working dog used
> by police forces around the globe and yet look at the mess the show
> breeders have done to the breed... dogs which are basically cripples
> in the back end and yet in the ring this is what is sought after,
> prized and awarded, new people coming into the breed don't know any
> difference and so are making the problem worse. It was a good
> example because when you look at the remaining working dogs, which
> are reducing so drastically that our police force have had to look
> elsewhere for new stock, they do not resemble the dogs in the ring,
> the dogs in the ring could not do the job that is required of them.
> In that area as breeders and enthusiasts WE have failed, we have
> failed to protect a breed, we have breed but not for the good of the
> breed.
>
> Can the same be said of the Weimaraner??? We have a Blue that
> doesn't exist other than from American stock outside the odd incident
> which is said to have been a cross breed anyway, this is OUR easy to
> point at error. Health aside, the breeding of that dog into the gene
> pool was not for the benefit longterm of the breed but the
> consequence can be seen far and wide with exported studs.
>
> Health well our breed is no angel and neither are all of our breeders
> we over breed on popular studs, finding out information on health can
> be like pulling teeth or blood from a stone and the majority of our
> dogs are derived from show wins rather than field work so the
> possibility of failing our breed from breeding for purpose and
> function to breeding to the eye of the beholder.
>
> When is winning more important than the future of the breed???? And
> at what cost??
>
> The program has given us an opportunity to take a very close look at
> our breeds, to reassess our breeding best practises and to question
> our own ethics with regard to our own lines. A chance to be honest
> about the problems we have and how to correct them.
>
> No one likes to admit they have a problem and you can't stop people
> from breeding from your stock once they leave your home, certainly
> not in the UK but maybe its a good thing this program was aired. It
> was one sided and made the KC look a twit but it wont be the only
> governing body that has that title.