Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Article: The Tragic Loss of Bloodlines and Mentoring in America

The Tragic Loss of Bloodlines and Mentoring in America- By Carol D. Hawke

http://www.rojongreatdanes.com/danelinks.com/archive/guest_col/2005/6.1.05/tragicloss.htm


A couple of quotes that really pop to me:

"Health clearances are marvelous (we've promoted them for years ourselves) but they can never substitute for the intimate knowledge that will reveal exactly which lines tend to produce which defects. A series of health clearances achieved by a dog from a line that has consistently produced those defects is like a rubber swore. It's not going to protect your breeding program in the end run."

"Today's version of novice unfortunately tends to reveal the stereotypical know-it-all who eagerly acquires a dozen differing bitches from equally as many breeders (often worldwide) and pack them right off to the top winning stud dogs in their breeds"