by Pitcrew » February 5th, 2006, 10:24 pm
I have read 5 pages on this topic now... and every time I was compelled to post, Michelle has interjected with exactly what I would say, if not better.
I can look at this topic from every angle...
I do believe in culling... but...
My 6 year old male Luke (in my avitar) was from a very good reputable responsible breeder. She produces beautiful dogs, but genes fall where they may, and he does not have great (or even good) show ring conformation. He is of a color "not to be encouraged" in his breed standard. He is too tall. He is absolutely sweet and loving and has a wonderfull temperment. But for a working dog, or even MY opinion of a 'perfect' temperment he is "soft". But I love him. He is a great breed embassador, he is a great working dog in spite of himself, and his breeder is very proud of him. He could have been culled for many reasons. I am happy to have him. I am a pet home.
I have a 1 year old female, from a breeder, I selected very specifically for what I wanted, conformationally, and as a working dog. Her breeder does cull. I couldnt have gotten a more perfect dog. (I know I could have, rescue or whatever, but I was very happy with my decision) She may be the best working dog I have ever had. I am a working/show home.
And I have a 1 year old female rescue. Who came at a time when I had, or needed, no expectations... and was willing to accept a challenge, and a risk (to my heart). I have learned alot from her. I am a rescue home.
Her conformation is horendous, roached back, hare feet, tilted pelvis, crooked tail, double hare-lip, cleft-pallette.... etc. ANY breeder would cull for most of these problems at birth. Some of these defects would cause them to die on their own before weaning, or have many health problems and possibly require surgery. This pup apparently survived on her own, without assistance, was found on the streets, made it to a shelter, was set to put down, because her appearance made her unadoptable. Her personality saved her, and she went to a rescue, several foster homes... and after starting in southern california, wound up more traveled than ME.
Her temperment is very sweet and loving, but her EXTREMELY high energy level (and I KNOW high energy) and lack of early training and self control made it very stressfull for even her rescuers to be patient with her. She also had (HAD) severe restraint/fear/aggression issues. BUT, she is a wonderful dog, constantly teaching me patience and improving MY versatility with training, and really a sweet, lovable dog. The same as many dogs who are (rightfully) destroyed for health, temperment, or homeless/rescue, unadoptable reasons. But I love her and it would be a shame to lose her at a young age because of related health problems, but it would have been worth having her. Right now she is perfectly healthy, and a real pip.
Saying all of this... I DO believe in culling. I do not breed.
I do believe in the right to choose, and wheather dogs or people, there are different reasons for any CHOICE. Reasons to spare, reasons to cull, and people need to make their own choice. I do believe in abortion. I am also adopted. "There but for the grace of god go I"... and my dogs...
There will never be one right answer. Do not force your opinions onto others, many choices look different from someone elses perspective.
I can support responsible breeders AND rescue.
Thank you for your opinions... I dont agree with all... but none are wrong.
Nice calm discussion, debate, and education.
"Pedigree indicates what the animal should be;
Conformation indicates what the animal appears to be;
But, Performance indicates what the animal actually is."
- author unknown