Breeder of Westminster Winner Speaks Out

[OutlineACDs]

Just thought this was interesting, permission to crosspost.





Breeder of Westminster winner Uno has a few words for PETA
3:36 PM, January 11, 2009
When we told you on Monday about PETA's request that the USA Network
drop the Westminster dog show from its schedule, we were overwhelmed
with the volume of comments and e-mails we received. More than 400
of you responded, and most were none too pleased with PETA's
statements about the dog show world. (To read more, check out The
Times' Comments Blog.)
One reader we heard from was Kathy Weichert, a breeder, owner and
exhibitor of champion Beagles including Uno, last year's Westminster
winner. We caught up with Weichert on topics ranging from
Westminster (as you might imagine, she's a fan) to the animal rights
movement (as you might imagine, she's not a fan).

PETA, according to Weichert, is "a radical group that believes no
animal should be domesticated. They are targeting [Westminster]
because it is highly visible around the world."
"Hobby breeders" like herself (as opposed to puppy mills, which churn
out purebred dogs for profit), says Weichert, are not responsible for
genetic defects in purebred dogs. "Reputable breeders, as opposed to
mills or backyard breeders, would never intentionally or knowingly
breed animals that were diagnosed or known to carry genetic or fatal
faults." Small-time breeders, she thinks, "most definitely are a
positive influence on the breeds," and breeders are among the most
prominent donors to groups like the AKC's Canine Health Foundation,
which research genetic disorders in dogs.

So what about breeds like the Pekingese and Pug, whose squashed faces
can cause breathing problems, and the Chinese shar-pei and
Bloodhound, whose wrinkles can become breeding grounds for
infection? Do breeders contribute to such problems by locking these
traits into their dogs' bloodlines?

On the contrary, says Weichert. "Those are breed traits! Those
breeds have always looked like what they look like. No, those traits
come naturally when breeding dogs of the same breed...Peke to Peke
produces all puppies that look like Pekes!" Genetic problems, she
says, will happen regardless of the care a breeder takes; it's just a
part of nature. "Can [PETA] explain why children are born with
allergies, Down's, deformities, mental retardation? No!" Canine
genetics -- like human genetics -- are not an exact science, Weichert
says. But breeders like herself take every possible precaution by
testing their breeding stock for health issues and knowing every
intricacy of their dogs' lineage.

She scoffs at the suggestion that pet overpopulation is related to
purebred dog breeding. For one thing, many hobby breeders like
herself breed a relatively small number of puppies (Weichert
generally breeds one Beagle litter per year, although she may try to
breed two in 2009). For another, potential puppy buyers are
thoroughly vetted (no pun intended) to make sure they're serious
about pet ownership.

The screening process for potential Beagle parents is extensive;
before a puppy is sold, the prospective owner must answer a litany of
questions such as Why do you want a Beagle as opposed to other
breeds? Do you have children or other pets? Do you have a fenced
yard? How long will the puppy be left alone during the day? Do you
or your family have dog allergies? Do you believe in crate-
training? The idea behind the extensive questioning, Weichert says,
is to make sure a puppy buyer is ready for the long haul; owners
should be prepared to commit to a dog for its entire lifespan, often
15 years or more.

Buyers sign a "spay/neuter contract," which requires that "pet-
quality" puppies (those who don't have a future in the show ring)
will never be used for breeding. Another clause requires that the
puppy will be returned to Weichert should the buyer be unable or
unwilling to keep it for any reason.

K-Run (the name of her kennel) Beagles are decidedly not destined to
end up in shelters; of that Weichert is confident. On the contrary,
she says, "the majority of dogs in shelters are mixed-breeds and not
purebred." And she takes one more precaution to ensure dogs she's
bred won't ever wind up lost or homeless: she participates in AVID's
Breeder Reader program, in which dogs are microchipped with her
contact information so that she will be the first one notified should
one ever turn up at a shelter or veterinarian' s office.

She's been showing Beagles in the conformation ring since 1996;
before that, she participated in hunting trial events with the breed
for six years. She's had over 50 champion dogs (often working with
her best friend Leah Bertagnolli, who shares the credit for breeding
Uno), including a Rottweiler, a German Shepherd, and an American
Staffordshire Terrier. Dogs like Uno, she says, enjoy performing and
aren't one bit "miserable and uncomfortable, " as PETA's Daphna
Nachminovitch describes.

"Uno loved the show ring and actually missed it at first. I imagine
it could be hard if the dog's temperament was not stable or they were
with someone who did not care for them properly. Uno always came
first with [handler Aaron Wilkerson] and every time I would see them
in person, Uno was a very, very happy dog that loved what he was
doing."

So what's Uno up to now? He retired immediately upon receiving his
coveted Westminster trophy (traditional among Westminster winners),
and he's now a certified therapy dog with the Delta Society. He's
visited with patients at Ronald McDonald Houses and Walter Reed
Hospital as part of his therapy work.

In fact, a fair number of the dogs Weichert has bred have gone on to
more high-minded pursuits than the show ring, says Weichert. Some
are therapy dogs like Uno, some compete in obedience and agility
trials, and retiring show dogs are often given to junior handlers
(kids aged 9-18 who compete in AKC events that judge their handling
ability rather than the conformation of the dog they're
showing). "These dogs give these kids a sense of responsibility as
well as self-esteem and self-confidence, " she says. Other retired
show dogs are spayed or neutered and placed with owners in the market
for an older dog who's already well-trained. These dogs lead happy,
fulfilling lives, and Weichert (as well as many dog fanciers we've
heard from) thinks PETA should back off.

So what makes dog shows so important to the people involved in them?
Weichert's explanation is simple: "It's the camaraderie and the
friendships and the bonding with the dogs and the goal to produce the
happiest, healthiest dogs we can. It's about watching a puppy like
Uno being born at 3 in the morning after you've been up for 24-plus
hours and then seeing this magnificent animal that you have produced
win not only the greatest dog show on earth, but hearts of millions
of fans around the world! All you can say is, 'Wow, that's my dog.' "
Viewers love shows like Westminster as well, and they'd be missing
out if USA opted not to air it, Weichert says. "It gives people a
chance to see dogs that may never see in person, and also the
[informational segments] direct people to the right way to start
shopping for a puppy, instead of seeing cute Uno on TV and running to
the first pet store they see. The announcers try to give a brief
pro/con on every dog...It's just really informative and fun for
people who are not around dog shows all the time like we are!"

We had one final question for Westminster' s reigning
owner/breeder: "If you could speak directly to PETA's Ingrid Newkirk,
what would you say?"

Weichert's response: "I don't think you could print that
conversation. "

[Dekka]

Some of that is good. Some is BS..


Load of crap here....

"Hobby breeders" like herself (as opposed to puppy mills, which churn
out purebred dogs for profit), says Weichert, are not responsible for
genetic defects in purebred dogs. "Reputable breeders, as opposed to
mills or backyard breeders, would never intentionally or knowingly
breed animals that were diagnosed or known to carry genetic or fatal
faults." Small-time breeders, she thinks, "most definitely are a
positive influence on the breeds," and breeders are among the most
prominent donors to groups like the AKC's Canine Health Foundation,
which research genetic disorders in dogs.

[OutlineACDs]

Why do you disagree with the second part? I competely agree that breeders are responsible (test and tell) for any genetic diseases that may crop up in their lines.

All dogs carry the same genetics. Dobermans can get luxating patellas just like papillons can. They don't very often because the gene is less common in that particular breed. It's hard for me to say that a breeder couldn't be the cause of a genetic defect, if they didn't do proper testing, they are at fault.

[Dekka]

Yes but I know of more than a few breeders who breed known affected and carriers (to other carriers) because those lines win in the ring, and those with issues get quietly petted out.

Its not that rare. And some issues that don't affect conf showing are considered acceptable by some breeders. AND I am talking about those who are doing well.

[sillysally]

Originally Posted by Dekka

Some of that is good. Some is BS..


Load of crap here....

While I don't know that "hobby breeders" are always the most responsible (hobby breeder does not automatically mean reputable IMHO), she did say that "reputable breeders" (notice she didn't say show breeders) would not knowing spread genetic faults, which I agree with--that's part of my definition of "reputable."

[Dekka]

Originally Posted by sillysally

While I don't know that "hobby breeders" are always the most responsible (hobby breeder does not automatically mean reputable IMHO), she did say that "reputable breeders" (notice she didn't say show breeders) would not knowing spread genetic faults, which I agree with--that's part of my definition of "reputable."

That is true.. but she seems to be implying that show breeders ARE the reputable ones.

(and as a breeder I don't find her reputable anyway...)

[sillysally]

Originally Posted by Dekka

That is true.. but she seems to be implying that show breeders ARE the reputable ones.

(and as a breeder I don't find her reputable anyway...)

Well, in general I think that there are a higher percentage of reputable show breeders than reputable puppy mills and backyard breeders, no?

I guess it depends on your definition of reputable. I know that there are lots of people that don't consider anyone who purely does confo dogs reputable, but that's not the standard that everyone (including myself) go by. I go more case by case.

[Dekka]

Originally Posted by sillysally

Well, in general I think that there are a higher percentage of reputable show breeders than reputable puppy mills and backyard breeders, no?

I guess it depends on your definition of reputable. I know that there are lots of people that don't consider anyone who purely does confo dogs reputable, but that's not the standard that everyone (including myself) go by. I go more case by case.

You are right. IMO if someone breeds working dogs who have no working abilities what so ever and look nothing like their working counterparts.. then no I don't find that reputable. (now if your dog had some workingish title or even a CDX and won Westminster.. then I might be impressed) But there are no working dogs for untold generations in Uno's history from what I have found.

But breeding for profit or breeding to win.. both cause problems. When the goal becomes more important than the dogs themselves there are issues. Trying to say its only BYBs who create health issues isn't helping things. People know that purebred dogs have issues too. Yes all breeders should be responsible. But I have to say I know quite a few show breeders of various breeds who aren't.

[sillysally]

Originally Posted by Dekka

You are right. IMO if someone breeds working dogs who have no working abilities what so ever and look nothing like their working counterparts.. then no I don't find that reputable. (now if your dog had some workingish title or even a CDX and won Westminster.. then I might be impressed) But there are no working dogs for untold generations in Uno's history from what I have found.

But breeding for profit or breeding to win.. both cause problems. When the goal becomes more important than the dogs themselves there are issues. Trying to say its only BYBs who create health issues isn't helping things. People know that purebred dogs have issues too. Yes all breeders should be responsible. But I have to say I know quite a few show breeders of various breeds who aren't.

But again we get back to the fact that reputable needs to be looked at when it comes to *all* breeders. It's not just show breeders that are responsible for having questionable ethics/breeding practices/care of dogs.

My friend rents some land for some horses. Next door to the barn is a breeder of "working" dogs.

He has scent hounds--black and tans, Walker Treeing, redbone, beagles, and a young plott that I took a liking to that he keeps trying to give me (he says he's "mean"). Those dogs are tied out or kenneled 24/7. We are over there a lot, and the only time I've ever seen them taken out or interacted with is during feeding time and when they are headed to or from a hunt.

He has a bunch of dogs, and some of them are ill tempered--the guys son has been attacked before. I'd be willing to bet the farm that the guy doesn't health test, carefully screen homes, etc.

Yes, he breeds working dogs, but not in a manner that most people would consider "reputable."

Honestly, I think that while PETA might seem crazy, they are also smart. There are likely plenty of PETA people who are aware of the politics of the dog world and will use divide and conquer if they must.

Things like breeding dogs sound of body and mind is not just a show breeder, trial breeder, or working breeder problem--it is the problem of *everyone* involved in dogs. I'm just not sure how much good finger pointing does.

[OutlineACDs]

Originally Posted by sillysally

Honestly, I think that while PETA might seem crazy, they are also smart. There are likely plenty of PETA people who are aware of the politics of the dog world and will use divide and conquer if they must.

Things like breeding dogs sound of body and mind is not just a show breeder, trial breeder, or working breeder problem--it is the problem of *everyone* involved in dogs. I'm just not sure how much good finger pointing does.

I agree completely. Everyone can jump on a high horse and claim they hate show breeders or won't register with this or that registry etc. We all should band together. I own purebred dogs, I show conformation, I register AKC, I compete in performance events, I hate PeTA as much as the next guy and I am willing to fight for my rights as a dog owner, breeder, and exhibitor.

This isn't just about why proving in only conformation isn't the be all end all, its about protecting our rights as dog owners.