Page 22 - Chow Life - Spring 2018

Figure 2 Limited Registrations important objective to appreciate
because it shows how the breeders
and their litters will be measured
by the numbers. The logic for
making the breeder and their pups
the next victim and target has been
carefully crafted. Unfortunately, it
embraces a strategy that already has
widespread support.
Who would have suspected
that in just nine years, the blind
acceptance of undefined labels
would have significantly reduced
the size of theAKC stud book and
the gene pools of 35 breeds (Table
2). There are noaccurate figures
on the number of pups sold on
limitede rgistrations that were
not registered but some estimates
suggest the number may be at least
another 100,000 per year. When the
effects of both are taken as a whole,
no one can question their impact on
A brief analysis of the nine year DNA technology, x-rays and other declining registrations, gene pool
downward trend in registrations clinical protocols. The goal is to size and genetic diversity. It has
(Figure 1) shows that it is inversely require widespread testing of those been astonishing. The unintended
related to the steady increase in saved for breeding. Theoretically consequences of these efforts have
limited registrations. Breeders are this would produce the better no equal.
selling pups on limited registrations individuals. The problem with their The impact of this storm can be
and/or spay/neuter contracts in logic is that the pups saved may not viewed in yet another way. In 1981,
the belief they will help to control be the better specimens of their AKC derived 96% of its income
the problem that we know does breed based on the breed standard. from dog registrations. By 2003,
not exist (Strand). Patience on the Saving those who have been tested income from registrations had fallen
part of the animal rights movement for health and parentage is not the to 61%. These declines represent
coupled with the encouragement same as saving those who are the a significant loss in revenues and
from the breeders and their clubs better specimens based on their future earnings. What makes this all
has more then tripled the number conformation and temperament. so important is that AKC has been
of dogs removed from the stud Shifting emphasis to one area is not forced to find alternative sources
book since 1995. in the best interests of purebred of income to support its 18,000
The subtle strategy underlying the dogs. While most breeders seem to dog events, its one-of-kind library,
use of these undefined labels should agree with the concept of screening health research grants, veterinary
not be under-estimated because and testing, many do not realize scholarships etc. During the past
the important question has been how it can be used to obligate decade twenty- three for-profit
overlooked. Why would breeders them to sell more pups on limited registries have emerged to compete
want to remove their pups from registrations and spay/neuter with the AKC. In time, they
the gene pool of their own breeds contracts as proof of their being a could diminish AKC’s position of
if nothing was wrong with them? responsible breeder. The scenarios influence if they continue to grow at
What can not be ignored is the fact they are offering lead to the pathway their current pace. Of equal concern
that the animal rights movement by which breeders and their pups is the growth and effectiveness
and its critic groups have leveraged can be quantitatively measured. The of the animal rights agenda. The
their position among the breeders. good news for the animal rights growing number of breeders that
Most breeders have not noticed movement is that the number of seek to wear the label "responsible
how testing has been linked to pups sold on limited registrations breeder" should serve as the
a way to measure breedings and and spay/neuter contracts can be foundation for this concern. While
the quality of the pups produced. compared with previous litters. no definition exists for this label,
The second problem for Thus, a determination can be the negative effect it has already
the "responsible breeder" made as to whether the breeder is produced is clear. The critic groups
to solve involves the use of being responsible or not. This is an are prepared, poised and ready to
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