Page 8 - K9 News - Issue 14 - December 2020
P. 8
Brace’s
BITS & PIECES
BIT S & PIEC ES
Learning From the
Successful Breeders
Very few people enter the world of purebred the virtues and breed characteristics they most
dogs with the initial intention of becoming appreciate. In time they will hopefully locate a
successful breeders. The vast majority begin breeder of some experience who not only puts
with one dog that they take to dog shows and top quality dogs in the ring themselves, but has
often this is when they get drawn into an all- also been prepared to sell dogs of similar quality
consuming world. to other exhibitors.
Maybe their first dog is just an average All breeders have their own philosophy when
specimen and, over time and a few shows, the it comes to establishing a bloodline, but the
critiques (if they are lucky enough to get them) majority will probably have embarked on a
their dog receives will make them realise their programme of line-breeding where all matings
dog’s overall merit, its virtues and its faults. are effected so that both parents share common
They may decide to just stick with their original ancestors than excelled in particular aspects of
dog, attending the occasional show where they the breed.
will meet up with new friends they have made
who share a common interest. Often they will Having obtained a well-bred foundation bitch
accept that their dog is not top-class and make it is always advisable to listen to advice from
the decision to get something better, usually the bitch’s breeder as they will know many of
choosing to buy a bitch from which they can the dogs in her pedigree and will know from
breed. If they become a “breeder” this will be experience which lines complement each other.
their foundation bitch.
Whilst listening to advice from the bitch’s
Buying a foundation bitch is a huge step and breeder, it is always wise to keep an open mind
much research is necessary. First of all they will and look at the bigger picture as to what is
obviously want a bitch of the “type” they most happening in a breed and much can be learnt
admire and so they should closely look at the from watching the activities of other successful
breeding of those dogs they have seen in the breeders. There is also a lot to be gained
show ring which most appeal to them, having by studying the pedigrees of others who are
8
K9 NEWS DIGITAL / DECEMBER 2020
