Sign in or 
Location: Designer Dog Controversy
Discussion: "Designer" Dogs?
Category:
Discussion Forum /
General Discussion
Share this
thatlldolu |
40. RE: "Designer" Dogs?
Mar 28 2009, 3:07 PM EDT
Good post. Breeds are not created overnight - they involve careful selection and planned breedings of carefully screened animals. An example of that is the Golden Retriever. Developed by Lord Tweedmuir in the mid-1800's, it was not recognized as a breed until 1911, after many generations of careful breeding, and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925. As detailed below, it was not a case of simply combining two existing breeds:"Lord Tweedmouth, also known as Sir Dudley Majoribanks, was able to develop the first members of what would become the Golden Retriever breed through crossing a host of other dog breeds. These would include the now extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, Irish Setter, Bloodhound, Springer Spaniel, Newfoundland, St. John's Water Dog and other various retrievers and spaniels. His start came when he was able to acquire a yellow-colored pup from an otherwise dark-haired retriever. With some methodical breeding, including some selective in-breeding in the beginning, Majoribanks was able to produce the light, yellow-colored retriever that he desired. That is, the origin of the Golden Retriever dog breed indicates bringing together disparate breeds to produce the ideal hunting dog, hardy, intelligent, vigorous, keen smelling, with a wonderful temperament and trainability. " Without careful record-keeping and breed selection, the Golden Retriever would never have been recognized as a distinct breed. Essentially, all recognized breeds were "designed" by people dedicated to creating a dog for a purpose. In many cases it was a lifelong dedication, finding the optimal combinations of genetic health, instinct and appearance. The health problems often attributed to purebreds are worstened by people focusing soley on form over function. The current use of the term "designer breed" does nothing to recognise what goes into creating a purebred.' Do you find this valuable? |
meyati |
41. RE: "Designer" Dogs?
Mar 28 2009, 8:34 PM EDT
| Post edited: Mar 28 2009, 9:25 PM EDT
Exactly, in another thread-I told how George Washington developed the first American hound. Treeing coonhound breeds come from Washington's work. I have a Bluetick mix, and knowledgeable hound people know what breed he is just by hearing him-the same is true of the Walker. The Bluetick is considered to be a thinking hound & Stonewall isn't very impulsive. The Blueticks are supposed to have the second best nose in finding cold trails-the English bloodhound is number one. Walkers are more nervous and aggressive-both breeds are very atheletic. They were bred to guard the sleeping family, keep racoons, deer, bears, bobcats & mountain lions out of the crops, barn & hen house, help round-up livestock & herd it to a buyer. They are very inquisitive-which has them getting into trouble. But there are standards & right now, any hound person will know that a bluetick is behind the solid concrete block fence. Anybody seeing their silouette will know that it's a hound.
Do you find this valuable?
|
conexxions3 |
42. RE: "Designer" Dogs?
Mar 30 2009, 11:31 AM EDT
"PS - he gets a little gassy - but I don't think that is a "designer dog" trait! :-)"ha ha. My Beagle "kills" me sometimes, but she will look up at me with those beautiful brown eyes... the only thing I can do is... Fart on HER when I get the chance. Ok, I know... I'm a guy, we are crude like that. My wife say's I'm being terrible.... but I say its only fair. They fart while laying all over me and make me get up and away, its only fair that I fart on them too. It makes them jump like crazy every single time. Its when they come back sniffing that I have to yell at them :) Dogs are such fun. Yesterday I had to get out and start tilling my garden spot, took all the hounds out to the backyard. They loved just laying out in sun. We've had a cold winter here in South Carolina, more so than normal. It was a nice change to get them out of the house and having fun. Do you find this valuable? |
|
meyati |
43. RE: "Designer" Dogs?
Mar 30 2009, 2:06 PM EDT
| Post edited: Mar 30 2009, 2:26 PM EDT
My X is a cajun-my bro a Marine-my son was a Coast guard sea-cook-now disabled. This is a new one-in a way. My son will let one rip-then blame Stonewall. When I got the dogs 03/08, I needed to put flagstone in front of the storage shed, so it's easier to get things In & out- I made a retaining wall-so it would be level. Our old pit bull used the area to bury goodies-mostly apples. I dug the goodies out-while all 3 sat & howled. Then I needed to fill & level & it had a big hole. The pit kept growling & nipping at my legs-put her inside. The Walker jumped & tried to play-so I'd forget about it. She left & sulked. Stonewall thought it out & layed down in the hole-confident that I'd let him stay. I drug him out 2 X. I filled the hole-covering him with dirt. He finally got up & shook the dirt off. I tamped it down the best I could & put flagstone over it to keep the dogs from digging it up. I'm going out in a bit and fill some areas so the flagstone will be level instead of looking level. My son watched through the patio door & almost had spasms from laughing at Stonewall. He said Stonewall had a really funny look on his face.
Do you find this valuable?
|
