This is the part where I get on my soapbox.  So if you're offended by opinions and don't want to hear mine, the "Back" function of your browser will return you to the more saccharin pages on this site.  You've had your chance, so here goes.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, last year between 4 and 5 MILLION animals were euthanized at animal shelters across the U.S.  According to their figures, approximately 25% were purebreds.  Now, animal rights folks would say that breeding dogs at all is criminal given the current state of overpopulation. But I believe that there is a place in this world for quality, purebred pets.  So how do I reconcile breeding purebred dogs in the face of the statistics?  By breeding only the best.  For me, this is established through three phases, an A.K.C. Championship, genetic health testing and performance testing.  These are cornerstones of my breeding program, so read on to find out why.

For those of you with no experience with show dogs or dogs shows in general, I will try to explain what a Championship means.  In order to become an A.K.C. Champion, a dog (male) or bitch (female) must accumulate a total of 15 points, including 2 "majors" where multiple dogs are defeated at one time.  Dogs are judged on their likeness to the "standard", a written description of the perfect member of a given breed.  This is one way of selecting breeding stock, hopefully by ensuring that a dog or bitch is of high enough quality to "finish". Dogs who do not measure up to the standard should probably not add their genes to the gene pool. Thus completing a championship, along with performance testing and health screening, should be used to ensure that only sound, healthy, dogs with correct breed type are bred. So what about performance testing?

Next: Performance Testing