HOW DID WE GET HERE ?

I make no bones about being an American and 100% a Patriot. I love this country and I love my freedom. I know many others feel the same and talk about how they want to remain in control of their own lives yet turn right around and pay homage to the control of breeding by government officials.

If I have learned one thing from life it is that diversity is what made this country great. People who were FREE to pursue their dreams in any manner they felt would work for them. They fought for freedom and the worked hard to succeed. They believe in the power of each one to live their life without threat of censorship.

I find this to be a conflict of personal beliefs and other things said by some individuals who spout we should have breed wardens and rules to dictate who can, should or should not be allowed to breed or tell them what dogs they could breed. They speak loudly how diversity is the best indicator of health while not having the first clue on how it happens and even less understanding to the condition of Doberman breeding in American or Europe so let’s take a look at it.

Let’s look at some indicators and see where each stands - On average if I read the results correctly European Doberman’s come in at 50% or higher on the diversity scale and American Doberman’s come in at 40% on average. So if the German rule works so well, I have to ask what has it done to the gene pool as far as preserving diversity??? It is claimed that the DV has done a better job producing Doberman’s that work, YET they also claim that the show line Europeans don’t work just like the American show line. So I have to ask if they are all required to pass a fit for breeding test why the distinct difference in the “show Lines” and ‘working lines”?

I have to ask if the DV fit for breeding test is required for every Doberman sire and dam than why aren’t they all working dogs??? This tells me that in effect there are flaws in our thinking on who to breed and no one way to judge correct the best of the best since that is the goal for breeding.

I will probably be called a heretic for saying this, but I feel we were far better off in the 70’s when approximately 80,000 Dobermans were registered a year right here in America. Iit seems every breed at some point goes through a wave of popularity where anyone and everyone jumps into breeding them. It seems to reason that diversity would be high under these circumstances. . So what happened?

Showing in and of itself will restrict breeding to only the best. In and of itself that is not wrong, but it is very limiting if you consider 100 Dobermans in a show and only one will be champion. Compound the problem as everyone wants to breed to the champion then you immediately have a problem with the popular sire who will multiply any genetic problems he might carry as well as create a problem with diversity.

Another reason is AKC discovered that breeders were withholding AKC registration papers in order to “protect” their breeding program when they sent a puppy to a pet home. Then the pet family decided to breed and you can imagine the rest, they wanted to register their litter. AKC wants purebred dogs registered to keep themselves in business. Limited registration gave breeders a way to register pet puppies and still preserve some control over breeding and AKC got their money..

I must mention the AR (animal radicals) whose sole purpose is to stop all breeding, eating or working of all animals. We have caved in to their radical views and tried to appease them to the point that we are afraid to stand up and proudly say we are breeders and we have sadly adopted a lot of their rhetoric and thinking - spay/neuter contracts, we now place puppies as opposed to “sell” them and we have falling into the “parent” child trap thinking our dogs are not dogs who were bred with a purpose and should be allowed to perform their job at some level.

Now we have less than 10,000 Doberman registered a year last time AKC released numbers which I think was about 2009. Consider half of those are on spay/neuter contacts and limited registration that cuts down the gene pool to about 5,000 dogs that could be available for breeding and that is a very conservative estimate. We limit that further to only champions or titled dogs and you can surely see where diversity went.

I hate to even mention all the biting and backstabbing by the “Show Snob” crowd who will chew you up and spit you out without a second thought to the future of the breed. I have seen people who complain about the rudeness of show people and as soon as they achieve a title they are right there with them pointing fingers at new people and treating them just a bad as the “snob crowd” they complained against. This is very discouraging to anyone who is serious about breeding.

It does make one ask the question: “ how we got so far off track with such good intentions?”One thing we know for sure is diversity went out the window.

Copyright  ©   2010 Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever.  All rights reserved both written, pictorial material and content on this blog are the sole property of Suzan Shipp, Dobs4ever and J Bar S Dobermans and may not be used, copied or reprinted without express written permission of the author/owner Suzan Shipp

 

The Quest for Health or the BIG lie

Today we are several years down the road with the new diversity DNA studies and programs. What have we gained??? What have we learned and where do we go from here???

Those are not easy questions as we tread lightly with this relative new technology and as I have seen with so many new testing procedures the gene pool suffers. It would be so easy if we could make cold hard statements that affect health and they were always true, but that is not the case. Up to this point every time we have jumped one direction we find we jump into another problem that we did not foresee.

Am I against testing – ABSOLUTELY NOT. What I am against is using any one health test to eliminate any breeding dog from the gene pool. Doberman already have a very small gene pool and there are those who believe the breed is already doomed. I personally do not feel that way because we still have Dobermans who live to a good old age although it will never be long enough.

Yes I have lost a lot of faith in science, vets, AVMA, FCI, AKC and other organizations ASPCA, HSUS and on and on it goes. They may all start out with good intentions, but it always comes out that the dogs often loose and those running these programs just get richer.

For example we have titer test to determine immunity for diseases that we have vaccinated or not. The titer test shows if a dog has immunity still active from any vaccine or exposure to a disease. Yet in spite of this ever 12 months your vet sends you a nice little reminder card to come in and get your “annual” vaccinations regardless of the problems that they are well aware of with over vaccination.

How do you trust people who ignore the science and dupe pet owners who are not as knowledgeable as a breeder on the proper protocols??? For too long we have trusted the science or in some cases been pressured to do what we felt was not good for the breed. A long time ago a very wise breeder of many years told me if you have a problem you have to breed through it. You will not solve it by stopping breeding and you won’t solve it by radically eliminating dogs that would help maintain more diversity in our gene pool.

So why are we here with such a small gene pool because we trusted the science and we believed they had our dogs best interest at heart. I will use Vwd as a prime example. A minor problem in Dobermans yet in the early 1990’s when the test first came out they sold it on FEAR – your dog is going to DIE so you must know the Vwd status or you dog can get a small bump on the leg and bleed to death. DEATH does sell. Now we are seeing the exact same thing with the DCM1 and DCM2 genes. In fact if test your dog through one of the popular DNA diversity companies you will get a DEATH letter stating your dog is going to die of DCM. Below is a email I wrote to Embark regarding this Death letter:

“I am writing regarding an e mail I received that was basically presented as a "death" sentence to one of my dogs that tested positive for one of the DNA mutations that Embark test for.  First I was very glad that I am going on 30 years of breeding Dobermans or I would have fainted or had a stroke.  
The entire Embark "AT RISK" designation is very misleading in almost every single instance as there is no solid proof that any of the mutations tested for are an absolute death sentence even for the homozogous dogs.  It is fear mongering at its best and for those who are not as knowledgeable as most breeders, would feel devastated in receiving such a negative letter.

You want the support of breeders, you need the support of breeders, if you truly want families of Dobermans to test, as that would increase your odds of finding something that actually might be helpful.  I started testing all puppies in my litters, but am now questioning the wisdom of that decision when I have to spend hours reassuring a family that their puppy is no more at risk than any other Doberman out there and that to get money researchers use fear tactics to make one think their dog will die tomorrow.  I have a history of decen tlongevity in my lines well before all this testing jumped on the scene so I do have a little experience and knowledge.

While I understand you may consider this a CYA (cover your ass) strategy,  it is not truthful, honest or professional to state something in such a factual manner that you know you can't prove.  But it will go a long way in destroying your credibility with breeders .  You already have an explanation of what clear, carrier or affected means, so a simple negative, heterozygous (which in most cases in no way indicates any problem at all, or homozygous should be sufficient to CYA.

As a breeder who does care about health testing and the future of the breed, I have been sorely disappointed up to this point in the actual negative impact of these DNA mutations.  But what the fear mongering did accomplish is a radical reduction of our gene pool, as those who did not have more sense or knowledge did not consider the negative impact to our breed as they radically remove good dogs from the gene pool.   All of this over things that can be easily controlled  through the testing ithout decimating the gene pool.”

Suzan Shipp/ Dobs4ever44Copyright  ©   2010 Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever.  All rights reserved both written, pictorial material and content on this blog are the sole property of Suzan Shipp, Dobs4ever and J Bar S Dobermans and may not be used, copied or reprinted without express written permission of the author/owner Suzan Shipp.

 

 The Art of Breeding the Purebred Doberman

As I read different FB groups it continues to make me painfully aware that with all the information on the super highway there are still WAY too many uneducated folks regarding the art of breeding purebred dogs.

I honestly don’t know how there can be such a break down or misunderstanding of what purebred should really mean. For me first and foremost is someone wants a specific dog usually for its looks as that is what first attracks us. We have the Westminster kennel club show each year that is televised where people can see hundreds of different breeds presented at their very best. Then go out and try to find a dog on Craigs list that is the breed they want.

Some things to notice is that usually the dogs sold on all these pet sites and Craigslist are very poor representatives of any breed. WHY??? Because Back yard breeders otherwise referred to as BYB have no clue about the standard of their breed and certainly don’t care about producing quality, health or correct temperament because that cost money. Either they are themselves uneducated about the quality that should go along with purebred or they only care about the money.

In America, Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA) is our national Breed club for the Doberman. The correct standard for the Doberman is set by DPCA and AKC. You can find that standard here: https://dpca.org/breed/breed-standard/. Anyone who is interested in breeding purebred dogs of any kind should be aware that all breeds MUST have a standard that exactly describes the correct dog that represents their breed and should READ the standard and do their best to follow it

Because our breed is a working breed, I feel it is even more important that breeders know the standard and breed to the standard. While we will never produce the perfect dog we want to at least be in the wheel house. The standard describes both the correct look (build, structure, color, mouth, feet, eyes) temperament (confident, energetic, alert, fearless, loyal, trainable) and good health.

Why would you want to breed less that what the standard calls for??? MONEY just because it says “purebred” it is sellable and if you don’t do all the health testing, training and showing to KNOW that the dog meets the standard you make a lot more money without doing anything for the breed.

A true breeder has a strong passion for their breed. They want to do the best they can to properly represent their breed. They are members of the breed club because they want to learn more and do better. Purebred is the gold standard and it is far more than AKC registration. It goes way beyond purebred registration.

Demand MORE of your breeder. Good breeders are already doing more and they are up for the hard questions. They are up to producing a dog that looks and performs as the standard describes. It just makes sense to me that a breeder should be held to a higher standard – be a member of their breed club and know the standard their breeding program should strive to meet. Don’t be fooled by a pretty web site. Dig further, talk to several breeders and please don’t just buy the first puppy you find that is available. Good breeders have a waiting list and believe you me it is worth having a little patience and waiting for the right puppy.  There are no bargains in purebred. Purebred should stand for quality, purebred, bred to the standard and titled and health tested.

Copyright © 2010  Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever  All right reserved.  All Pictures and CONTENT on the blog are the sole property of Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever/J Bar S Dobermans and may not be used, copied or reprinted without the express written permission from the owner Suzan Shipp Copyrighted 2010

Diversity and DNA part 2

Hi guys -  Dobs4ever here back at the keyboard to talk a little more about the Doberman Diversity Project  that I spoke about last week.  While it is in its infancy and there is still a lot to learn about how this will all play out it does do some very important things.  First it can save you money from having to do individual test for the Vwd, PDK4, Degenerative Myelopathy, coat color etc.  They are the first lab I am aware of that has tried to save us money for all the numerous test that we like to do by reaching out to other labs and sharing the info they have as well as work with OFA for inclusion in their database.  They hope to add more as  more labs cooperate and share info.    

I may have mentioned that they also test for 163 other diseases that are shared among different breeds.  This may be the first giant step to unraveling the total DNA code.  I firmly believe it will help us locate areas that might have stayed hidden for a much longer period.  

So what do we know about diversity?  It means difference, unlikeness, variety  etc.  For years as  breeders, we have looked to improve on certain things mostly that we can actually see and touch.  This is called the phenotype.  We wanted to double up on the good genes that create beautiful conformation - correct tail set, head planes, proper alignment of the mouth and teeth, level top line, nice forechest, tight cat like feet, nicely arched neck - along with strong temperament, agile, fearless, alert, energetic, loyal all which are more abstract.  It is how we have judged our dogs and our breedings from the beginning because it was all we had. 

We know that too much tight inbreeding takes us down a very negative path so that tells us that diversity is important - but how much is too much or how much is not enough???

We always hope to breed a dog who only gets the best for both parents while missing the not so good.  Sadly it does not work that way.  With every good there is a little bad thrown in. With a strong crystal ball all of this can be corrected.  I just have not found the crystal ball yet but I do believe that the diversity study could lead us down that path in the future.

We know from studies in the wild that diversity is key to the survival of a species, but we are just beginning to unlock the genetic code and how to identify it.  It is so exciting and so frustrating all at the same time.  I am a layman so I will share with you my perceptions as a breeder of going on 30 years and my limited understanding of this new scientific discovery. 

I guess it starts with the discovery of DNA in the late 80's and that folks is the late 1800's.  It was 84 years later or 1950's when it was first recognized as genetic material and it was the late 80's and early 90's that it became valuable in individual identification and used by criminalist to catch criminals.  

In all that time we have actually identified very few of the strains of DNA and what they actually are related to.  It's most valuable in the Diversity project as they follow the DNA strain in search of decoding the secret to each specific disease and hopefully it's elimination at least in the animal population.  It scares me to think of how it might be used for future in human selection and that is all I will say about that.

It's an old study with new twist and turns as we advance down the genetic hole!!!  I am excited that with today's scientific advances the trip will be much faster than the past century!!

Copyright © 2010 Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever. All rights reserved. Revised: ALL PICTURES AND CONTENT ON THIS BLOG ARE THE SOLE PROPERTY OF Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever/J Bar S Dobermans and may not be used, copied or reprinted without express permission from the owner. Copyrighted 2010

Diversity part 1

BREEDERS MUST DO MORE - Let's take a look at MORE diversity

I hear this over and over so it has become a reoccurring theme by many who have never bred a litter.  Of course, it is usually followed by the comment that we must test although the test do not necessarily give any clear cut direction or path to follow.  WHAT??

Breeders today are doing more than ever before in testing and telling, yet the arm chair quarter backs continue to slash and dice at will.  I am for truth and honesty and I am for testing our dogs.  I am not for making any breeding decision based on any one test in and of itself.  We have no test that gives us 100% clear direction on what will happen, what is good or what is a death sentence.  That still requires a crystal ball.

Today we have one of the smallest gene pools of any purebred dog and I have to wonder if things were truly better back in the 70's when anyone and everyone was  breeding Doberman's.  We have gone from 80,000 registrations a year down to less than 10,000, last time AKC would release those numbers, which I believe was about 2009.  A lot of time has past since then so with the direction it was going makes me wonder where our registrations are today.

So let's look at that number 10,000 - and what things have drastically impacted it -

         1.  Mandatory spay/neuter

         2.  Popular sire

         3.  Massive elimination of dogs from gene pool due to Vwd

         4.  More massive elimination when the PDK 4 mutation was found

         5.  Adopt don't shop - The AR (animal radical) agenda

         6.  Breeding is wrong

         7. HSUS draining off monies to line their personal pockets under false pretense

         8.  changing society to a more citified line of thought with no personal experience

              with animal husbandry and where food comes from.

         9..   Two World Wars that brought breeding almost to a halt

So what are we looking at - a lack of genetic diversity.  Diversity is the latest and  newest test to arrive on the scene and I hope everyone is  as excited about it as I am.  Don't get me wrong it is still not the end all answer, but I feel it puts us on a path to make the discovery of bad genes much closer and easier to find and identify.  

It has been amazing to watch this test unfold as more and more countries are joining and testing.  It is almost like with each Doberman tested we learn something and three more questions pop up that we did not even think of before.  

Please remember when I speak to this I speak as an owner/breeder NOT a geneticist.  I will give my impressions based on my knowledge as a breeder of Dobermans for over 25 years. Probably first things we learned is that Wright's formula for figuring genetic diversity was not accurate in determining true diversity.  It is been shown that puppies within the same litter can vary as far as diversity goes. So after years of breeders using Wright's as a guide we found it is not that helpful.  This is part of what makes all so very difficult.  

In the beginning of genetic testing (Vwd)  we wanted to be so right we jumped with both feet and erratically eliminated dogs from the gene pool as it was painted with a very black brush as being a horrible  gene and the public panic and feared for their dogs life.  While as breeders, we knew for many years that  probably half the dogs we had produced were Vwd affected and never had a dog with a problem.  Then they published propaganda that led the unsuspecting public to believe every Vwd affected dog was on the verge of bleeding to death.  Breeders knew better and should have used it as a tool to guide their breeder decisions so as not to produce affected puppy while not destroying the diversity within the gene pool.  I shutter to think what was lost in this senseless radical elimination of breeding dogs.  But it did sell test.

I use far more caution now when evaluating solely based on any test genetic or otherwise. We must think beyond the dog we love in front of us and start looking at the bigger picture which is the diversity of the gene pool world wide.  As I was thinking this it occurred to me that the diversity study might bring the world community of Dobermans together and make them all more supportive of not only sharing  their testing and knowledge, but also their genetic material.   If we are to resolve this issue we need to be able to search outside our own little neck of the woods and start looking at how can we reach out across our world to work together and share from our genetic pools and hope we save our breed.

There are 2 different diversity studies and both are good.  Any knowledge is better than no knowledge.  I am going to tell you why I personally chose the Doberman Diversity Project -  one uses 33 STR loci from across the genome to determine diversity and one uses 38.  I feel more is better.  I have heard from some who have used both and the diversity in some cases changes due to the increase in loci tested.

It also is approved by OFA to include the Vwd, PDK4, DM for a total of 163 that can affect another breed.  Until recently I felt that was not too valuable ,but my Helio came up hetro to MDR1-  I didn't even know what that was.  Guess what it is some gene usually found in the retriever breeds.  OMG what a revelation - our breed is the only breed created from 4 different gene pools - terriers, retrievers, herding and sight hounds which is now confirmed by finding this one little tiny gene in the DNA of the Doberman.  It is rare at this point as only 3 have been found to carry this mutation that can cause drug sensitivity. Because of the Embark testing I am happy to say that my 3 Helio daughters did not pick it up so I don't have to worry about something I was not even aware existed.

Now that I have become part of the Doberman Diversity Project I have to say I am very impressed.  The Doctors themselves participate on their FB pages and are available to answer any and all questions as well as giving us feed back on vital information.  Robin Loreth and Karen Perdue are available anytime to help us with questions.

Their breeder tool is unequaled in the industry and is FREE and I will speak more to that in later articles as we learn more about this great undertaking.  I do want to thank the Doberman Diversity staff, doctors and lab for all they are doing to help us.

To learn more about diversity below are the links to the two diversity projects:. 

https://embarkvet.com/          

https://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/dog/GeneticDiversityInDoberman.php

Dobs4ever - Dogs Under FIRE!

Copyright  ©   2010 Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever.  All rights reserved both written, pictorial material and content on this blog are the sole property of Suzan Shipp, Dobs4ever and J Bar S Dobermans and may not be used, copied or reprinted without express written permission of the author/owner Suzan Shipp.

EVERYONE IS DOING IT - REALLY???

I just had to take a break - thinking that surely everything had been said but I guess not.  I have renewed hope now that we have American's back in charge of America.  Let's hope they protect our freedoms and our rights.

I used to get that from my children, and my response was always the same - "well if I was their mother they would not be doing it - we have standards".  I believe strongly in having concrete guidelines to follow and raised my children that way.  Today it appears we have raised a bunch of panty waste who want  to stick their nose in everyone else's business and they are guided by the AR PETA/HSUS radicals who are out to destroy our love and enjoyment of our animals. 

They are easily believable as they preach don't harm and animal while they take high 6 figure salaries and show pictures of poor sad looking dogs who are dying without your help.  How many dogs or kittens could be saved if they took a salary reduction???  Who need $600,000 a year to run a non-profit rescue???  Only those who are not into rescuing..... just getting paid, it is all about the money with them -  Can you believe that many people send in just $19.00 a month and yet they can draw that much income.  What a rip off. 

So no Virginia Wolf not everyone is doing it.  Not everyone is caving to the PETA/HSUS AR radicals.  Just because much of Europe has lost the right to preserve their breed standards does not mean we need to follow them down the yellow brick road. 

How long will we have purebred if we have not guidelines???  I am all for mutts - have had several during my lifetime, but if you want to know exactly what you are going to get you study the description of a breed and find the one that fits you and your lifestyle.  You don't then decide to change it to suit your own idea.  If you want that then get a mutt or start a new breed.  Without standards to guide breeders you will soon have no purebreds. 

AKC needs to wake up and take a look at their registration numbers which are dropping -  No purebred no need for a registry.  While AKC does not guarantee quality it does at least promote breeding like to like to produce like. 

Copyright © 2010 Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever. All rights reserved. Revised: ALL PICTURES AND CONTENT ON THIS BLOG ARE THE SOLE PROPERTY OF Suzan Shipp/J Bar S Dobermans and may not be used, copied or reprinted without express permission from the owner. Copyrighted 2010

SUPPORTING OUR RIGHTS - SUPPORTING OUR BREED - SUPPORTING AMERICA

Sometimes in life you just have to laugh or you would honestly go crazy and let it get you down.  Recently I was quoted as being wrong for a stand I take on the crop/dock issue.  I read my quote and I said darn I did good!!!  I was clear about what I believe - my message has always been the same.  I am not ashamed of this quote - I love it!!!

I promise open and honest communication and support of clubs and members alike.. I am known for it!!! I only own, show and promote DOBERMANS and am a member in good standing with both DPCA and UDC.

When speaking of the coon hound look I see that as far different than
calling them coon hounds which they are not but they have lost breed
type which allows even the novice to recognize them as dobermans and
not confuse them with weims or coon hoiunds.

Was I mistaken in thinking that UDC tried to do what no club has ever
done before - The Total dog - meaning a conformationally sound dog that
could still work whether the ears are 3 inches, 4 inches or 6 inches
but for sure cropped.

As I read the quote I said hey wait a minute.......I am being quoted as being WRONG because I support our standard???  What is wrong with this picture???

I will gladly take that charge and wear that badge gladly.  I support our rights - I support our breed - I support our standard and I support AMERICA.  Now I am wrong and unfit to serve for that???  

Someone somewhere better wake up and realize what is being shoved down our throats which is the self destruction of this breed ......no of all breeds.  If standards go then anyone can breed anything to anything they want on a whim, change whatever they choose and we will have no more purebreds dogs with a purpose.

From the DPCA/AKC approved standard for the Doberman:

HEAD

Long and dry, resembling a blunt wedge in both frontal and profile views. When seen from the front, the head widens gradually toward the base of the ears in a practically unbroken line. Eyes almond shaped, moderately deep set, with vigorous, energetic expression. Iris, of uniform color, ranging from medium to darkest brown in black dogs; in reds, blues, and fawns the color of the iris blends with that of the markings, the darkest shade being preferable in every case. Ears normally cropped and carried erect. The upper attachment of the ear, when held erect, is on a level with the top of the skull. 

From the FCI standard:  Ears:  The ears, which is set high, is carried erect and cropped to a length in proportion to the head.  In a country where cropping is not permitted the uncropped ear is equally recognized.  (Medium size preferred and with the front edge lying close to the cheeks.)

In countries where CROPPING is NOT permitted the uncropped is recognized.  GUESS what in those countries THEY DO NOT ACCEPT CROPPED DOGS.  Our dogs are BANNED from the show ring or the performance ring.NOTE:  both standards call for a cropped ear.  An uncropped and undocked dog is a deviation from the ideal. In what world do we want to embrace a deviation from ideal?  I am all for improving our breed.  It is the mission of every quality breeder out there.  Improving the breed does not mean approving or intentionally presenting a deviation as ideal.  It means WE LOST OUR RIGHTS.  Read above:

Does that bother you???  It sure as the devil bothers me.

In the days ahead we will be pressed to abandon time honored traditions and a rich heritage and encouraged by the AR whackos to embrace a deviation that can be avoided.  We will be encourage to forfeit our rights and destroy our breed.  It is in your hands.  I hope you will fight for our purebred dogs and their traditions and heritage.

Do not buy into the silly notion that they care more about health or temperament as they pocket an extra $4,000 to $5,000 dollars per litter at your expense by selling you a deviation.  It's about the money.

Copyright © 2010 Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever.  All rights reserved. Revised: ALL PICTURES AND CONTENT ON THIS BLOG ARE THE SOLE PROPERTY OF Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever/J Bar S Dobermans and may not be used,  copied or reprinted without express permission from the owner. Copyrighted 2010

EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING IT!!!

EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING IT!!!

Anyone ever hear that from your kids???  It used to be my daughter's favorite excuse to throw at me.  If I listened to her that meant that some 600 kids in her high school were totally out of control - playing at being adults with immature minds that were not ready to function in a mature world.

Then it struck me..........that is the same thing those who have chosen to leave a cropped and docked breed UNCROPPED and/or UNDOCKED.  So if we are to

buy into this then just because a part of the world has lost their right to crop and dock we should follow suit because everyone else is doing it.

Personally I find all their arguments very unstable.  Everything - from it is not necessary and only a cosmetic procedure to it messes up their anal glands and  pooping.    Guess they never heard of "happy tail" which is a very painful experience that in the end results IN DOCKING the tail on an older dog to stop the continued injury and pain ...... by their own admission this is an AMPUTATION which they are against.  Prevention seems prudent in this case.

If you think it is OK to loose personal freedoms then honestly I can't help you.  If you think the government knows best then I sure can't help you.  Their track record speaks very poorly of their ability to even maintain their own personal integrity let alone yours or mine.

I am well versed in this everyone is doing it excuse as it was my daughters most used  excuses......EVERYONE was doing it.  I patiently told her I was not everyone's mother but I was hers.  Were I everyone else's mother she could rest assured that they would not be doing it either as it was dangerous, harmful or self destructive.  We each have one time to do things right and that is the first time.

I personally don't know what everyone else has to do with my decisions but for some it must make sense.  Perhaps it is that they are not capable of thinking for themselves or that they prefer to let others do all the work.

Not to mention I do not believe for one minute all those who say they support my right to crop and dock when they don't and THEN  spout all the reasons why I should not either and the most often heard is:  EVERYONE ELSE HAS STOPPED ......therefore I should stop.  I am not everyone else and I don't want to be follow something just because everyone else does.   That is exactly how sheep get led to the slaughter!!!

If the only reason to support cropping and docking was the long standing traditions and heritage of  so many of the working breeds as cropped and docked.  I believe in upholding many long standing traditions which sadly too many of today's world have no concept of why or how they came about and many are founded in very sound solid reasons.

Dobs4ever - Dogs Under Fire!

Copyright © 2010 Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever.  All rights reserved. Revised: ALL PICTURES AND CONTENT ON THIS BLOG ARE THE SOLE PROPERTY OF Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever/J Bar S Dobermans and may not be used,  copied or reprinted without express permission from the owner. Copyrighted 2010

How "CHOICE" lost the CROP/DOCK issue for England, Scotland and Wales in 2007

After a long hard battle by breeders and the breed clubs England, Scotland and Wales failed to protect our  rights and our dogs as they lost the battle for "CHOICE" in docking their dogs April 2007.

Rest assured this fight has NOTHING to do with choice or with cruelty - it has to do with AR groups who could not get purebred dogs banned outright so they started by chipping away at the standard.  IF they can get one part of the standard to fall everywhere then it sends a loud clear message that breed standards, specific breeds, and adherence to long standing breed types are not important and therefore, purebred dogs should be banned. 

That is where it is headed -  As Americans we must stand tall for our rights.  The government does not care  about or understand the purebred dog world, shows, training, breeding etc so they need to stay the heck OUT but above all they should not support any AR groups agenda.

Just look what happened to the Rotties when their president sold them out and now their standard allows an undocked dog to show and win.  You say not important..... You say what is the big deal......

Here is the link to the latest Dog News magazine:  http://issuu.com/dognews/docs/072613 Go to page 121.

I wanted  to post this info on “The Case for Docking” published by the Council of Docked Breeds in the UK.   so I will publish the link to their website www.cdb.org for further information and to read the article..  It appears as though the website has not been updated in a couple years, but there are excellent examples ................

*  Registrations drop drastically  Doberman registration has gone from 80,000 in the late 70's down to less than 10,000 in 2009.............How much further down can we go before we become
an endangered species FIGHTING for survival????

*  AVMA and CVMA both have followed the AR agenda and worked to ban tail docking 

           ***16,000 reported tail injures that could have been prevented
                  5,000 amputations due to tail injuries on older dogs again prevented by docking

          *** No one has proved on any level that tail docking is harmful .....but there is proof it is beneficial especially to docked breeds, otherwise why the exemption for working dogs???

Since the initial writings above several providences in Canada have BANNED cropping and docking.  CHOICE has proven over and over to lead to NO CHOICE.  We must pull our heads out of the sand and understand that the fight is far deeper than the crop / dock issue.  It goes to the very heart of the purebred dog world and/or its elimination.  The choice is choose a side...One maintains our breed standards and the other leads to the destruction of dogs - animals period ............................Wake up before it is too late and stop the insanity.

Dobs4ever - Dogs Under Fire!

Copyright © 2010 Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever.  All rights reserved. Revised: ALL PICTURES AND CONTENT ON THIS BLOG ARE THE SOLE PROPERTY OF Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever/J Bar S Dobermans and may not be used,  copied or reprinted without express permission from the owner. Copyrighted 2010

IT'S JUST A BEAUTY CONTEST

 I can't tell you how often I hear this statement "It's just a beauty contest" as folks try to dismiss the value of the conformation ring.   It is almost always said by folks who have never competed at anything with their dog and who certainly do not fully understand the purpose of the "beauty pageant".

While beauty and grace is certainly a big part of it there is really so much more as far as evaluating the underlying structure and muscle tone of the dog.  Without strong conformation the dog is subject to or more
prone to injury when working.  This is certainly far more important for the larger working breeds than any other as the larger breeds have a lot more pressure and stress put on their bones and joints.

For me to poo poo something just because you do not fully understands its underlying importance is a big part of what has hurt the dog fancy and in the end our dogs.  If breeding is about bettering the breed then we must consider the conformation of the dog which speaks directly to the correct underlying structure for optimum performance.

Nothing is more heartbreaking than to get a dog, spend two years just to put the foundation training on it and then have it break down somewhere along the line before you finish the program you had for that dog.  It is a very costly mistake also.  Conformation helps us and guides us in breeding so we have the best chance at long term success for the working dogs.

Standards are very specific on each and every part of the dog - head structure, dentention, ear set, stop, eye shape and size, topline, shoulder angulation, rear angulations, feet shape and size, neck tie in all of which affects the overall movement of the dog ..........all of it is a part of the dog that was developed for a specific purpose based on what that particular breed was developed for.  To say it is just a beauty pageant shows a complete lack of understanding of what the breed was originally designed for and the purpose each part of the dog fulfills.

It is far far more than just a beauty pageant although we are obsessed with the beauty and the thrill of a show like Westminister it goes far beyond that .....it goes to the very heart and purpose of each breed.

That is the reason breeders are so passionate about their breed and its standard.  We must never stray far from the original purpose of the creation of the dog.  REGARDLESS of if today's society still uses the dog for that purpose or not the dog still must be structurally sound of mind, body and temperament.

Perhaps part of the reason we have misunderstood this important aspect of any breed is because the conformation ring is just that ............conformation (underlying structure and soundness) of any breed.
We all certainly love and are thrilled as we watch each breed - groomed to perfection move around the ring and show off the best of its breed.

If we did not have a written standard to follow then what would happen to breeds???  Correct size for optimum purpose -  everyone certainly agrees that to breed oversized dogs is detrimental to over all sound structure - the standard guide us and helps us stay within that standard size.

To say it is just a beauty pageant and then complain about some other aspect that you feel is not right does not make sense.  All is important ...All is vital to breeding dogs that are true and correct.  The next time you
hear it is just a "beauty pageant" ask them how many dogs they have bred that meet any standard????  Ask them how many dogs they have bred that have succeed in any venue??? Shocking you will usually hear NONE.  Don't fall into the trap of moaning, griping and complaining by those who are arm chair quarter backs and lack real drive and passion.  They are a part of the destruction of any breed not a part of the solution.  Let's get involved, Lets' breed better dogs,  Let's get a solid understanding of each and every part of the structure of the dog and its purpose.  It is a beauty pageant to end all beauty pageants and it is a vital part of what takes us soundly to the next generation.

Dobs4ever  - Dogs Under Fire!

Copyright © 2010 Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever/J Bar S Dobermans.  All rights reserved. Revised: ALL PICTURES AND CONTENT ON THIS BLOG ARE THE SOLE PROPERTY OF Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever/J Bar S Dobermans and may not be used or copied without express permission from the owner. Copyrighted 2010Bar S Dobermans and may not be used or copied without express permission from the owner. Copyrighted 2010

DOES IT EVER END????

Just when I think we might be making headway on educating folks someone comes along who has a new Doberman puppy who is out of control.  So they contacted a trainer who asked a lot of questions and during the discussion discovered that the puppy is from an albino Z factored breeding.   GAG GAG GAG

The trainer must have Dobermans because she knew way too much about the problems with the albino gene pool and ended up ticking the person off so she is blaming everything on the trainer.  First time she mentioned the puppy was z factored. She then goes on to admit that the puppy was wormy, malnourished, dull coat and sickly when she got her and the breeder no longer responds to her gripes, but she is not complaining.  Wonder WHY????  But is ticked off at the trainer for trying to educate her.

So some get all mad at the horrible trainer for being so rude - RUDE to try to educate the person on the problems with the albino gene pool ---RUDE to care about the quality of the dogs being bred.................

As the story unfolds the person is 23 has 3 kids and cusses worse than a sailor but she is going to breed because all humans want to experience a baby (how about 3 in a row) and so she wants her z factored dog
to experience it too.....I understand immaturity but immaturity and stupidity and pumping out children like rabbits .........no wonder she can't take care of the dog and find time to train.

Good breeders are bashed daily yet someone like this get sympathy and support ....What is wrong with this picture???  Ask APHIS..they are going to put the good breeders out of business so that these low lifes can continue on.  WAY TO GO APHIS and USDA  about as smart as this person.  Will the stupidity ever end or will the insane rule???

UNCROPPED, UNDOCKED = UNDONE AND UNAMERICAN

A couple weeks ago I was in a discussion with a vet who does not crop her dobermans.  While she has nice dogs it is very obvious that she has taken a stand on the side of the AR agenda because that IS their agenda.  BAN ALL cropped and docked breeds.

So as I was considering this I made the statement that Uncropped, Undocked is UNDONE and UNAmerican.  Her response was that my "home grown idear" is a self destruct agenda.  If you could only read her writing you would be very shocked to know that she has been placed in charge of the DPCA crop and dock committee.

The breed ring is the beauty pageant for the purebred dog world.  Just watch Westminster or the Eukunaba National - it is a black tie affair all the way with judges in long gowns and tuxs.  Since uncropped is a deviation to the standard,  to be penalized accordingly, why would you even want to send your dog into the ring knowing everyone will be fully dressed and your dog will be undone or dressed down???

While we have the choice, those who  are in the limelight, the leaders should support the standard and help us protect our rights.  Every uncropped dog shown says the standard is not important and it then become acceptable and considered normal - then it is BANNED forever and you will no longer see the "look of eagles" that has gone a long way in making this dog what it is today.  Otherwise who among you would have been attracted to another hound dog look???  That is not to insult the hound group - I personally think they have their own kind of beauty and it is their standard.  But the Doberman is in the working group not the hound group and the c/d definitely sets them apart and IMHO above the hound look for our breed.

If you really want a laugh you might enjoy this reading http://www.ehow.com/about_6697115_cropped-vs_-uncropped-dog-ears.html

Some of the things I found humorous:
(Quote) For example, Doberman pinschers are known for their cropped ears and docked tails, which give them a more alert, intimidating appearance.
Read more: http://www.ehow.com/about_6697115_cropped-vs_-uncropped-dog-ears.html#ixzz2ZbRakKvA (quote)

They go on to admit that many prefer the cropped ear as it can pinpoint sound within 5% or its origin whereas the uncropped can pinpoint within 20%..  If someone is sneaking up on you that just might be an important 15% difference.

(Quote)The American Veterinary Medical Association resolves this disagreement by stating that, while ears that droop abnormally increase the risk of ear infections, there is not yet any evidence to support the claim that cropped ears lower the risk. 

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/about_6697115_cropped-vs_-uncropped-dog-ears.html#ixzz2ZbSKjISY (quote)

Ok folks I am from Arkansas - I am down home and home grown.  BUT that does not mean I just fell off the turnip truck yesterday.  Therefore, I must ask what is meant when the Brilliant AVMA resolves the issue by saying while dropped ears abnormally increase the risk of infections there is NO EVIDENCE to support the claim that cropped ears are lower risk.   WHAT????  If dropped ears have an abnormal increase then doesn't that automatically mean that the opposite would improve the odds or DECREASE the odds????  HELLO???????  Is anyone listening???

Can you see why it is so critical that DPCA stand up for the standard and put people in charge who are not politically blinded to their AR agenda.  Brainwashed by the AVMA who tried to stop vets from cropping a couple years ago but received enough flak they had to retract it for now.  THEY are teaching the AR agenda in vet schools so the next time you want to find a good cropping vet what do you think your chances will be with the new brain washed vets coming out of school knowing more about political agendas than good vet care???

Dobs4ever - Dogs Under Fire!

Copyright © 2010 Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever/J Bar S Dobermans.  All rights reserved. Revised: ALL PICTURES AND CONTENT ON THIS BLOG ARE THE SOLE PROPERTY OF Suzan Shipp/Dobs4ever/J Bar S Dobermans and may not be used or copied without express permission from the owner. Copyrighted 2010Bar S Dobermans and may not be used or copied without express permission from the owner. Copyrighted 2010