Breeding dogs requires time, patience, a willingness to learn, humility, and a good eye for dogs. It is important for breeders to avoid kennel blindness by recognizing and correcting faults in their dogs and lines. Responsible breeding involves keeping animals with correctable faults if they are exceptional otherwise. It is essential to understand that no dog is perfect and to seek advice from experienced breeders. Winning titles does not guarantee breeding success, as breeding should focus on improving the breed rather than just winning. Seeking guidance from knowledgeable breeders and continuously learning is crucial in the breeding process. Comparing potential breeding pairs based on appearance and genetics is important to strive for as close to perfection as possible. Breeding is considered an art, and breeders should adhere to the breed standard and aim for perfection, even though it may never be fully achieved. Focusing on the craft of dog breeding allows for continued growth and improvement in producing high-quality dogs. Breeding is a labor of love that requires dedication, knowledge, and a commitment to bettering the breed.
In today’s society, there is a popular trend of encouraging people to adopt dogs from shelters instead of buying from breeders. While this sentiment is understandable due to the high number of dogs in need of homes, it overlooks the importance of dog breeding as a craft. Dog breeding is a skill that is passed down from mentor to apprentice, much like other traditional crafts such as carpentry or brewing. It takes years of dedication, experience, and mentorship to become a master dog breeder.
Dog breeding is one of the oldest crafts known to humanity, dating back to the early days when dogs were domesticated from wolves. To suggest that no one should breed dogs until all rescue dogs are adopted would be to disregard a significant part of our history. If dog breeding were to cease, we would lose a valuable art form that has contributed to the success of the human race for centuries.
While not everyone who breeds dogs should continue to do so, those who are committed to preserving this ancient craft should be supported and encouraged. By allowing dedicated dog breeders to continue their work, we can ensure that this important part of our history is not lost. Just as we value finely crafted furniture over cheap, mass-produced options, we should also recognize and appreciate the artistry and tradition of dog breeding.