I'm not sure if this has been posted on this board before, but, if not, it is well worth a look.

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=pedigree+dogs+exposed&search_type=&aq=f

Tracy

You should definitely post a warning for other people when posting a video like this.

I have seen it.

**************WARNING: This video series (60 mintues long) shows graphic video of dogs suffering from very painful and debilitating inherited conditions. Do NOT watch if you have a weak stomach. *******************

The video talks about the damage done to breeds by show breeders, those who breed for the almighty dollar rather than health, and how Britain's Kennel Club perpetuates the practise.

You're right Angela.. I apologise to all.

I hadn't seen this so I am glad you posted it.

Hard to find words to express what I felt after watching this. It's a fairly regular topic of conversation in my house due to my dog's inherited conditions (he has 3, so far) but it hits me harder seeing it and hearing it discussed on a news program. Don't know why that is.

The photos of the 1800s Pug and the Pug of today... :shocked:

I know how you feel Sandy. I was a vet tech for many years and saw so many dogs (and cats) afflicted with horrible conditions related to their breeding. My dog now has some seasonal allergies probably due to his genes. Most of his littermates also have allergies.

Again, to all, I am sorry I posted the link without a disclaimer first. I guess I just wasn't thinking. (most of you seem like pretty tough cookies! )

I thought the video was important, and very well done, even though it may be upsetting. I think is SHOULD be upsetting.

Show breeders should be required to watch this.

 Quote: tracy r touzjian

Show breeders should be required to watch this.

I have several issues with the show. The first being that it is slanted reporting. Another issue is that this show is just further propaganda in stopping the breeding of purebred dogs that seems to be the trend these days with animal rights types.

I am not about to defend the idiot breeders of *some* show dogs but not all of us who show our dogs in breed conformation are like this. The other issue is if people think that the buck will stop with "pedigreed" show dogs, think again. People who raises puppies for sport will be next on the target list. After all, most of these puppies are registered in some fashion as well as being purposely bred, which is what PETA is currently after to abolish.

PETA just recently snuck in an ad in a national dog publication using a fake name. The ad said that if someone had bought a registered puppy recently, to call a 1-800 number to get a free gift bag. What happened when you called the number? PETA tells the caller about a dog that died in a shelter that could have been saved had the caller not bought a puppy from a breeder and the gift bag is really the body bag that a dead dog can be placed in. This is only one example of what breeders - be they show or working - are up against these days.

There are many many people battling out there for breeder's rights to be free to breed dogs. A lot of them are show breeders who are putting in the time working to fight anti-breeding legislation. This is legislation that affects not only show people but anyone who breeds with a goal in mind. Check out the bulletins on the National Animal Interest Alliance website sometime. The battle is still on in CA over AB 1634 and there is legislation popping up all over the country.

Again, not defending how some breeders have ruined breeds, just that it is a dangerous thing to cast all breeders in the same cloth and that your breeding program could be the feature of the next BBC documentary.....

Ingrid -> Australian Cattle Dog Club of America Legislative Liason

I should have worded it differently.... "breeders who breed exclusively for the show ring"

 Quote: tracy r touzjian

I should have worded it differently.... "breeders who breed exclusively for the show ring"

The problem, for me, no matter the wording is that people that are buying into this documentary's take as gospel are losing sight of the forest through the trees. Comparing UK's Kennel Club to Nazis? These sort of comments are not ones made by individuals who are committed to balanced reporting.

Again, there are show breeders out there that do a disservice to their breeds. But there are also working breeders out there that do a disservice to their breeds as well. Breeding for the all mighty dollar, no matter if it is for show, pets, or work is just plain wrong. There is enough blame to go around in regards to the current status of purebred dog health.

Here is one of my "show" dog's OFA page: http://www.offa.org/display.html?appnum=1192462#animal

If this is about health, than I would argue that my AKC dog that I show in the breed ring (as well as working), is probably more cleared for breeding than most working ranch ACDs. Yeah, not all show breeders have dogs as thoroughly tested as mine but neither does the person down the street advertising hybrid vigor in their ad for maltipoos.

Personally, I want to focus on ensuring that my right to breed dogs is maintained and that the dogs I do breed are healthy, intelligent, and sound representatives of my breed. That is all I can do to ensure that my breed's heritage is carried forward.

Sorry for the soapbox, after fighting anti-dog legislation for so long, I tend to get a little worked up :-p