pete.ally

This may seem a strange question but I have done a project on skips in the UK and am looking into doing an exhibition in Poland (Fotofetiwal 2011) and remembered a friend of mine from France telling me they didn't use skips in France, so am wondering if this is the case for Poland also? If the answer is no then maybe someone could explain what happens instead? Would be very greatful.

Thanks

A

I can see the pro's and con's in Family Breeding (BYB) and Breeders. Families that breed their pets are called BYB's which is a rather derogatory term. The following things I agree with Breeders about:

1. If you don't have the means to cover vet costs DON'T DO IT

2. If you are unable to give your dogs support and medical care through a breeding DON'T DO IT

3. Unless you can look after a litter of pups and be prepared for finding none of them a good home, however unlikely it may seem DON'T DO IT

4. Always expect that a dog may have to come back from the home they went to and you should be prepared to be responsible for it

HOWEVER

If a lot of breeders had their way and only experienced breeders 'doing the best for their breed' were allowed to breed we would have dogs three eyes in no time at all!!!! What Breeders don't seem to get or are choosing to overlook:

1. If we keep breeding dogs that are perfectly 'breed standard' they will all be too closely related. Imagine if we did that with people? It is illegal to marry your brother for a reason. Concentrating the gene pool can only lead to problems.

2. Breeders seem to have a good go at people with no experience...I'm sorry but were you born with the know-how and experience...NO. Would you tell a child "don't try to ride a bike, you've never done it before, so you just shouldn't try!"? I hope not. You started somewhere, if you had the money to start at the top, then good for you, but we aren't all that privileged.

3. People make assumptions and are out right rude and aggressive to people enquiring when their dog is pregnant. If you REALLY cared about the welfare of animals surely you would try and help. But no, that's not the case is it? Whats done is done. Help people and subsequently help their dog.

4. When did dogs stop being pets and start being property? Lets just enjoy them for what they are. Stop trying to make their ears smaller, their legs longer. We know about breed problems. We are breeding in features that stop dogs from breathing properly! That stop dogs being able to give birth naturally!

Consider this:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/...

My opinion is that the Kennel Club NEEDS to become more strict and not allow close relatives to be registered.

What do you think?

There are pro's and con's for both. Can people please put a bit of both in their responses.

P.S. I've never bred a litter, I'm just interested in the controversy about the matter.