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Date Posted: 23:05:03 11/25/09 Wed
Author: Jenny W
Subject: Re: Health Testing, using wisely and copping out!
In reply to: Sandra Brownlie 's message, "Re: Health Testing" on 09:44:22 11/23/09 Mon

Yes, you could be right and some breeders would test and breed regardless, but is this worse than not testing and breeding regardless? It's just one step up the ladder, but at least it's a step in the right direction and everyone else would be able to use the information to make better choices in the future.

I have two concerns about testing (or not), the first is those that think they have X-ray eyes and can see whether their dogs have HD/ED etc just by looking. You can't. I've been knocked down by some results in the past when I thought a dog moved so well there couldn't possibly be a problem and yet looking at the X-rays, I've wondered how the dog still stands, let alone moves. It happens, especially if you are less than experienced in actually seeing the conditions and able to spot the more subtle signs that may (or may not) be there.
The second is those that test and throw everything away that isn't perfect. Great idea if the breed can support such rigorous exclusion policies and still have enough really good dogs left to produce future quality from. If not, the breed will end up the worse for the policy and type, temperament and quality will suffer and other genetic conditions will explode. What then?
It's all about the "best" dogs, dogs that add value and consistently improve on themselves. Slow, but definite progress towards the end goal (which is never reached of course as no dog has ever been born perfect!)
You are right, testing does not give you carte blanche to breed from every dog despite its health, but it does give you the information to use the best dogs carefully and responsibly and gain improvement in another previously lacking area, before going back to the dogs with the best health test results.

Jenny

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