There was a time when dog breeds were judged not by looks but by ability and health. When we read the breed descriptions on these breeds we are told about the personality and the many types of work these breeds were capable of. I say, "were" because they are no longer capable of performing the tasks for which they are known.

This is where the breed standards come in. We have been sold a very bad bill of goods by the breed clubs and registries. We seem to be far more concerned with looks than with health of body and of mind. The praise of papers and thumbs up by these blinders of common sense have pulled the wool over our eyes and closed the coffin on many once great breeds of dogs. I know that human ego and the desire to be accepted and spoke highly of, effects us all. Yet to continue assisting these most vile of people to destroy these breeds is no longer healthy for people of conscience.

I am not suggesting that we in mass boycott the kennel clubs and breed clubs who vainly show and breed and register these poor sick beasts. No I am suggesting we seek to put them out of business all together and that goes for the food companies and vets who condone such criminals.

The human drug industry has made fortunes by feeding us legal dope for everything from a running nose to anxiety. Now they are tugging at us to drug our dogs as well. Perhaps to take control of our breeds we must first seek to take control of our lives. Perhaps the standard for human beings must be looked at closely. If we could just take that first step I think the remainder of the walk would be not only enjoyable but enlightening. Just think of the healthy dog you would have to walk beside you along life's journey.

We must not be afraid to confront those of position when they are responsible for lowering not only the dog's standards but ours as well. After all being willing to stand up for what is right may seem lonely at first, but soon very soon we will find ourselves in the best of company. Smile we are far from being beaten. We are just now awakening to the truth.
©Mike McConnery-Baden K-9, September 12, 2006

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