Dog News article written by long time breeder is WAY OVERDUE
STOP THE INSANITY Harsh words? You bet! It is time we all stood back and viewed the whole picture while examining just what we are contributing to our breed. Here are just a few of my concerns about my breed: Old English Sheepdogs. However they could apply to several other breeds. The sculpturing of the dogs being shown has reached intolerable levels. Breeders are encouraging the exhibition of dogs that are unsound. Not enough comprehensive educational programs are being offered. Clubs need to make use of AKC sponsored events. The OES has some well earned new nicknames. Poodle or Bichon of the Herding Group, a poorly done caricature of a herding dog, Q-tip dog and a few less appealing ones. What does sculpting an Old English Sheepdog do for the breed? In my opinion it does nothing good. What it does do is hide the truth and create unrealistic expectations. Judges are being told and shown in strong language that they do not have to spend the time actually going over the dog to discover for themselves what the anatomy of the dog really is. They can just evaluate the appearance the handler/groomer has created. Why work when you can just look at a pretty picture? To create a dog by sculpting is to not only create a false impression but it is detrimental to those breeder/exhibitors looking for bloodlines to consider adding to or incorporating into their current ones. Often the selection of dogs to be used for breeding is done by photographs and as much information as the Breeder/owner is willing to impart to the other person. This can be, and far too often is, a rude awakening for the uninformed or less knowledgeable inquirer. It is also not a practice of fair competition for the novice or less accomplished (grooming) owner and or handler. We are losing new exhibitors at an alarming rate and others are not joining in because they see that they cannot hope to compete against the appearance of dogs currently being shown. There is also a sad lack of mentorship within our breed. Exhibitors, breeder/exhibitors, and owners need to rethink what they are doing by knowingly showing dogs, or encouraging the showing of dogs that are not sound and thus should not be used for breeding. I see dogs being shown that I know would not meet the criteria stated by the parent club code of ethics or the Standard for the breed. It simply tears apart the fabric of our breed to show, and thus state to the fancy, that these faulty dogs are suitable for exhibiting and breeding. Everyone who sees these dogs not only exhibited, but receiving winning ribbons from Judges, who seemingly could care less about its quality, will then believe it is in the best interest of the breed to buy, show and breed one like it. Of course this simply passes on to the following generations the same degenerative problems. The novice owner/exhibitors are being shown by a few exhibitors that it is OK to show and breed dogs who came from as many as five generations, or more, of dogs who exhibited the same problems. To sell a dog which may exhibit signs it too is unsound, without making the buyer aware, is tantamount to utter negligence on the part of the breeder. If it is learned at a later date that the dog is exhibiting signs of being unsound, and the breeder does not insist that it be retired from showing and possibly be surgically sterilized, then that breeder is deliberately demeaning the breed. Members of parent clubs agreed, by signing the Code of Ethics when they joined, to promote and protect the breed. We must honestly consider what is in the best interest of our breed with regard to breeding a dog which develops a disease, and must remain on drugs to control the symptoms. Dogs which exhibit signs of genetic diseases should not be bred. When you have a problem “fixed”, no matter how big or how small, that action cannot possibly alter the faulty genes which that dog carries. Fixing any part of the anatomy of the dog is not only against AKC rules, but is against all ethical practices. Breeders must stop talking themselves into believing it will do no harm to show and breed these faulty dogs. The problems will simply show up in future generations and be spread throughout the World by exporting for breeding, those dogs which have produced the problem or show that they are affected. One specific and personally troubling symptom of unsoundness is in the shaking hindquarters of some dogs. I first published my concerns about this problem in a Canine Chronicle ad, Feb 26, 1983. From what I see in the ring it has only escalated. I frankly do not know all the possible causes of this condition, but I do feel strongly that it must be genetic as it has occurred in several generations, and is against one or more statements in our Standard. One line that fits from the Standard would be “Therefore, soundness is of the greatest importance.” Another is “with no sign of aggression, shyness or nervousness.” The Code of Ethics for the Old English Sheepdog Club of America states: “Only dogs and bitches that are physically sound and of good temperament are to be used for breeding”. Dogs that have hip dysplasia, eye defects, auto-immune disease, deafness, or any other significant hereditary problem must not be bred if we are to keep our breed viable. The soundness, healthy appearance, and temperament of dogs that we have bred reflects our dedication to the good breeding practices and best interests of the breed as set forth in this Code of Ethics. As with many Clubs, we have members threatening members who talk openly about the problems in our breed, and of course this only spreads distrust and animosity among those who truly want to find answers to all the disease processes our breed is subject to. To be fully informed is to be forearmed when considering a future for our beloved pets. We need to encourage everyone to participate in all ongoing health studies, and Clubs need to provide clinics where DNA or blood samples may be collected to be provided for those studies. Grants need to be supported by Parent Clubs to facilitate the studies designed to promote the health within that breed. These studies will hopefully add to the overall health of all breeds. Education needs to be ongoing and should be open and available to everyone, no matter how little or how much experience they have with the breed. Nor should it be a matter of what their current aspirations or future dreams may be. Educational Seminars should never be held behind closed doors or presented by just one person who travels across the Country. What is being taught should never be done on a limited basis, with only a chosen few allowed to sit in on the event. This simply promotes the idea that personal agendas are being followed and leaves an unpleasant memory for those denied admittance. If limited space is a concern, then a video representation of the event needs to be made available to those who were denied attendance. Mentor programs need to be implemented by Mentor Meetings, where the Standard and Illustrated Guide are discussed with an eye to making the dissemination of information more uniform. Education should be sought with all possible diligence by everyone who wishes to make raising and showing dogs a hobby or avocation. Our breed is not a singular entity, but rather one of a complex group. I often suggest that people interested in learning about a breed that interests them attend seminars offered by other breed clubs, as well as those about their breed. Learning what your breed is not isn’t only of interest, but is of actual value, as it identifies and offers contrasts to what is vital to your breed. The study of any breed, needs to start with basic anatomy and form and function. The AKC now has a Mentor program that will be of great value to companion animal owners, as well as those whose interest is in breeding and showing. I urge all knowledgeable owners to list themselves as being willing to mentor to new owners in their area. Passing on factual information will contribute to the well-being of the AKC, and all Breeds. 4. Clubs need to promote events sponsored by the AKC rather than other entities when at all possible. We turn to the AKC for assistance when unfair dog laws are being proposed that will impact us, and then complain when the AKC needs to make some adjustments to fund raising so they can continue to afford to lobby in our favor. In our breed, herding is an example. Instead of providing an AKC sponsored event, my Club this year has elected to provide an event sponsored by another entity, and thus we will deny the AKC their share of the income that will be generated by the event. It is not a great amount of money, but every dime counts in these tough times. Only AKC supported events will yield titles that will be included on our AKC Certified Pedigrees. Dianne McKee-Rowland, Blue Panda OES |
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Are judges making descisions without going over the dogs?!  I know nothing, even less so about the USA as I'm based in the UK. But I do hear a lot of talk about 'over cutting' or 'over scissoring'. I can't believe judges are not going over the dogs, and just going on looks alone? No wonder people are cutting the coats like they do. As for the rest of the article, I'm sure all this has been a long time coming. There are issues here in the UK that should be addressed too, but who is going to stand up? Good on you. |
| I found the judges from South America at the Group Level do not even touch the dogs. When i asked them about this i was told that it was an 'insult' to the judge that had put the dog up for breed. That if the dog had made it THAT far (group) then they should be okay. DUMB.............. Diane's article is very eye opening for a lot of people and raises some magnificent points. Some a LOT of OES people should be really reading this article and stopping to aske themselves the answers to questions raised. The grooming points to me yes are important but are LESS important than the breeding and showing and ENCOURAGING of others to show these dogs with the shaking syndrome. This is now being seen in the dogs in Europe. It was first noticed here at least 10 yearss ago and i personally have seen it and been told "oh, it's just t hat the dog is nervous" BULL!!! When it comes down from generation to generation THERE IS A HEALTH PROBLEM FOLKS and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. How someone woule knowingly and purposeflly breed dogs with this problem and then sell them to unsuspecting people is just plaine UNETHICAL. And yes, i know people on this list that have bought dogs from this line. When people call me for pups i refuse to recommend this bloodline as someone to call for puppies. There is no way I would want to be associated with them. And i feel sorry for the people that have bought a pup from them unknowing these problems as the breeder refuses to acknowledge it as a problem. |
| I have one of these dogs with the shaking hind legs, amongst other issues. He is extremely aggressive and now has developed other neurological issues including obsessive licking of the air and shaking jaw. He is now 7 and a half and these issues are getting worse, however, the leg shaking has occurred since the day he arrived. The breeder refuses to acknowledge any of these issues and basically insinuated that we did not want the dog now that he is older. That could not be further from the truth. We have spent thousands of hours with this dog and thousands of dollars on trainers to work with us and this dog. He has been impeccably cared for, yet, he has now deteriorated into an aggression so dangerous that he has to be euthanized. It is my opinion that this has to do with the breeding of a nervous and aggressive dog, basically an animal that is "overbred". And I am insulted that a breeder would take absolutely no responsibility for these traits or the outcome of this precious animal. I am very experienced with animals and am certainly the dominant alpha person in our house, but this dog is going crazy and one would think that a reputable breeder would want to prevent this for future litters and other owners who will eventually have to manage these animals. It is occurring more and more with this breed and it is sad that all of the blame is placed on the owner, rather than the consideration that it is possibly from a poor breeding. |
| I am so sorry for you Jackie. If there is anything anyone can do to help please let us know. There ARE caring ETHICAL breeders out there! |
| I hope you don't place the blame on the breed Jackie. I have had many OES and I have never had any that show any signs of aggression. My female singleton is not fond of other dogs except for her adopted brother, but she is never aggressive towards people at all. I think you can find a good breeder...I have met many wonderful sheepies in the past 2 years. They are still many reputable breeders out there who care for the health of the dogs that they are showing and breeding. |
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