My thoughts of breeding 

and a little this and that

The topic that is currently very prominent is animal welfare, issues in dog breeding, appearance-driven breed development, training methods for service dogs, and so on. The discussion on topics such as purebred dogs versus mixed breeds is intense on many forums. Questions arise about breeder ethics and morals, how to recognize puppy mills, and who is working for the betterment of the breed. Should purebred dogs even exist?

People's awareness of animals and the problems they face has increased significantly in just the last decade. We have all read articles and seen videos, especially about the mistreatment of production animals, both abroad and domestically. However, even pet animals are poorly cared for: some are overfed to the point of immobility, some have tangled fur causing skin problems, and others never get to engage in breed-specific activities. As a result, there are almost weekly reports of dog attacks, and online forums are filled with cries for help from dog owners regarding handling problem dogs. There are twice as many "trained professionals" trying to solve these problems. There is a wealth of information available, but common sense and the application of knowledge in practice are often lacking.

What's worse is that people's well-being has deteriorated rapidly. Even if things are reasonably okay in their own lives, mental distress is growing in all age groups. There is dissatisfaction with appearance, relationships, and life situations. This happens mainly because people fail to pause and enjoy the present moment; they constantly compare themselves to others and seek more and better, waiting for the ideal life to start tomorrow, next week, or after fixing this or that issue, whether it's losing weight or renovating the kitchen. They fail to realize that nothing is ever finished, and everything is sufficiently good right now if you perceive it that way.

Perhaps, in part, due to these factors, many people turn their attention away from themselves and their own lives. It's easier and more meaningful to feel empathy and love for animals. I admit this myself; I could even argue that animals have always been more important to me than people (excluding my immediate family). The goodness and selflessness of animals appeal to the human mind. An animal doesn't judge or care if you're poor, rich, thin, fat, black, or white. An animal accepts you as you are and treats you the way you treat them.

And then there are the turbulent human relationships. An animal won't leave you unless it dies; it's yours as long as you want it. Can anyone say the same about a partner or a friend? An animal is considered property, an object, according to Finnish law, and that should change.

In summary, pets play an important role for many people. They are beloved family members, and their well-being is a primary concern, from puppyhood to the end of their lives. In this context, I see the role of a breeder as extremely important. Breeders should assess the family's resources and suitability for owning a particular pet, provide support and security throughout its lifelong journey. This, in my opinion, distinguishes a breeder from just someone who produces animals.

Whether the beloved pet should be purebred or mixed breed is an individual decision. My choice is definitely purebred, and it is based entirely on the fact that I don't want to buy a pig in a poke or support unethical practices at the expense of animal welfare. I want to ensure that my pets come from responsible backgrounds, and I want to examine the lineage and all available data to anticipate the type of pet I am likely to acquire. Of course, chance and destiny play a role, but starting with knowledge about backgrounds is extremely important.

Purebred Dogs, as I See It

 A purebred dog is one that conforms to the breed standard in terms of appearance, movement, and temperament. Its lineage must be traceable for several generations, and there must be factual information about both breed-specific traits and health. Of course, registrations must be in order with all necessary authorities, or more precisely, the Finnish Kennel Club, which I consider the correct registry, at least as I write this.

What Is Canine Health? 

To me, a healthy dog means an individual capable of a normal life and activities, without exaggerated structural features, and with a well-being, vitality, and balanced temperament. The Poodle, for example, has a typical canine structure that is balanced and unexaggerated. Mostly, Poodles are active and good-natured, although some shyness may occur.

In terms of structure, I focus on the strength of the body, a good front end, balanced angulation, head and muzzle, jaw strength, elegance in movement, posture, body carriage, and a light, lively gait. Naturally, temperament is an extremely important part of the whole; I prefer active and sociable dogs that can engage in various activities but also know how to calm down and don't get agitated if I happen to be bedridden for a week.

Health Tests - Knowledge Adds Worry 

Today, almost all medium-sized Poodles are examined for eyes, knees, heart, and have their hips, elbows, and back X-rayed. Many also undergo genetic testing, and I follow suit.

However, it is essential to understand that health is much more than just letters and numbers. In fact, these factors do not necessarily define a dog's health neither breeding value. Instead, they provide valuable information to the owner about the dog's strengths and weaknesses, helping to anticipate potential future problems and manage the dog's care to avoid illness.

From a breeder's perspective, I consider it important to study the lines used in breeding extensively, not only the individuals used for breeding. An individual dog's results are relatively useless since none of us only pass on our own traits but also a mix of everything found in the entire lineage. For this reason, I hope that the owners of my puppies will also have their dogs examined. I would like to see enough data about the whole population so that we can also have hip and elbow indices.

Stoking Hysteria 

Breeding based primarily on appearance has received a lot of attention, but it is essential to remember the nuances. Things are not black and white, and not all breeders of a particular breed are evil.

Most breeds have been developed for a specific purpose, whether it's hunting, guarding, companionship, or anything else. There are always people for whom nothing is enough, and they need more and more, even if it results in exaggerated and "unhealthy" appearances over decades. However, it is pointless to lump all breeders into the same category because the vast majority work tirelessly to preserve and improve their breed, not to harm its vitality. Now that problems in some breeds are recognized, and there is a widespread desire to address them, the answer is not random crossbreeding but a well-managed and supervised crossbreeding project, led by the Finnish Kennel Club, which also has the most significant interest in it.

In my opinion, a much more sensible approach to different breeds is to monitor their health and development impartially, without pointing fingers or passing judgment. We should be open and learn from each other, even outside our own breed circles. I believe that the primary responsibility in this work lies with each breed's breed clubs. There is no need to stir up hysteria about health problems because none of us humans has a flawless and completely healthy family tree. Knowledge is widely available nowadays, research methods are evolving, and that is a good thing. It gives us more tools to promote the health and vitality of existing breeds.