Would you?

[Horsefeathers!]

Would you confront a breeder that you knew was breeding genetic disasters?

Here's the deal...

Many of you know I got Devin several months ago. Before he was ever a year old, he had been through four homes. He was a handful, to say the least. With much socialization and very intense boundary training (not only physical boundaries, but "this behavior is ok, but that is not" kind of boundaries as well), he is a wonderful little dog, but his disposition has been difficult to overcome. We also recently found out that Devin has the worst possible hip dysplasia as well as bad knees and add to that really bad allergies. Devin is only a year old. Who knows what other problems he has that we haven't even discovered yet?

I've recently begun seeing some of Devin's littermates show up at our clinic for various reasons (one is a two week groom client of mine and, holy balls, what a brat). Every single one of them have rotten dispositions and I've seen some of the same allergy symptoms and doG only knows about their hips. One other littermate is walleyed just like Devin. While I'm sure that some of the temperament problems stem from lack of proper training, is it feasible that ALL of them are monsters just from lack of training? I've seen many untrained, spoiled dogs in my time, but statistically, at least some of them are untrained yet friendly (bouncing all over the place, not listening, etc.).

I found out who is breeding these Lhasas. It's just a regular, well intentioned backyard breeder. Someone who had a couple of cute Lhasas and figured they'd just make a few more cute Lhasas (and a few bucks, no doubt).

Would it be wrong of me to contact this breeder now that I know who it is? I really don't intend to be confrontational, but I'm sure they don't realize what they are doing. These dogs are biting people and they are unhealthy. I've really been mulling it over and trying to come up with a way to help educate them without making them defensive. Around here, "cute" sells. I just wonder if it might be possible to raise the awareness that there is more to responsible breeding than cute. I wonder if they will even care that their puppies are having the problems they are. Right now, I can account for 4 of Devin's littermates and all have rotten temperaments and at least a few have allergies. I only wish I could xray the hips of all of them. I'm not afraid to talk to these breeders. I just don't know how to bring it up in a manner that doesn't seem threatening and accusatory.

What would you do?

[gooeydog]

Maybe just contact them and let them know you have a pup from one of their litters.... carry on a nice conversation with them, then once you've settled in a bit, produce the hip x-rays and show them his problems. Explain that HD, allergies, etc are genetic issues and that breeding dogs who produce such problems condemns sweet dogs like Devin to having to lice with said problems.

[imported_Cassie]

I would definately contact them and let them know of the "problems" these dogs have. Where she is a backyard breeder there will be no contracts...so basically its buyer beware...but, call her up and let her know.
I know I have said this a thousand times before. :wink: but, many purebred breeders are experiencing simular problems. Reputable breeders "trying" to better the breed and do all of the proper health tests are also having this problem...playing with genetics is like playing russian roulette...the smaller the gene pool gets for a breed the more hereditary problems are going to start popping up. It's time for "purebred" breeders to open up the stud books and bring in new blood.
For example, a line of Newfoundland dogs...not one of the sires or dams ever had HD...3 out of 7 of the pups ended up with HD before the age of 2 years. I also am not gauranteed that my Newfoundlands will not become dysplasitc later in life...even if they had certified for hips at 2. It's a game humans are not playing very well...and when you are breeding for "looks' and "cuteness" instead of sound character...then you are also increasing problems for the breed.

[courtnek]

K napisał(a):

Maybe you could write it all down...factually ..from what you definately know about Devin and what you have seen/surmise of the others...stating the facts as you see them..and pointing out the repercussions of these problems...not only for the owners but for the dogs too...you may want to include some statistical data on the amount of dogs in shelters...(do a petfinder search on Lhasa's and include the amount on that day) and the amount destroyed daily ...and make the concluding statement that in the face of this overwhelming evidence you believe they are ill advised and in the wrong for breeding these dogs....it may not have any effect at all...but you never know who you can get through to...and I think you already feel you should at least try...they *may* not even know these things and its worth spreading the word....good luck...

excellent K! exactly what I was thinking.....maybe they really dont realize what they are doing, and facts are your best training tool.

and Cassie, I agree with you.

[Guest Anonymous]

I would confront the people call them and tell them what is going on.. That is too bad that they have rotten temperments :( i would defenatly contact them!