I have read this several times.
Basically, the premise is, because I want just a pet, I do not need to qualify or prove my dog for breeding purposes. All I need to know is he is a great pet. I am producing pets, not monster biting dogs.
Well, let us look at this a bit closer. What qualities make up a GREAT pet. I am not talking about a shi##ing machine that just sleeps. A dream pet, right?
Intelligence - Can be obedience trained to a high degree
Courage - it is a freaking bulldog. Otherwise why not get a poodle or a lab?
EXTREME nerves - weak nerves is what causes 90% of dog bites. Fear biting. Strong nerves is what makes a dog confident and friendly.
SocialNo dog aggression
Protective - otherwise lab would have been a better choice.
Structurally sound - physically superior. An athlete. Otherwise get an english bulldog.
Genetic testing - make sure the dog is NOT passing on degenerative diseases like hip dysplasia
I don't think anyone can deny these qualities. YES. These are the qualities that make a great bulldog and a great pet.
Now how can I test for the above traits in an objective way. NOT JUST GUESS. REALLY, OBJECTIVELY TEST and CULL!!!!
In my mind, the only area that tests EACH of the above traits objectively is protection sports! These are the traits that make a great dog period. Pet or Otherwise!
A working protection dog MUST be social, protective, pass all genetic testing to trial, obviously be sound of structure, extremely intelligent to do the OB, no dog aggression, and have great nerves.
This idea of protection sport dogs being vicious is INSANE.
We don't dream about it...............we test the dog's traits every training session.
Many a time I have told a macho dude to take his vicious wanna be protection dog to the vet to be put down! Why? Because he will not make it and generally it shows bad nerves.
Like I said, breeding dogs is a very cruel endevour. You have to be totally honest and cold hearted. Why? Otherwise, look in the local papers. 200 dollar pit bulls. Free to good home. I wonder why so many problems with pits or any breed for that matter. I bet they were all trying to create good pets. LOL.
A dog must EARN AND PROVE his right to be bred. Because he has a big head and I like his coloring is NOT a good answer.
I have been through 6 dogs in 2 years. Why? Kept moving up, I suppose and I wanted to see what each bloodlines had to offer. Some did not make it genetically. One did not make it mentally. You take the dogs to the breaking point to see what they have. You reward them as being breed worthy. The result is (my opinion only LOL. they are my babies) dogs like Chucky and Ice. They were NOT bred as pets. However, they are the best pets I have ever had. Why? Because they have RETAINED the qualities of a working dog.
I hope that makes sense.
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