By Pat Hastings and Erin Ann Rouse
When I was coming up through the ranks of the dog world, I was blessed with a number of excellent mentors—dog people who had an encyclopedic knowledge of animal husbandry, breeding, rearing, care, and conditioning. These people were also excellent role models who taught by example that personal integrity, diligence and dedication are essential qualities, particularly in a breeder (they are essential, whatever our pursuits.)
Personal integrity basically comes down to honesty. The best breeders strive to preserve and improve the quality of their respective breeds.  Therefore, they are forthright with people who come to learn about their breeds; they are candid with those who are interested in acquiring a puppy. They have nothing to disguise or hide (no sin of omission here). Misrepresenting our dogs, puppies or motives diminishes our credibility, damages the public perception of all breeders and jeopardizes the future of our breeds—possibly even the right to breed.
The best breeders are courageous enough to be honest with themselves, which often means acknowledging that they don’t know everything. There is no shame in ignorance, but standing still in ignorance is a terrible shame. When we struggle to increase our knowledge base, we enhance our connection with others. When we confess our uncertainties, we make more room for respect and understanding. And when we teach, we become students. I may have some insights to offer, but so do the people with whom I interact. When we open ourselves to ideas and options, learning becomes a passion unto itself!
Diligence is plain old hard work. There are no short cuts or quick fixes when you decide to be a breeder. The best breeders are always reading, taking seminars, asking questions. They search out those who can help them develop a better understanding of such weighty disciplines as genetics, canine structure and physiology, whelping, canine health care (both conventional and alternative), nutrition, natural and environmental development, animal behavior and psychology. They research and research some more. (And then they clean dog yards and bedding, kennels and dogs!) They know their dogs and spend quality time working, teaching and playing with them. They may exhibit their dogs in conformation shows or they may team up with their dogs in performance activities or both. A reputable breeder gives his or her life to the dogs and the decisions, travails, sorrows, concerns and heart-sustaining joys that come with them.
Dedication means responsibility and compassion. The best breeders have a reverence for their breeds and dogs. They hold themselves accountable for the welfare and well-being of all the dogs in their care and every puppy that comes into this world as a result of their breeding programs. Many of these breeders extend that accountability to include the dog clubs to which they belong. They give their time and resources to breed rescue, spend precious hours writing informative or humorous articles for their breed magazines or work long hours to put on memorable dog shows. They gladly provide guidance and support to novices in the breed and in the sport of purebred dogs. “Overextended” seems to be more of a challenge than a burden to these people, for they also have careers, homes, families and friendships to tend.
In short, the best breeders are glorious lunatics, much to the advantage of their dogs, their breeds, their sport and their communities.
Many breeders were forged by an endearing love for a family dog - a love and appreciation that so enriched their lives as to lead them to an involvement with the breed. Some of our best breeders found in that memorable family dog a passionate vocation that enriches the entire dog world—both now and in the future. This series will introduce you to some of these breeders. May their stories teach by example. They deserve to be emulated and celebrated.
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