Page 23 - JRT Magazine - 2023 Issue 2
P. 23
Prognosis Risk factors
Because a kennel-blind breeder can become Kennel blindness is more apt to be a problem
"blind" to serious faults and health defects in for the following:
their dogs, these problems may become fixed in
a couple of generations. Unless quickly diagnosed
and treated, kennel blindness can lead to the
demise of a successful breeding program. 1 Breeders who do not have an
'eye' for a dog.
Symptoms Some Breeders are simply not born with an
Fortunately, most common symptoms of kennel 'eye' for a dog. Despite having read and studied
blindness are easy to spot. Following are three of their breed's standard, they are incapable of
the most pervasive symptoms: correctly evaluating structure and movement.
An inability to see and appreciate the good
1
qualities in a competitor's dogs. Kennel
blind breeders tend to focus on negative features Novice breeders who are
in dogs other than their own. 2 strongly affected by a dog's
SUGGESTION: Re-read your breed's standard temperament and personality.
keeping in mind that most standards delineate the Many kennel blind people think all puppies
essential aspects of a breed, allowing breeders are cute. These owners usually decide to
the freedom to express their own concepts of the breed their dog, not to improve the breed, but
non-essentials. In this way a range of excellence because they love his personality and want
may be produced in a breed without sacrificing more puppies just like him.
each dog's ability to fit into the standard.
The belief that you have bred the "perfect"
2
dog. No "perfect" dog has ever or will ever Breeders who have produced
be bred in any breed. Even your best can always 3 quality animals in the past but are
be improved upon. now struggling to stay on top.
SUGGESTION: Realize that your concept of what Many successful breeders who have had
is ideal may change. Experience with a breed may past super stars are usually looking for their
gradually change the priority a breeder gives next big winner. They may be more prone to
to certain features. A stickler for correct heads overlooking faults in their animals.
may gradually start emphasizing angulations
and movement, realizing that the latter are also
essential aspects of the breed. Breeders working with a small
Blaming the fact that your dog is not winning 4 number of dogs.
3 on bad judging, politics or anything except
the possibility that there may be something wrong
with your dog. Kennel blind people always have an Because small breeders have less to choose
excuse for why their dog didn't win. While some from, they may not want to open their eyes to
of their reasoning may be legitimate, consistently problems in their breeding.
losing under a variety of judges usually means
a dog does not fit the standard in one or more
important aspects. Breeders whose every waking
SUGGESTION: If your dog is not winning, ask 5 moment revolves around dogs.
several knowledgeable people to evaluate your
dog. Tell them to be honest and listen with an Making dogs a "live or die" situation can affect
open mind. objectivity.
A Worldwide Magazine for the Jack Russell Terrier / Russell Terrier • Issue 2/2023 | 23
