<p>AJILLity,</p>
<p>This is in response to this section of your response:</p>
<p>"I do respect what you do and you trying to do research. But along those lines, research isn't done on here. You need to get on Toy Breeds lists and talk to other responsible breeders, go to American Kennel Club clinics, go to your National Breed Specialty (I know we have the Poodle Club of American's National SPecialty that has LOTS of health clinics), and conduct research in your breed groups. Here really isn't the place to get into MAJOR research. But yes, some can be done here."</p>
<p>May I ask why research isn't done on here? I am on several Toy Breed Lists and also some congenital dogs' defects groups and have been for years. I am very familiar with the Chihuahua Club of America but, have found that there is valuable insite as to the practice of breeding with a genetic betterment in mind by studying many other species of animals and humans. I have several mentors but, am trying to find the most recent information and to hear the stories of real people who have lived with the issues that face many pet owners today. The best way I can think of to learn what is really going on in the world is to reach out and embrace the world and, to ask the questions that I want to know. You never know what piece of the "Puzzle" you may find when you talk to people.</p>
<p>One thing that I find when I stick with a specific breed group is that people who breed the same breed all have the same misconceptions. By this I will be specific in that the Chihuahua Club of America and the AKC state very clearly that the Chihuahua head should be of the general shape of a cooking apple with a small tapering nose which comes off of lean cheeks at an angle with the extremes being from 90 degrees to 100 degrees and ending with a pointed nose.... But, in the world of Chihuahua Breeding the small "Button" type nose and a largely shaped dome head has grown with increasing popularity and has even come to be preffered by some judges.</p>
<p>The problem with is that the "Button" type nose is more prone to underdevelopment of the sinus and also is a factor in the alignment of the dog possessing a correct bite. The extreme apple head is adorable but, causes problems in birthing as well as the predominance of wider more open Moleras and Atlantoaxial Instability. All of these are known problems and are disconcerning health issues. I am of the oppinion that we should not breed for a trait that we know will effect the animals quality of life in a negitive way.</p>
<p>As another argument to bring up my research here... I have also found that some of the most respected breeders of my breed are saddly behind the times as far as knowledge of life on a cellular, systematic, and genetic level. 30 years ago, it was common and respected practice to have closed registries and to line breed and or inbreed dogs for the sake of locking in certain traits. This practice has caused a lack in the diversity of the specific purebred dogs' gene pool which is the cause of most genetic diseases and the cause of many types of cancer. As a breeder who is longing to do my best with all of the information that is available (be it the internet in general, working with a vet, or a rescue organization, or specific friendships I may find in my wanderings) I take it as my responsibility to keep myself informed and to be honestly interested in the personal stories of dog owners who I have found to have a wealth of resources that are not even commonly known by most veterinarians. I am hoping to find people who are willing to share their stories and am willing and able to help them find the answers that they may be seeking in some of their most desperate times. I have lots of stories to tell as I have been an advocate of my breed most of my life. But, it is not reasonable for me to blurt out my whole life's story without some sort of relevance brought on by the form of natural discussion.</p>
<p>http://canine-genetics.com/ ... This is the url to a site I really like because it is easy to understand is less "dry" than most of the writings on the subject of Genetics. You may find specific interest in the articles about Poodles as a majority of the site was written by a scientist who specifically fancied Poodles and he turned his life's work into understanding and explaining why and how the way we have been breeding dogs in the past, may not actually be for the "Betterment of the Breed". His work is considered some of the best in the industry and is well endorsed by Dr. Catherine Marley who is also a Doctor who is dedicated to bettering breeding practices of all breeds and believes that closed registry breeding should be re-evaluated by even the AKC as a whole. She is very respected in the dog Genetic world and is a Breeder/Handler/Show person who is specifically interested in Lhasa Apso's. Should I not be interested in the studies of other breeds because they are outside of my specific breed of choice? No. I chose to stand up and support the Genetic Diversity Project by helping to let people know that it exists... the betterment of breeding dogs comes from a vast knowledge not only of the standard breed charicteristics and show qualities but, also from an understanding of the species Canis in general and a good foundation in the History of dogs including my breed of choice, Chihuahuas.</p>
<p>Part of the Genetic Diversity Project is to spread the word about what we now understand about genetics. There are a lot of people who really do "feel" that they are doing everything right.... by 30 years ago standards... they are. But, now we have real evidence as to the effects of breeding too closely and the only way for some of these long time respected breeders to catch up on the flood of information is to talk with other breeders and to learn through a process of understanding.</p>
<p>If by my babbling about dogs, Chihuahuas, and genetics, I help to educate and therefore prevent even one poor decision about breeding dogs... am I not doing a public service for not only my breed but, for dog lovers in general?</p>
<p>Additionally, I didn't really take personal offence to your frustration about breeders. But, as a breeder I have become sensitive to the ever growing disdane toward breeders and I felt that at least one post after you was starting to form the common "Mob" mentality. I know some people are pushy about selling their dogs and agree that buying a dog should not be pushed in a person's face. I just didn't want to see animosity toward breeders spread based on the use of a buzz word ie: "Breeder" used in a negitive light as if we were some sort of criminals by default. I could not let it go undefended.</p>
<p>I think you have a beautiful Poodle and you seem like you are very involved in the activities surrounding your breed. I look forward to hearing of your awards and accomplishments. He looks to be a fine example of a Poodle. Good Luck in all that you do (*smiles*). I hope that my debating abilities do not prevent us from being cyber-doggie-friends. I really am interested in hearing about your brags for your dog. Give him belly rubs from me and tell him he is beautiful.</p>
<p>Anne Marie Absher</p>