Breeder of Westminster winner Uno has a few words for PETA

When we told you on Monday about PETA's request that the USA Network drop the Westminster dog show from its schedule, we were overwhelmed with the volume of comments and e-mails we received.  More than 400 of you responded, and most were none too pleased with PETA's statements about the dog show world.  (To read more, check out The Times' Comments Blog.)

One reader we heard from was Kathy Weichert, a breeder, owner and exhibitor of champion Beagles including Uno, last year's Westminster winner.  We caught up with Weichert on topics ranging from Westminster (as you might imagine, she's a fan) to the animal rights movement (as you might imagine, she's not a fan).

PETA, according to Weichert, is "a radical group that believes no animal should be domesticated.  They are targeting [Westminster] because it is highly visible around the world."   

"Hobby breeders" like herself (as opposed to puppy mills, which churn out purebred dogs for profit), says Weichert, are not responsible for genetic defects in purebred dogs.  "Reputable breeders, as opposed to mills or backyard breeders, would never intentionally or knowingly breed animals that were diagnosed or known to carry genetic or fatal faults."  Small-time breeders, she thinks, "most definitely are a positive influence on the breeds," and breeders are among the most prominent donors to groups like the AKC's Canine Health Foundation, which research genetic disorders in dogs.

So what about breeds like the Pekingese and Pug, whose squashed faces can cause breathing problems, and the Chinese shar-pei and Bloodhound, whose wrinkles can become breeding grounds for infection?  Do breeders contribute to such problems by locking these traits into their dogs' bloodlines? 

On the contrary, says Weichert.  "Those are breed traits!  Those breeds have always looked like what they look like.  No, those traits come naturally when breeding dogs of the same breed...Peke to Peke produces all puppies that look like Pekes!"  Genetic problems, she says, will happen regardless of the care a breeder takes; it's just a part of nature.  "Can [PETA] explain why children are born with allergies, Down's, deformities, mental retardation?  No!" 

Canine genetics -- like human genetics -- are not an exact science, Weichert says.  But breeders like herself take every possible precaution by testing their breeding stock for health issues and knowing every intricacy of their dogs' lineage.

She scoffs at the suggestion that pet overpopulation is related to purebred dog breeding.  For one thing, many hobby breeders like herself breed a relatively small number of puppies (Weichert generally breeds one Beagle litter per year, although she may try to breed two in 2009).  For another, potential puppy buyers are thoroughly vetted (no pun intended) to make sure they're serious about pet ownership. 

The screening process for potential Beagle parents is extensive; before a puppy is sold, the prospective owner must answer a litany of questions such as Why do you want a Beagle as opposed to other breeds?  Do you have children or other pets?  Do you have a fenced yard?  How long will the puppy be left alone during the day?  Do you or your family have dog allergies?  Do you believe in crate-training?  The idea behind the extensive questioning, Weichert says, is to make sure a puppy buyer is ready for the long haul; owners should be prepared to commit to a dog for its entire lifespan, often 15 years or more.

Buyers sign a "spay/neuter contract," which requires that "pet-quality" puppies (those who don't have a future in the show ring) will never be used for breeding.  Another clause requires that the puppy will be returned to Weichert should the buyer be unable or unwilling to keep it for any reason.

K-Run (the name of her kennel) Beagles are decidedly not destined to end up in shelters; of that Weichert is confident.  On the contrary, she says, "the majority of dogs in shelters are mixed-breeds and not purebred."  And she takes one more precaution to ensure dogs she's bred won't ever wind up lost or homeless: she participates in AVID's Breeder Reader program, in which dogs are microchipped with her contact information so that she will be the first one notified should one ever turn up at a shelter or veterinarian's office.

She's been showing Beagles in the conformation ring since 1996; before that, she participated in hunting trial events with the breed for six years.  She's had over 50 champion dogs (often working with her best friend Leah Bertagnolli, who shares the credit for breeding Uno), including a Rottweiler, a German Shepherd, and an American Staffordshire Terrier.  Dogs like Uno, she says, enjoy performing and aren't one bit "miserable and uncomfortable," as PETA's Daphna Nachminovitch describes.

"Uno loved the show ring and actually missed it at first.  I imagine it could be hard if the dog's temperament was not stable or they were with someone who did not care for them properly.  Uno always came first with [handler Aaron Wilkerson] and every time I would see them in person, Uno was a very, very happy dog that loved what he was doing."

So what's Uno up to now?  He retired immediately upon receiving his coveted Westminster trophy (traditional among Westminster winners), and he's now a certified therapy dog with the Delta Society.  He's visited with patients at Ronald McDonald Houses and Walter Reed Hospital as part of his therapy work. 

In fact, a fair number of the dogs Weichert has bred have gone on to more high-minded pursuits than the show ring, says Weichert.  Some are therapy dogs like Uno, some compete in obedience and agility trials, and retiring show dogs are often given to junior handlers (kids aged 9-18 who compete in AKC events that judge their handling ability rather than the conformation of the dog they're showing).  "These dogs give these kids a sense of responsibility as well as self-esteem and self-confidence," she says.  Other retired show dogs are spayed or neutered and placed with owners in the market for an older dog who's already well-trained.  These dogs lead happy, fulfilling lives, and Weichert (as well as many dog fanciers we've heard from) thinks PETA should back off.

So what makes dog shows so important to the people involved in them?  Weichert's explanation is simple:  "It's the camaraderie and the friendships and the bonding with the dogs and the goal to produce the happiest, healthiest dogs we can.  It's about watching a puppy like Uno being born at 3 in the morning after you've been up for 24-plus hours and then seeing this magnificent animal that you have produced win not only the greatest dog show on earth, but hearts of millions of fans around the world!  All you can say is, 'Wow, that's my dog.' "

Viewers love shows like Westminster as well, and they'd be missing out if USA opted not to air it, Weichert says.  "It gives people a chance to see dogs that may never see in person, and also the [informational segments] direct people to the right way to start shopping for a puppy, instead of seeing cute Uno on TV and running to the first pet store they see.  The announcers try to give a brief pro/con on every dog...It's just really informative and fun for people who are not around dog shows all the time like we are!"

We had one final question for Westminster's reigning owner/breeder: "If you could speak directly to PETA's Ingrid Newkirk, what would you say?"

Weichert's response:  "I don't think you could print that conversation."

-- Lindsay Barnett

Related posts:
BBC announces it won't air Crufts dog show
PETA to USA Network: don't air Westminster!
Dog show fans to PETA: leave Westminster alone!
BBC documentarian: "PETA is a bunch of crackpots"
PETA responds to BBC filmmaker's "crackpots" comment
PETA's Vice President: We don't want to take your dog away

Top photo:  Uno competes at Westminster.  Credit: Mary Bloom
Middle photo:  Uno visits a patient at the Walter Reed Hospital.  Credit: Eddie Dziuk
Bottom photo:  Uno with a friend at the Ronald McDonald House.  Credit: Eddie Dziuk

Comments

[Tee]

Lindsay Barnett, since you have written propaganda promoting the AKC before, it is not surprising to see more of it here.

Everything in this column is nonsense. The usual deception and excuses from the usual breeders trying to protect their incomes.

The primary source of income for the AKC is puppy mill registrations. That is how these dog shows and everything else get paid for http://tinyurl.com/85se6b

Dog shows are ads to encourage people to buy purebred dogs, which most will buy at the pet store, thus filling AKC's bank account, and also providing more customers for these "fanciers"

Any high school science student knows that purebred dog breeding means inbreeding, which means problems (problem that many of your friends' show dog have despite testing)

NOVA examined the problems with purebred dog breeding http://tinyurl.com/95qaf7

Spay neuter contracts aren't worth the paper they are written on. By the laws of this country, the buyer can do what they want with the dog they buy (whether or not they signed a contract.) And many buyers set up backyard breeding operations with the dog they buy from breeders just like Weichert.

In fact, many "hobby breeders" sell dogs to puppy mills, though they don't want you to know http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Neecy/3

At least 30 percent of dogs in shelters are purebreds, many AKC registered, and more still are in breed rescues.

But the big question here is WHY is LIndsay Barnett not only writing a column that is free advertising for a breeding business, but is filled with propaganda from the breeding industry and AKC designed to cover up the truth and problems in the industry?

The information in this column is basically cut and paste from the usual AKC lobbyist propaganda.

It isn't honest, it isn't true, and it is designed to cover up some pretty disgusting truths.

Surely Ms Barnett realizes that the "responses" she received are the usual organized email campaigns by the usual fanciers and lobbyists protecting their industry?

It is a shame to see a column being used to try to defend and protect a business contract with a television station for advertising for for-profit breeder businesses.

[Linda]

Right on Kathy Weichert! You said it all and you said it very well! Those of us who show and breed dogs take a lot of pride in producing healthy beautiful intelligent dogs! It is a wonderful sport and I'm proud to be part of it. Kudos!

[Stuart]

Well said Kathy!

Nice to see one side of the debate engaging in rational discussion.

Over to you PETA - can we see some valid points rather than your usual offerings?

[Pauline L. Masaschi]

Peta is jealous of all the publicity WEstminster brings
to the breeders, show people and pet people.
We have been showing and breeding dalmatians for
over 40 years. We will not support any pet stores
that are Peta related.

[A commercial breeder]

PETA has a point due to the excessive inbreeding by show people. Inbreeding not to improve any abilities but only to improve visual appearances.
Many breeds are on the decline in health. This is a fact. The Show GSD almost looks like they can hop like a frog. This breeder in my books is an idiot. Sure she bred a pretty dog. Its health and temperament
I do not know I have never laid my hands on this dog. I can generalize and point fingers at this breeder. I too use to show and have bred inside the show community. and the skeletons ,There are many.

Uno's breeder also likes to generalize by labeling all commercial breeders as puppy mills. when I was in the show community I was never offered any seminars. I was expected to know everything maybe through psychic ability, In the show world if you admit you do not know something ,they will pack on you like hungry wolves degrading you and putting you down so they can be top dog.
Many times these so called experts have but a few years eperince and maybe have bred a litter or two. In thier entire lives.

In the commercial dog breeding world we have seminars we go to. Put on by university professors, veterinarians, behaviorist, and many other experts.
We all get along passing on valuable experiences. Not knowing something proves you are willing to learn and are worthy of being a breeder. labeling all commercial breeders as a Puppy mill is totally ignorant and wrong.

I find it ironic the reason behind this idiot breeder why they call commercial breeders puppy mills is because of health issues. but when asked about the health of show dogs. she comes up with many excuses. The difference between a show and hobby kennel and a commercial kennels is.
The commercial kennel is licensed and inspected.

Where as the show and hobby kennel can hide and do what ever they please.

The public is much safer buying from a Pet Store that obtained their puppy from a USDA licensed kennel then any other kennel in the world. Regardless of testing because if a breeder continues inbreeding the testing’s are useless. This is why this silly breeder had her disclaimer in her interview

“On the contrary, says Weichert. "Those are breed traits! Those breeds have always looked like what they look like. No, those traits come naturally when breeding dogs of the same breed.

Genetic problems, she says, will happen regardless of the care a breeder takes; it's just a part of nature.

Can [PETA] explain why children are born with allergies, Down's, deformities, mental retardation? No”

The reason behind these testing’s is suppose to eliminate the problems but it does not. It is a fabrication that tested parents produce totally healthy young. These test give a false sense of security which in the long run can cause more problems.The test are suppose to be a guilde not the solution.
Inbreeding in itself is the culprit and the reason why so many pet dogs have serious congenital and hereditary issues. Inbreeding for visual looks is a serious problem. As for making money off of selling puppies. I personally would not want to buy a dog from a breeder who is in financial stress. We all know what conditions dogs are kept if the breeder or rescue is in financial stress.

[Anne]

It is no secret where Ms. Burnett's sympathies lie - the amount of space given to this article and the positive spin given to breeders is really dismaying. It is unfortunate that Ms. Burnett has not even attempted balanced coverage by deciding not to give even a small mention of the purebred animals that wind up in shelters every year, not to mention the mixed breeds that are euthanized due to a shortage of homes. This is an A-1 defense of breeding dogs - responsible journalism? I think not.

[Wendy]

This is a very good article about responsible people in the dog world.

I also have a few words for PETA...GET A LIFE!!!!

[GoUNOGo!]

What a heart-warming article... and look at UNO go!!

It's so pleasant to see an article about the good side of responsible hobby breeding and the good it can do.

It is such a refreshing change from PETA's usual doom and gloom.

Thank You!

[Emily~ DreamEyce]

Thanks for the follow up post, and in-the-know information from someone active in shows! I'm also thrilled to see flattering photos of the spectacular Uno, rather than the photo in the article of him shaking, and looking deformed. I was appalled by the previous photo choice.

I've been involved in dog shows and events since I was a child, showing in conformation, junior showmanship (and 4-H), obedience, agility, and more. I can assure anyone concerned, that not only do we only bother competing with dogs who enjoy competing, but the dogs LOVE the attention, and having jobs to do!

True show dogs, like those featured on Westminster live to show off, and adore the attention. It's comparable to a herding dog herding, and hunting dog hunting. They love working, by using their brains, and bodies. It takes a lot of charisma to be in the top ranks among show dogs, much like celebrities in the people world. Just like human celebrities though, the show dogs LOVE the attention!

I love watching Westminster, and look forward to it every year. Even as a child, Westminster was of more excitement to me than Christmas. It's educational, entertaining, and awesome to see the 'best of the best' in dogs competing, showcasing these amazing animals, and the work of responsible breeding. Shame on PETA for attacking responsible breeders, when they should be concerned with the irresponsible mass ('mill') for-profit breeders who don't care about the animals they pump out, past the money they bring in.

[RebekahM]

When will the general pubic smarten up and start doing the research. PETA is FAR from ethical and in most cases CRIMINAL. I am a small hobby breeder of Great Danes and I do compete in AKC conformation with my dogs. I have personal knowledge of just how far PETA will go to keep domestic animals, pure or mixed breed, out of the hands of the public. They pose as the average pet lover seeking to adopt from shelters etc only to put the animals down immediately. For them the pet is better of dead than in loving homes. We responsible breeders spend thousand of dollars and hours upon hours of litural blood sweat and tears to make sure the puppies we produce are healthy well tempered puppies. If PETA really cared about the "ethical" treatment of animals why don't they try shutting down the puppy mills instead of targeting those who care most about our pets. I'm not sure what dictionary they got the definition of ethical from but since when did ethical treatment = dead. When will people learn what PETA is really about ? But,I guess it's just easier to see movie stars in big ad campaingns and take them at face value. Because we all know that stars like Pamela Anderson etc are the picture of ethical, informed and intelligence.

[Michael Seebeck]

And the PETA pukes want to ban such good work...that says it all!

[Holly Fuller]

Way to go Kathy Weichert!! You said it all. It's a sport, we enjoy and our dogs enjoy it. We breed for good health and temperment, not quantity.

PETA is a sick group. Yes, my full opinion like Kathy's is unprintable. They're a very disturbed group. I believe that's why they're on the National Terrorist watch list and the AKC is not.

Holly Fuller
Kwan Yin Chinese Shar-pei
Breeding for Quality, not Quantity Since 1981

[MMC]

Excellent article! Time to send PeTA (and H$U$, and their AR fanatic human-hating buddies) back under the rocks from whence they crawled.

[Giovanni]

Okay, so why does it matter, LA Times if someone that has a vested interest in keeping the show alive does not like PETA? Slow news day?

If PETA wanted to, it would take them just a few minutes to inundate you with phone calls and messages on it, and no it would not be capped at 400..

[Rochelle]

Good on you for contacting Kathy Weichert and asking her side of the story. Her comments have reinforced what all good breeders should be aiming to achieve, and also hopefully will have educated those people who want a dog as part of their family as to how to find the right dog or puppy for them.
I work in a pet retail store (our puppies and kittens are all examined by a vet who also views the parents prior to putting them up for sale), and the absolute BEST thing I can ever hear a customer say is, "I've done my research and this is the breed I want".

[D.R. Cox]

The occasional incidence of skin problems in the Chinese Shar-Pei are related to the immune system, not the wrinkles. Reputable breeders are reducing the incidence by not breeding dogs with immune issues.
By definition, reputable breeders do not sell dogs to commercial kennels. Anyone can call themselves a reputable breeder, which does not make it true. Nor do the claims of radical animal rights activists become true simply because they are published in a blog. Reputable breeders do more to actually improve the lives of animals than PETA or its supporters ever have or will.

[Mary Nagy]

Yeah! Finally a great article that presents the truth that Peta works so hard to bury. I know a lot of hobby breeders and don't know any that can declare a profit. Not that I think it is a crime to actually make money breeding dogs. But it is very rare to see a responsible breeder actually making money. The costs of breeding and keeping dogs far outweigh the money a litter might bring in. It's frightening to read some of the pro-Peta comments. These people are so brainwashed, they believe everything Peta says! Thanks for the article. We dog owners and breeders are being targeted with the aim of removing our dogs from our ownership. We don't have the millions of dollars groups like Peta have to buy billboards and ads. By giving us a voice, I hope you have caused some readers to think about doing some research on their own. Peta, Hsus, and their ilk are not about helping animals. They are about making them extinct. They are about hatred of humans. Can you imagine a world without dogs? That's the world they want you to live in! If it wasn't for their money, this minority of AR cultists would not exist and would have no power.

[Xie]

Ingrid Newkirk once said, '"I am not a morose person but I would rather not be here. I don't have any reverence for life, only for the entities themselves. I would rather see a
blank space where I am. This will sound like fruitcake stuff again, but at least I wouldn't be harming anything.' Ingrid, most sensible people also wish there was a blank space where you are because you are most certainly doing harm.

[Tammy Tosh]

Inbreeding, linebreeding and outcrossing are three different things. Most show breeders linebreed, not INBREED. Inbreeding is using mother/daughter...father/son ...etc...very close.
Professional breeders use what is called a COI ( coefficient) to tell us about the breeding closeness... I doubt many animal rights radicals even know what that is...you want to linebreed to try and hold on to your good genes once you lock them in.
Animal lovers wake up, PETA and HSUS want to take away your right to buy or adopt any animal PERIOD!
Last I checked this is the land of the free, unless my dog gets a job and a W2 I own him I am not his "Guardian" !!

[Nunya]

HOW MANY ANIMALS DOES PETA EUTHANIZE A YEAR JUST IN THEIR NORFOLK VA. "RESCUE"? HOW MANY DOES IT REHABILITATE AND ADOPT OUT? PETA "KILLS" MORE DOGS PER YEAR THAN A AVERAGE SHELTER.
DID PETA FORGET ABOUT GOING TO AKC CONFIRMATION DOG SHOWS AND RELEASING DOGS OUT OF THEIR CRATES? WHAT DID THIS PROVE HOW FAST A DOG COULD BE HIT BY A CAR. WOULD YOU LIKE SOMEONE COMING IN YOUR HOME OPENING YOUR FRONT DOOR AND LETTING YOUR PET OUT.
PETA~ DEFEND OUR COUNTRY IN A WAR OR GET A LIFE!

[D R DeWitt]

All the genetic defect defects in 'purebred dogs' that the Peta extremists are pointing out also exist in mixed breed dogs. The reason you don't hear about it is no one is doing diligent testing and bloodline research into mixed breed dogs. Responsible show breeders have sunk much time, and money into research and many milestones in canine health and genetics have been reached because of it. I have worked in high end veterinary clinics for 17 years and have seen many genetic defects. And Guess what. there were just as many mixed mutts with genetic problems as there were purebreds. I've met two Labrador Standard Poodle mixes ' misleadingly called Labradoodles' and both have had serious genetic faults. One of which led to the death of one of them. Not to mention this particular breed as well as many other mixed 'designer breeds' have been created by puppy millers to try to appeal to the public in the face of these slanderous anti pure-bred dog campaigns that are put on by people like Peta. who run around dog shows and let dogs out of their crates, putting them in jeapordy, killing dogs under the false pretense of rescuing them. If they would just come out and tell you their real agenda, you'd immediately stop listening.
From what I can tell the purebred dog world of dog show people have the few who give the sport a bad name and should be removed from the sport and dog ownership. But there are hundreds of thousands of commercial dog breeders and puppy mills that are part of a big corporate business that includes big names like JB Hunt, PetLand, and other pet stores that sell dogs. Brokers, Amish, Wisconsin law makers, and of course the people who buy the puppies from these places who obtain a poorly bred purebred puppy for an inflated price with papers and NO SPAY / NEUTER contract and decide they should breed it and make some extra money.
THIS is how the shelters get filled up every years. It is even rumored that the HSUS is in league with these organizations. Let's face it. without all the shelter dogs HSUS would be out of business and unlike your small local shelter, it is big business. with millions in donations.

[Ella]

To "Tee" at the top:

There is not a brick wall between responable breeders and puppy mills, there are shades of both; is someone who only breeds once a year and has only one dog and registers them to the AKC a responsable breeder? Even if daddy is the dog down the street who is only a Lab in name, the parents arn't heath checked, and the "breeder" is doing nothing to make sure that the puppies don't end up in shelters?

There are going to be dogs in the shelter who are AKC registered, but they are a world away from the dog showing at Westminster, those dogs will not end up in shelters, nor will their parents, or their puppies, or their siblings. It is the AKC registered puppies from Backyard Breeders (BYBs) who end up in shelters (BYBs are mostly people who do not have bad intentions in mind, but do not understand the fullness of the responasbility of breeding a litter, do not know about heath testing, and often breed there one female to whatever dog of the same breed they can find because maybe A. She is such a good dog, B. Someone told them its good for a female to have a litter, C. They want the children to experiance the miracle of birth, or D. they want to make some quick money, those puppies are not show dogs, those puppies do end up in the shelter, AKC or no).

And what heathy, well bred, dogs do you expect up to breed from one we have iradicated puppy mills and BYBs? I hope you have a better answer then I can come up with.

[Dr. Rosset]

Notice how threatening the PETA supporters are and how dismissive of the opposing viewpoint. We are disgusted that such a radical group has so misled the public about everything from genetics to the purpose of dogs and cats which quite frankly have been around as long or longer than humans and chose to live with us. Animal rights activists led by PETA and HSUS do not want to see domestic animals continue to live on this earth. "We have no ethical obligation to preserve the different breeds of livestock produced through selective breeding. ...One generation and out. We have no problems with the extinction of domestic animals. They are creations of human selective breeding ** Wayne Pacelle * Director of HSUS
Thank you for giving our side the opportunity to respond to their sordid tactics.

[K-RUN KENNELS]

To: A COMMERCIAL BREEDER

First, you don't know me, so to call me an idiot numerous times in your post only shows your pathetic desperate mentality!

Second, the difference between you and me is not "inspections" (although, you're to ignorant to know that WE (show/hobby breeders) are subject to unannounced AKC inspections at any time)! The difference is, you breed poorly bred unhealthy dogs by the dozens to make a living and I have a J-O-B!

Please take your unfounded rant somewhere else because the majority of people here see right thru your self righteous bs!

KATHY WEICHERT
K-RUN BEAGLES
"Where quality always outweighs quantity"

[K-RUN KENNELS]

To: TEE

I suggest you quit unfounded accusations and do your homework! Here's a few things you should know!

Show and hobby breeders DO NOT sell to pet shops!
I have never inbred a litter and do not know anyone that has!
Mills, commercial breeders and backyard breeders do not register their puppies with AKC because there are too many records, rules and guidelines that are strictly enforced by AKC. These "breeders" made up their own registry to FOOL buyers into believing they are getting a registered dog and to bypass the rules of breeding, identification and ownership paperwork required by AKC on EVERY dog we own. It is known as the "APR -AMERICAN PET REGISTRY". Please see https://www.aprpets.org/page.php?3
Mills, commercial breeders and backyarders ALL sell their puppies on open registrations so the new owners can continue the cycle of unethical breeding. Mills,commercial breeders and backyard breeders do NO health testing.
Mills, commercial breeders and backyard breeders have created DESIGNER MUTTS such as puggles, labradoodles, maltepoo, cockapoo, etc.
Mills, commercial breeders and backyard breeders make MORE money breeding dogs than any show breeder could dream of!
Spay/neuter contracts are enforced by show breeders and you are welcome to contact any of my pet homes to verify this!

And, just for the record, you nor your slimy hands will EVER get close enough to Uno to "have your hands on him".

KATHY WEICHERT
K-RUN BEAGLES
"Where quality always quantity"

[JL]

I am thrilled to see the courage shown by the LA Times in printing an article that is not pro-AR (Peta/HSUS). Its about time the truth comes out. I have been showing/breeding Italian Greyhounds for over 20 years, never producing more than one or two litters per year. I know where my puppies go, who owns them, how they are cared for, and when the owners circumstances change, I will gladly take back any of them no matter what age or physical condition. PETA and HSUS do not fund research into health issues for purebred animals, but the AKC and the thousands of independent kennel clubs fund many health research projects aimed at resolving these health concerns. Its time the general public get a clue - we are not the enemy. PETA and HSUS use terrorists tactics and millions of dollars donated from the unsuspecting and uninformed public to push their agenda - as many have said before me, their agenda is to end pet ownership in the US and then around the world. PETA and HSUS would have you believe that even the dogs used as guide dogs, rescue dogs, service dogs, bomb sniffing dogs, etc., should be eradicated. I only hope that our new administration will see through the lies and misinformation used by these AR groups and realize their selfish agendas when new legislation is proposed to curb our rights as animal lovers to breed, show, train, and love these amazing creatures.

[dogmama]

How do you PETA supporters explain this comment by No Kill shelter advocate Nathan Winograd?: "PETA lost what little remaining clout as a voice of authority relating to companion animals among the rescue community it still had. In 2008, PETA wrote King County, WA officials and asked them not to give in to shelter reform advocates who want to reduce shelter killing, which the Council thankfully deemed not worthy of a reply. They then did a series of robo-calls asking supporters in the Seattle area to call the County Council in support of the cruel and barbaric King County Animal Control, despite reports of animal neglect and cruelty. They also called for continued killing of feral cats in Pittsburgh after a TNR initiative was launched by Pittsburgh officials who dismissed PETA’s position as cruel. Houstonites attack PETA’s pro-kill position after PETA attacked a plan to review the shelter which would help lower shelter death rates. The Michael Vick court ignored PETA’s call for the deaths of the dogs. And because PETA routinely kills over 90% of all animals it impounds, including adoptable animals, a petition is filed with the Virginia Department of Agriculture to recategorize PETA as a slaughterhouse.

Is anyone still listening to PETA?"

Read Nathan's book, Redemption. It documents how animal "shelters" were founded in the 19th century with the express purpose of killing animals. "Euthanasia" was supposed to be better for strays than being drowned or beaten to death. The raison d'etre of shelters is to kill; it is their mission, and they pursue killing obsessively and with great determination.
Mandatory spay neuter advocates wrongfully blame the public and breeders for shelter euthanasia, but mass euthanasia happens because of entrenched internal goals and dynamics of animal "shelters". HSUS and PETA are part of and defend these institutionalized goals and for years have opposed No Kill programs. PETA has written news editors throughout the country, smearing Nathan, and undermining his work.
In the HBO documentary/biography, I am an Animal, Ingrid Newkirk goes to great lengths to persuade an impoverished man to relinquish his dog to her, promising to care for it, only to euthanize it with a deep feeling of self satisfaction. How is that rescue or caring for animals? How can you watch this and not be disturbed by it? Contrast that with Nathan who has devoted his life to STOPPING the KILLING.
Why hasn't the mainstream media noticed any of these contradictions?
Even ALF is critical of PETA--http://tinyurl.com/7bzh5e
and they are the farthest thing from food industry/"animal industry" shills imaginable.
Show people are aware of these facts, and the public should be, too.

[vfolly]

To A Commercial Breeder:

What a joke. Apparently you don't even know the extent of the commercial breeding and puppymill farming and lack of rules thereof, in your own US of A.

The only commercial breeding operations that are inspected are those either registered with the USDA or those who breed under AKC auspices registration, and are subject to inspections from those organizations. The others are NOT inspected. And there are 'inspections' and 'inspections'. A vast difference between them, even comparing those two entities.

And they are not by any means the worst of the mills run in this country, they are only the ones who abide by some regulating. And frankly the regulations of the USDA are way less than they should be since they term Commercial breeding no different than farm animal breeding.

What of the multitides of millers in this country that proliferate with NO regulations? The ones who ship dogs in unheated and unaired semi's at the age of 8 weeks or even less in tiny cages? Who speaks for them? What of the millions of dogs and cats who live in filth encrusted tiny cages while their poor parents are also caged such that they cannot move out of their own filth? THAT is also 'Commercial Breeding'.

The small hobby/show breeders are on a totally opposite end of the spectrum from this slimy underworld. Yes there are some large scale commercial operations that are clean, but they are not a majority anymore.

And don't tell me that you've got a history of health and genetic testing on 100% of not only your current dogs, but also their parents/grandparents/great-grandparents. As far back as the testing became available.

THIS is what a good RESPONSIBLE hobby/show breeder does routinely.

NO, you cannot totally eradicate all genetic diseases until such time as marker tests are available for them. But you most DEFINITELY can curtail them, limit them from cropping up in your breeding process, and most DEFINITELY can test for them and NOT breed dogs who are identified as having them. Ahhhh, But that would entail having tested them all and their family tree, and knowing what is possible or not possible in a specific mating.

And when did anyone OTHER than a Responsible Breeder/or owner ever CONTRIBUTE to the Health Foundations or the CERFS orOFA studies or any other specific Breed Health testing or record keeping run by the RESPONSIBLE Parent Clubs for each breed that are totally supported by Show/Hobby breeders? Certainly NOT the commercial breeders or puppymills or backyard breeders.

And a Responsible Breeder either pre-neuters all pets leaving their care, or sells them on a tight spay/neuter contract so that they can NOT continue to contribute to the Shelter and Rescue populations. Not to mention attempting to maintain close ties with their buyers through the training and neutering process, and dealing fairly with any issues that crop up, be it health or training, or 'god forbid' a divorse that forces the return of that dog, even at age 10 to it's breeder.

And WHY do you not continue to show dogs? Were you not successful enough? Or was it just not important enough to you? The original INTENT of AKC dog showing was to evaluate breeding stock. To make sure that what we breed has good breed "type" and health and soundness and temperament. If you truly cared anything for the breeds you are producing, you would WANT to continue to show dogs and only produce puppies from the very best of the best you have. Because THAT is what a truly responsible breeder does. They strive for breed type, for overall health and temperament that goes back and forward for generations. They breed from not just a Champion or two in a pedigree, but a whole pedigree of mostly Champions, and ones who have maintained health into their senior years, and kept up with their testing way beyond even their last breeding. ONLY that type of testing proves that what you are breeding at least attempts to be responsible and keep genetic disorders to a minimum. NO you can't completely rid the world of disease, but you sure CAN keep preventable ones from happening.

So for you to make your claims of 'it doesn't matter' when talking about health, or 'there are no differenced there' when talking about comparing commercial breeders to a Responsible Hobby/Show Breeder who ONLY produces a litter or a few litters a year bred from Show stock with substantial and continuing health testing is just laughable and clearly shows your ignorance of what you do.

What would I say to PETA? You do not want to know, as I refuse to give any creedence to a terrorist organization trying to rid the world of domesticated pets. But I would say that they are surely targeting the WRONG targe here.

[Paula Goode]

Way to go Kathy!! I wish more dog show people where as out spoken as you are. You tell it from your heart. And I am proud to have Uno brother, Draco. You and Leah have great Beagles. And we enjoy every moment with Draco. I have enjoy the dog show world. And you are right about meeting people who love dogs and loves showing them. I know one thing for sure. Jr handlers are kids that love there dog and learn responsibility for taking care of a living animal. These kids also learn new friendship with other Jr. Handlers. I know that kids that take care of dogs, grow up to be responsible young ladies and men. Again Kathy way to go!!!!

[Stuart]

Just thought I'd respond to a few things that made me do a double-take as I read through these comments:

To the Peta supporters that posted decrying the "bias" of this article -

Where were you with your cries for balanced reporting when the original article, to which this is a response, was published? Is objectivity only required of your opponents?

I don't know about funding for Westiminster, but funding for dog shows where I am is from sponsors, exhibitor entry fees and local kennel/breed club fundraising (raffles, annual memberships etc).
Do you have a basis for your assertion that over 30% of dogs in shelters are purebred? I wasn't aware of a central registry that all shelters and rescues report to with their kill statistics for the month - as you clearly have the figures, can you direct me to the source? If there are that many registered dogs, maybe you could pass on the kennel names that keep cropping up to the AKC?

To the "commercial breeder" -

First, how can you know what you're producing health wise if you sell your "products" through brokers and pet stores? Do any of your eventual puppy buyers even receive your contact details? A responsible breeder (regardless of the scale of their breeding program) needs to know what a line is producing in terms of health, conformation, longevity etc, not just in terms of profit!

Second, testing allows responsible breeders to stack the deck in favour of the puppy - they still don't get to pick out the cards. At least they're trying, and in many cases succeeding. No matter how hard they try though, they can't affect what other people (those that don't test, and those that ignore unfavourable results) keep in the gene pool.

To Kathy :

Thanks again for having the courage to stand up for the responsible breeding/showing world.

(I do not breed, but I show and own pedigree dogs, participate in rescue and am a member of 2 clubs for my chosen breed)

[Spay/Neuter Mama]

"Hobby" breeders and breeders in general are the foundation of the "backyard" breeders that are filling our shelters. Selling unaltered puppies supplies this underground economy of backyard breeding and robs the taxpayers because taxes aren't being collected. I only have one question to a breeder when they start complaining and that is "How much did you pay in taxes on your breeding?" because they are ripping us all off by not paying taxes. Breeding is an industry that can fly under radar on that issue. This is your tale, lady, I sit on mine.

[Eric]

Dog Shows are not a form of advertisement to induce the public to purchase pedigreed dogs, but rather they are for breeders to pick out the best livestock for future breeding programs. Likewise cattle and farm shows are not meant to encourage the public to purchase cows or sheep. PETA should get its facts correct!

[Paula Goode]

To the Commercial Breeder who called Kathy an idiot. First of all calling people names is Unprofessional.!! Everyone has there own opinion on there animals. Kathy has hers and your have yours. But , I have brought two dogs at a pet store and had brought a beagle from a back yard breeder (hunter.) Of coarse I did not know any better. I just wanted a pet for my family. These dogs that I brought from the pet store and from the back yard breeder had alot of Health Problems. One I have (beagle) from the back yard breeder, is in poor health!! He has siezers. I have to give him Phenobarbital everyday. And sometime he still has his siezers. As I was writing this letter, He had one. And they last a while. It was not until four years ago that my daughter had gotten into the AKC Dog Show World. She saw a Beagle named Parker. Love him.( This is Uno Daddy! ) She wanted one just like him. So she got a hold of Leah and Kathy. Not only did these Ladies gave her a beautiful Beagle but a Healthy one at that!! These ladies also gave us a contract that they stand behind there beagles. Since than we have gotten another beagle from them and she is as healthy and beautiful as well. I can a sure you, that these breeders do there homework!! Peta goes over board and maybe they mean well but Peta needs to do there Homework. Dog shows are wounderful, not only for the kids and adults but for the dogs as well!! They are spoiled by there owners and loved in many was.Not everything is profit but at lease we do our Best.. What about You!!! So before you call people names, Please be Professional and find out what is best on breeding dogs.

[dogmama]

Spay/Neuter Mama, stop spreading lies about hobby
breeders, whom you obviously know nothing about.
Responsible breeders have spay neuter contracts
on pet puppies. Intact animals are usually sold only
to people the breeders or the breeders' close friends
KNOW PERSONALLY. These animals are often sold on co-owner contracts so that breeders have some control
over any unexpected irresponsible behavior on the owners' part. Breeders check out people's suitability
to own dogs with people who live in the potential
owner's area (even if it is in another state), and they
do home visits and checks as well. Many clubs
prohibit sales to commercial breeders. There is a huge
distinction between hobby breeders and backyard breeders. Hobby breeders have been critical of
backyard breeders FOR YEARS before any of you animal rights people. Hobby breeders take precisely considered and targeted steps to keep backyard breeders from breeding. I've heard it many times, it can be harder to buy a dog from a good hobby
breeder than it is to adopt a child. Hobby breeders
protect their breeds as well as their own dogs. And
show people, whether they breed or not (a lot of show
people do not breed) do rescue as well--again, well
before it became a trendy thing to do. Stop spreading
lies and do something constructive instead of being
destructive.

[Cindy Williams]

TrackBack writes:
"Dog shows are ads to encourage people to buy purebred dogs, which most will buy at the pet store, thus filling AKC's bank account, and also providing more customers for these "fanciers".."

That is complete and utter nonsense! AKC doesn't pay the kennel clubs a PENNY for putting on dog shows! The members of the clubs VOLUNTEER and do all of the work and it costs our clubs money to do these shows.
We DO NOT have shows to advertise to the general public! Usually the public isn't even aware their is a dog show going on in their county. We do not sell puppies at dogshows, it is against the rules. Puppies under 6 months of age aren't actually allowed at the shows and dogs that aren't competing are not supposed to be on the show grounds either.
AKC dogshows are a venue for AKC breeders to get together, compare our dogs and compete against one another, all in the ultimate goal of improving our breeds of purebred dogs.
My club this year did very well making money off of entries from AKC dog owners and breeders so we donated $1000.00 of that money to CANINE HEALTH RESEARCH (which helps ALL dogs, not just out purebreds), $1000.00 more to our K9 Troops in Iraq, and $600.00 to fight the Animal Rights (not Welfare) creeps in our state.
We volunteer, we work our tails off, and we do it for the love of our dogs. To try to take our dogs away from us is to infringe on our consitutional rights and the very fabric of life in America. You AR whacko's have a bigger fight on your hands than you think. We LOVE our dogs and puppies!

[Corrie]

There is a world of difference between puppy mills and legitimate breeders. Those the breed over and over and over again are the problem. A responsible breeder does not lock their animals in cages 24/7. I have two pure bred shelties that I have given homes to because the owner wanted them to have good homes. PETA is the one with the propaganda. How many puppy mills do you know where the dogs are allowed to sleep in the house and even on the owners bed?