An important read for anyone involved in the purebred dog fancy today.
Since about 140 years dogs are being bred closely to standards under the observation of national kennel clubs. Since this time, the purebred dog has been regarded by many as superior to an important part of the species-indigenous pariah dogs, that are looked at with contempt. Is this appropriate, or might they have some important lessons for us?
Edith and Johan Gallant, who have been involved in the purebred fancy as breeders, exhibitors and judges, encourage us to take an objective look into the past and future of man's best friend:
— Has the purebred dog initiative since its inception indeed improved the breeds under manipulation?
— Are our purebred dogs at the onset of the twenty-first century mentally and physically fitter than the stock from which they were extracted?
— Have the selectively bred breeds indeed been improved in respect of canine needs or was the effort rather an ornamental achievement?
— Did failures occur and what went wrong?
— Can the situation be remedied?
