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by ShelleyR on 11 March 2012 - 16:03
Most of the definitions/descriptions above are accurate. Kennel blindness is all about ego. A measure of success (say, in competition) sometimes only serves to reinforce the problem, regardless of the scale of the breeding operation. However, the worst cases of kennel blindness are invariably people who do not train or compete for any work application or competition which demands, by nature, any adherence to the breed standard. At first, one might think the show people provide the greatest proportion of kennel blind breeders, but active show people are still somewhat restricted by the parameters of competition. In fact its would-be working dog breeders, ("I don't care what they look like, I only care about temperament...") who demonstrate the most serious cases of kennel blindness, compounded by sheer ignorance and inability to accurately assess the temperament of a dog.
We long-time competitors/breeders think of those "independent thinkers", who typically describe their misplaced efforts as breeders as "improving the breed", as the scourge of whatever breed they choose to "improve." They tend to stay aloof from other breed fanciers, always seeing themselves as somehow "better" than we poor, misguided slugs who DO strive to produce animals capable of passing the tests leading to the breed survey. Since the advent of the internet, and the easy availability of breeding, health, and performance statistics to anyone with a computer, we are seeing more and more of what some of us call "Wildcat Breeders". These independent thinkers, self-described Saviors of the German Shepehrd Dog, spend half their lives online, compiling statistics which they twist and pervert to support RIDICULOUS breeding programs, cranking out litter after litter, frequently back-to-back breedings of immature dogs, that long-time successful GSD breeders would consider "experimental." They literally spout statistics like an over-full septic tank, blasting their sewage-based thinking at those of us who would dare to question their reasoning.
Next thing we see is Ms/Mr Kennel Blind Independent Thinker breeding dogs that aren't even registered with any recognized breed organization, having finally cast off the last vestiges of compliance to any rules or order that the rest of us plebs feel are im[ortant.
The tragedy in all of this are, of course, the hapless dogs produced from the kennel blind breeder, that Independent Thinker who doesnt need anyone's advice or approval regarding his/her dogs or anything else he/she does, as he/she boldly marches those dogs, each generation less reminiscent of the generation before, down the trail to the beat of his/her own drum, towards.... what?
His/her own breed?
Might as well.
-editted for clarity
We long-time competitors/breeders think of those "independent thinkers", who typically describe their misplaced efforts as breeders as "improving the breed", as the scourge of whatever breed they choose to "improve." They tend to stay aloof from other breed fanciers, always seeing themselves as somehow "better" than we poor, misguided slugs who DO strive to produce animals capable of passing the tests leading to the breed survey. Since the advent of the internet, and the easy availability of breeding, health, and performance statistics to anyone with a computer, we are seeing more and more of what some of us call "Wildcat Breeders". These independent thinkers, self-described Saviors of the German Shepehrd Dog, spend half their lives online, compiling statistics which they twist and pervert to support RIDICULOUS breeding programs, cranking out litter after litter, frequently back-to-back breedings of immature dogs, that long-time successful GSD breeders would consider "experimental." They literally spout statistics like an over-full septic tank, blasting their sewage-based thinking at those of us who would dare to question their reasoning.
Next thing we see is Ms/Mr Kennel Blind Independent Thinker breeding dogs that aren't even registered with any recognized breed organization, having finally cast off the last vestiges of compliance to any rules or order that the rest of us plebs feel are im[ortant.
The tragedy in all of this are, of course, the hapless dogs produced from the kennel blind breeder, that Independent Thinker who doesnt need anyone's advice or approval regarding his/her dogs or anything else he/she does, as he/she boldly marches those dogs, each generation less reminiscent of the generation before, down the trail to the beat of his/her own drum, towards.... what?
His/her own breed?
Might as well.
-editted for clarity
by oregontnt2007 on 11 March 2012 - 16:03
OUCH SHELLY R.....
I think I like your post the BEST!
I think I like your post the BEST!
by brynjulf on 11 March 2012 - 17:03
I'm not sure kennel blindness is about ego. I honestly feel it is being to close to the dogs. You just can see the forest for the trees.
by darylehret on 11 March 2012 - 17:03
It appears to me that if we have any opnions at all, we ALL have our own personal forms of "blindness". And that may very well describe the independant thinkers involved with the breed, but surely also ncludes the team players who are unable to discard what doesn't work.
by oregontnt2007 on 11 March 2012 - 19:03
BRAVO & well said!
by Jeff Oehlsen on 11 March 2012 - 19:03
Quote:
Well, this is rather obviously a shot a Daryl. A good arguement against what you are saying is fairly easy, where are all the stud dogs we are producing here in the states ? If the long time competitors and breeders were to really look at how pathetic their idea of breeding truely is, then they would see that they pretty much only compete with bob vom somewhere in europe haus. What good is that ?
I have met and spent time with Daryl. I have worked his dogs. Have you ? How about something he has bred ?
Here we have an example of someone who is breeding with his goals in mind, and an example of someone whose opinion precludes her from having any actual experience with this persons dogs. If you had bought a pup from Daryl, and trained the dog, then maybe you could actually have an opinion that had actual worth. As it stands, you have no idea whatsoever, yet have decided since he has went his own way, that there is no worth to his breeding stock or his pups.
Pot calling the kettle black as far as the internet thing.
Kennel blindness is one thing, an opinion with no actual experience to back it up is another. You fit into one of my catagories of kennel blindness.
| We long-time competitors/breeders think of those "independent thinkers", who typically describe their misplaced efforts as breeders as "improving the breed", as the scourge of whatever breed they choose to "improve." They tend to stay aloof from other breed fanciers, always seeing themselves as somehow "better" than we poor, misguided slugs who DO strive to produce animals capable of passing the tests leading to the breed survey. Since the advent of the internet, and the easy availability of breeding, health, and performance statistics to anyone with a computer, we are seeing more and more of what some of us call "Wildcat Breeders". |
Well, this is rather obviously a shot a Daryl. A good arguement against what you are saying is fairly easy, where are all the stud dogs we are producing here in the states ? If the long time competitors and breeders were to really look at how pathetic their idea of breeding truely is, then they would see that they pretty much only compete with bob vom somewhere in europe haus. What good is that ?
I have met and spent time with Daryl. I have worked his dogs. Have you ? How about something he has bred ?
Here we have an example of someone who is breeding with his goals in mind, and an example of someone whose opinion precludes her from having any actual experience with this persons dogs. If you had bought a pup from Daryl, and trained the dog, then maybe you could actually have an opinion that had actual worth. As it stands, you have no idea whatsoever, yet have decided since he has went his own way, that there is no worth to his breeding stock or his pups.
Pot calling the kettle black as far as the internet thing.
Kennel blindness is one thing, an opinion with no actual experience to back it up is another. You fit into one of my catagories of kennel blindness.
by ShelleyR on 11 March 2012 - 20:03
Actually, my lack of experience with the breeding program in question is more a process of geography than choice. Its not like I can go to a major event, or even one of the many, many clubs I have had the pleasure of visiting, and observe any of the products of said program in person.
I look forward to living vicariously through Jeff's incorporating his friend's admired breeding program into his own.
I look forward to living vicariously through Jeff's incorporating his friend's admired breeding program into his own.
by benzi on 11 March 2012 - 22:03
I think you are blind if you think the structure of the German Shepherd should have the hock flat on the ground.....or so cow hocked both legs are coming out of the same hole....such a shame...
by hexe on 11 March 2012 - 22:03
I'm unclear on something in the thinly veiled undercurrent discussion--more than one reference has been made to the breeding of an 'unregistered' bitch, yet the most recent litter is advertised as being sold with AKC full registration...consequently, doesn't that mean that said bitch IS registered with that organization? I do like to see accuracy in any discussion...
On topic, my understanding of 'kennel blind' is a breeder/owner's inability to see, or refusal to acknowledge, any flaw, fault, lack of or weakness in one or more traits in individual or multiple dogs, or line of dogs; this couples with the belief that the residents of one's kennel contains all the genetics necessary to produce dogs that meet the breed standard in every facet, and there is not and never will be any need to utilize genetics from dogs outside of that kennel to maintain that standard-meeting quality for generations innumerable. The final aspect of kennel blindness is the unwavering belief that while there may be dogs that are just as good as the breeder/owner's in the hands of others, there are no BETTER dogs to be had anywhere, from anyone, at any time.
On topic, my understanding of 'kennel blind' is a breeder/owner's inability to see, or refusal to acknowledge, any flaw, fault, lack of or weakness in one or more traits in individual or multiple dogs, or line of dogs; this couples with the belief that the residents of one's kennel contains all the genetics necessary to produce dogs that meet the breed standard in every facet, and there is not and never will be any need to utilize genetics from dogs outside of that kennel to maintain that standard-meeting quality for generations innumerable. The final aspect of kennel blindness is the unwavering belief that while there may be dogs that are just as good as the breeder/owner's in the hands of others, there are no BETTER dogs to be had anywhere, from anyone, at any time.
by workingdogz on 12 March 2012 - 11:03
Kennel blindness strikes every dog owner to a certain degree.
Pet owners, competitors etc. It's not a problem to be 'blind' to
your dogs faults, as long as that dog is not being bred!
IMO, Kennel Blindness is simply ones inability to objectivley
evaluate their own dog(s).
And when this inability guides them in breeding, it is a recipe for
disaster.
This is where training and titling can aid this same person.
They can put all their 'theories' and claims of greatness
to the 'test'. It will also teach this same person where their dog
excels and falls short in various areas. And help them make
educated choices in suitable breeding partners for their
dog(s). Or make the choice NOT to breed that dog at all.
Perfect examples:
Breeding a dog with known bad hips/elbows and DJD,
and claiming the dog to be perfectly healthy and very
superior to any dog around.
Breeding dogs not xrayed (at the VERY least), and while still
puppies themselves. Never testing, never getting "out there"
with their dogs, but heavily criticizing those that do train/title.
Making excuses for their dog: 'oh, he/she is shy because
he/she was not socialized as a puppy' etc etc
Failing to actually 'see' temperment/nerve/health
problems, and drawing focus only to pedigree and
famous dogs 2-3 generations back-whats really ironic about
that is, those dogs are tested/titled!
When one doesn't bother to check a dog for bare minimal
known health issues within their breed of choice, and breeds
the dog regardless.
These are all signs of being 'blind'.
People will never run out of excuses as to 'why'
they don't title/health test their dogs, and why those
same tests are not a good way to measure a dogs
breedability.
What they miss is, what trialling a dog shows them.
You can watch how the dog interacts 'off' the field,
around the hotel etc. Does he/she spook at things
like automatic doors? Does the dog travel well?
Or does he/she end up not eating or with diarhea etc?
Is the dog confident in all new environments? new people?
How do crowds effect the dog, if at all.
It's not always about the 'points', it's the 'road travelled'
to get there that will educate one about their dog.
Then, one must be able to honestly and objectively
look at the same dog and decide, yes I'll breed you
because '__________', or no, you won't be bred.
Problem is, it's hard to get those dark rose colored
glasses off people.
Pet owners, competitors etc. It's not a problem to be 'blind' to
your dogs faults, as long as that dog is not being bred!
IMO, Kennel Blindness is simply ones inability to objectivley
evaluate their own dog(s).
And when this inability guides them in breeding, it is a recipe for
disaster.
This is where training and titling can aid this same person.
They can put all their 'theories' and claims of greatness
to the 'test'. It will also teach this same person where their dog
excels and falls short in various areas. And help them make
educated choices in suitable breeding partners for their
dog(s). Or make the choice NOT to breed that dog at all.
Perfect examples:
Breeding a dog with known bad hips/elbows and DJD,
and claiming the dog to be perfectly healthy and very
superior to any dog around.
Breeding dogs not xrayed (at the VERY least), and while still
puppies themselves. Never testing, never getting "out there"
with their dogs, but heavily criticizing those that do train/title.
Making excuses for their dog: 'oh, he/she is shy because
he/she was not socialized as a puppy' etc etc
Failing to actually 'see' temperment/nerve/health
problems, and drawing focus only to pedigree and
famous dogs 2-3 generations back-whats really ironic about
that is, those dogs are tested/titled!
When one doesn't bother to check a dog for bare minimal
known health issues within their breed of choice, and breeds
the dog regardless.
These are all signs of being 'blind'.
People will never run out of excuses as to 'why'
they don't title/health test their dogs, and why those
same tests are not a good way to measure a dogs
breedability.
What they miss is, what trialling a dog shows them.
You can watch how the dog interacts 'off' the field,
around the hotel etc. Does he/she spook at things
like automatic doors? Does the dog travel well?
Or does he/she end up not eating or with diarhea etc?
Is the dog confident in all new environments? new people?
How do crowds effect the dog, if at all.
It's not always about the 'points', it's the 'road travelled'
to get there that will educate one about their dog.
Then, one must be able to honestly and objectively
look at the same dog and decide, yes I'll breed you
because '__________', or no, you won't be bred.
Problem is, it's hard to get those dark rose colored
glasses off people.
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