rant... conformation breeding neutering

[gotbigdogs]

I made Argus' neuter appt and its killing me. There are a few reasons. To start- there is no perfect dog in any breed. He is a very nice dog... he is one of the most sound saint bernards ive ever seen, he meets the standard, he has only 2 real faults; not perfect pigment and a gay tail. He is a beautiful mover for a giant breed. He is however small compared to what else is out there. His litter was all over the place for size although he is the smallest. Fact of the matter is I will never use him as stud and I doubt anyone else would want to either. He would make an ideal bitch.

The part that kills me is that I am the furthest thing from "kennel blind" I am very, very hard on my dogs. I know that just because a dog is nice and a champion doesnt mean they should be bred. but WHY AM I THE ONLY PERSON WHO SEES THAT! Time and time again I see dogs around that have no business being exhibited that are genuinely lame and are being campaigned like its no issue. I do not want to be one of those people. In the saint world they justify it because "movement" is not in our standard, however my belief is that they are a working breed and should be able to work and do what is required of them with out breaking down their bodies in the meantime. Not long ago I heard a prominent breeder tell a new judge they were mentoring that saints should not be conditioned... omg!?

Not to mention im hoping to god he doesnt have any sort of growth spurt afterwards where ill be hating myself. I even thought about having him collected and stored just incase but... I just dont think its worth it.

Anyway. Im neutering my boy and its very depressing. I feel as if im sacrificing soundness because he isnt ideal and typie enough. Im hoping in the future of my breeding program that I can find the best of both worlds.



End rant.

[mezmerelda]

You know what is right for you and your dogs. Don't beat yourself up for it.

[krb0471]

Sorry to hear it is tough on you. He is still one of my favs! But I have to agree, just cuz they meet a few+ standards doesn't mean they should breed. I am guilty of supporting that with having bought Basja and learned later on my error. Just know you are doing the best you can.

[Hounds_N_Leo]

I am in the same boat with Cleo's spay. I feel your pain. It must be done...but still...I have doubts about it, that will likely never go away.

[Swissies4Me]

I understand exactly what you mean. But you can only control what you can control and not what others choose to do. Just know in the long run that you did the correct thing and it's a decision that although was hard to make, deep down was the right one for him, you, and your breeding program.

[borzoimom]

In my breed we do not spay or neuter unless its a health issue..
Not sure what else to say.

[Terry]

I have total respect for you Amanda. I know next to nothing about Saints, but if you feel he should be neutered, then I know it is the right decision.

[Houndhouse]

Why the rush to do it? You didn't say how old he is but worried that a growth spurt would give you regret. If he is that good wait till he is two and reevaluate him then?

Steve