Suze... made an excellent points on testing and marketing...It is important to note that everytime you do a breeding especially to an outcross those genes may combine to bring forth "hidden" genetic issues. I do feel it is critical to test but more important to follow the offspring of those combinations.
I thought it was commonplace to have to exchange health certificates before a breeding could occur. Also for the stud owner to offer imformation on the other breedings and how they lined up regarding health, type and conformation. I find this discussion interesting from the point at times it reminds me of the arrogant teenager who know better than the parent or grandparent. There are breeders that have worked very hard to improve this breed over many years...on this list alone you have seen Joann, Jeanie, Annette and Laura join in for a lively debate. Yet the "teenagers" question their dedication to the breed? I feel a little lack of respect being implied! I remember reading a page generated by Joann and she gave tribute to the great breeders who have guided her. Shouldn't we laid down some olive leaves? I always hear the Sweden study presented as the "Holy Grail"...we must remember that this was a restrospective study with one stud and six females being deceased at the time of the investigation and vet records were utilized. Restrospective studies by nature of their design lend to selection bias. Yes...it is valid to demonstrate a correlation but not a cause and effect and/or the small convenience sample may not have the "power" to be projected over a large population and/or generations. Are we going to narrow the genes by removing CKCS due to their immediate ancestors at too rapid of a rate? There is a danger of other health areas will become dominant, such as cancer, HD, eye disease, and immune issues. We truly need to investigate this...because there will not be any going back to pick up those lost bloodlines...that may have stabilized these other areas. Please do not flame me...I am trying to generate thought on this. I do agree that no CKCS should be bred with early MVD! Infact the cardiologist that I utilized complimented on how breeders are reducing the incident of early onset by testing and removing early affected CKCS from their breeding program. My point is this is the time to generate additional research to build on this foundation...currently the ACKCSC Trophy committee is asking for bids or donations that will go to the Canine Health Foundation in the area of MVD in Cavaliers. This is the time to put effort into this cause. You can reach Tina Sterling at [EMAIL PROTECTED] for addition information on how each individual can contribute to this critical need for additional investigations. I am thankful all the individuals that have work so hard for this breed... Just Food for Thought, Kathy Yonkers Stuarthome CKCS -------------------------------------------------------------------- mail2web - Check your email from the web at http://mail2web.com/ . ========================================================"Magic Commands": to stop receiving mail for awhile, click here and send the email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20NOMAIL to start it up gain click here: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?body=SET%20CKCS-L%20MAIL E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] for assistance. Search the Archives... http://apple.ease.lsoft.com/archives/ckcs-l.html All e-mail sent through CKCS-L is Copyright 1999 by its original author.
