Michael Allen wrote: >What about a >seperate registry entitled the Gold Registry (or Platinum or Pearl or >Diamonds, whatever) with requirements of documented health tests breed >appropriate, and some kind of show records . . .
On the surface it's a great idea. However, who would decide what tests are "must haves" and what tests are "desirable." And some tests have to be run annually as being clear today doesn't mean clear tomorrow. And with all the discussion about breeding for healthy hearts and hips in Cavaliers (and other breeds), little is said about breeding for strong immunue systems and/or sound temperament. Having a healthy heart, hips, CERF'd eyes and sound patellas don't necessarily indicate a healthy or temperamentally sound dog. I had a dog that passed all his health tests and died of cancer at 7 years. And I've spayed/neutered dogs that could have won in the conformation ring but had chronic health problems or faulty temperament. How does one weed out of this program generally poor health or poor temperament. As far as temperament goes, passing a temperament test could be added for qualification, but I just don't know how any registry program can enforce breeding only "healthy" stock. After all is said and done, I believe it would difficult if not impossible to set up such a registry within the AKC. However parent club could set up a Register of Merit (for example) programs similar to the Doberman club. To attain an ROM, a dog must have a Ch, a performance title, and pass the temperament test. The Cavalier Merit could add passing designated health tests. A ROM "Silver" could be added for those dogs who passed specified health tests again at 5 years. And ROM "GOLD" for those who had passed specified health tests at 7 years or older. Just some thoughts off the top of my head. Susan Jackson Sylmar, CA [EMAIL PROTECTED] _________________________________________________________________ MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos: http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx ========================================================= "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 2002 by its original author.
