Importing

THE IMPORTING OF DOGS INTO NORTH AMERICA

I have always wondered why, when we breed the finest cattle and the finest horses in North America, we have never realized we breed the finest dogs as well. All to often, people are led to believe that the worst dogs genetically are in North America. I will agree we have some of the worst specimens being registered with the CKC and AKC as show champions, but that whole can of worms is a topic for another commentary. I believe so many people have been taken by buying sporting dogs because of the sporting titles of their ancestors that it is almost like a person addicted to gambling. When he pulls the hand of the one armed bandit the three gold bars appear and he wins. He then immediately starts feeding the machine again trying to win more and then loses everything.

The Holstein-Friesian cow was imported into this country from Holland. Now we export cattle and semen all over the world. The dogs however, seem to be like the one-armed bandit. I firmly believe the finest working dogs are in North America and they outshine and outwork anything that can be imported from Europe. What we have to do is have dedicated breeding practices and not confuse the AKC or CKC or the majority of dogs they register with working class dogs. Just as it is foolish to believe anything that bears pink papers is a working class dog.

It is all too often the case that we breed to a well-known stud, because of the papers of his ancestors, when his faults are many.Again I blame the sporting community for this foolishness, but I blame people who know better for not speaking up. Too many law enforcement K-9s are not street dogs. They are glorified imported sporting dogs. I have always watched in amazement, how somebody will walk by a proven working dog, and purchase a lesser dog with papers that impress, but do nothing to ensure quality and work ability.

I would not even want to guess at the number of dogs imported into North America in the last five years, and yet so many people advertise imports. Where are all the progeny from these incredible dogs? And why is it that so few training facilities breed what they train, and train what they breed? I'll tell you why. Because of the scam of importing. And that's what it is. I challenge anyone to show me a dog that they have imported, which cannot be met in quality and work ability by one that has been bred in North America. The importing of titled dogs has gone to extremes. It is almost equivocal to the genetic relics with their slanted backs and dysplastic hips that are being bred in the show ring. People are led to believe that unless it is imported, it is inferior. Unless its' parents had Schutzhund titles, they are not true working dogs. It is time for those people who are truly dedicated and have sat silent because of a large vocal lobbying group of sporting enthusiasts to speak up. The truth will stand on its' own merits.

Remember the story of the king has no clothes? People have been caught up in this frenzy, and have stayed quiet because of peer pressure. It is time to do some serious breeding and to make better the excellent dogs we have available. When someone says we have the worst dogs in North America, I always answer "and the best as well". If we go along with the constant importing of dogs and avoid breeding for a purpose, we will never better our lines. I do not condone the actions of the AKC, nor the CKC, for I believe they condone the actions of puppy mills. I also do not condone the actions of those that import, instead of looking around for what is right here. Once we have acquired good breeding stock, why do we not breed and cull? This way we are assured only the finest dogs are permitted to further our lines, instead of pulling down that arm of one armed bandit and taking a chance from across the sea. This is my opinion, and I believe it is time, that we as breeders show some responsibility to the breed we say we love.

E-mail Mike with questions or comments.