Breeding Test
Today is our Club Breeding Test. I don’t mean there are going to be lots of dogs practicing breeding, that would be king of gross. Even we don’t tend to do that with lots of other dogs around. No. today is one of those human things, where they look at some of us to see if they will allow us to breed. Obviously, come the revolution we’ll be turning the tables and considering the fitness to breed of humans. From observation there are one or two who might fail if we did.
Good Luck to the entrants
Anyway, today, my niece Izzy along with Lia, Babeli and Bandet will be going through two tests. In one the humans will be testing if they are of the right character. This isn’t one of those ‘has the person known you for at least five years’ things. In our character test we have to cope with lots of strange noises, movements, people, dogs, weird things happening – a bit like every day living in this house really. It is all designed to test that we could do the job we were originally bred for effectively. At heart we’re still cattle herders. It’s in our blood. We are fearless warriors – ok so I may be getting a bit carried away now, but you get the idea.
Looking Good
In the other test, humans check, in some detail I might add, that we are close to our breed standard in appearance. I know all sorts of variations might seem like a lovely idea, but there really is no point in our being a breed if we look like something else. Of course, even if we look perfect, then from time to time we have puppies that are a little different, but by checking we try to make sure that on balance it is the more consistent genes being passed down the line.
Breeding Test Good health
All this only counts for anything if we pass our health tests first. That’s where I failed. I have a heart murmur. Mine is not likely to be passed on, but Mum decided for my own health and welfare it was right for me not to breed even if our rules had permitted it. As a breed we have a pretty good life expectancy, so the whole health thing is important to make sure that continues. I’m all for being healthy.
Anyway, good luck to everyone taking part, especially my niece.
Love
Wilma
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